pineapple chicken kabobs recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best pineapple chicken kabobs recipe

I’ve been making pineapple chicken kabobs for years, and they’re always a hit with my family. The combination of sweet and savory flavors is perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner.

I like to use fresh pineapple chunks and juicy chicken breast, marinated in a mixture of olive oil, soy sauce, and honey. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

My kids love helping me thread the skewers with colorful bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. The best part is that it’s easy to scale up or down depending on the number of guests you’re serving.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash or just need a healthy meal for your family, these kabobs are a great choice. Plus, they’re relatively quick to prepare and cook, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

My husband loves grilling the kabobs over high heat to get those nice char marks on the chicken and vegetables. It’s amazing how such a simple dish can be so satisfying and delicious.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s adaptable to any occasion or dietary need – just swap out the chicken for tofu or add some extra veggies for a vegan option.

Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

4.6 from 700 votes

Juicy chicken and sweet pineapple grilled to perfection. This dish is perfect for summer barbecues and family gatherings.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Kabobs

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
1 large pineapple, cut into chunks
1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 red onion, cut into chunks

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F.
2Ensure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.
3In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, olive oil, honey, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground ginger, and black pepper.
4Mix well to combine.
5Add chicken chunks to the bowl, ensuring each piece is well coated in the marinade.
6Cover and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes.
7While the chicken is marinating, prepare the pineapple, bell peppers, and red onion by cutting them into chunks.
8Thread the marinated chicken and vegetable chunks onto skewers, alternating between chicken and vegetables.
9Ensure each skewer is evenly loaded with ingredients.
10Place the skewers on the preheated grill.
11Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the pineapple is slightly charred.
12Brush the kabobs with any remaining marinade using a basting brush during the last few minutes of cooking.
13Remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
14This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken.
15Serve the pineapple chicken kabobs hot, directly off the skewers.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Oven
Grill
Grill tongs
Basting brush

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 2.5g❤️Cholesterol: 90mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 25g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 20g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute other fruits like peaches or mangoes for the pineapple. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the marinade.

Watch Video Of How Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Works

These pineapple chicken kabobs are always a hit at family gatherings or potlucks because they’re easy to make in large quantities and can be served as an appetizer or main course. They’re also relatively healthy compared to other grilled meats, thanks to the antioxidant-rich pineapple and vegetables.

To store leftover kabobs, let them cool completely before refrigerating or freezing them in an airtight container. Reheat them in the oven or on the grill until warmed through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Q: Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

No, it’s best to use fresh pineapple chunks for this recipe. Canned pineapple can be too sweet and may not provide the same texture as fresh pineapple.

Q: What type of chicken should I use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breast works well for this recipe. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer.

Q: Can I make the kabobs ahead of time?

You can marinate the chicken and vegetables up to 24 hours in advance, but it’s best to assemble the kabobs just before grilling.

Q: How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Make sure to not overcrowd the grill – cook the kabobs in batches if necessary. Also, don’t press down on the chicken with your spatula while it’s cooking.

Q: Can I use wooden skewers instead of metal ones?

No, it’s best to use metal skewers as they will hold up better to high heat and won’t splinter like wooden skewers might.

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