These tasty Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are a fun mix of juicy chicken and sweet pineapple pieces. They’re perfect for grilling or baking and make a colorful meal!
What’s better than a dish on a stick? 🎉 I love how the pineapple adds a nice zing. Grab some skewers, and let’s get to cooking these yummy treats!
Making these kabobs is super easy! Just toss your chicken and pineapple on skewers, season them, and cook until golden. It’s a party on a plate, and your taste buds will thank you!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: This recipe calls for chicken breast, which is lean and cooks well on the grill. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs are a great substitution for added flavor and tenderness.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple is ideal for its sweetness and juiciness. If fresh isn’t available, you can use canned pineapple chunks, just drain the juice well to prevent extra moisture.
Bell Peppers: You’ll need a mix of bell peppers for color and taste. If you can’t find red, green, or yellow bell peppers, try using zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or even mushrooms for a different twist.
Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead. You can also try coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter flavor. It’s great for those on a low-sodium diet as well!
Honey: Maple syrup is a great alternative if you’re looking for a vegan option. It provides a similar sweetness without the use of animal products.
How Do You Make a Flavorful Marinade?
The marinade is crucial for tasty kabobs, so take your time with it. Mixing your ingredients well helps the chicken soak up all the flavors. Here’s how to get it right:
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, ground ginger, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add chicken cubes, ensuring they are fully covered in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- This step is important; longer marinating gives the chicken a deeper flavor!
Also, don’t forget to soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning on the grill. Happy grilling!
Delicious Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other:
- Wooden or metal skewers
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation, plus at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours) for marinating the chicken. When it’s time to grill, it should take between 10 to 15 minutes. In total, you can expect to spend about 1 hour for everything, resulting in delicious kabobs that are perfect for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
Start by grabbing a large bowl. In it, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. This mixture will make a lovely marinade that flavors the chicken nicely!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the cubed chicken breast to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Once coated, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, letting it sit for up to 2 hours will give it even more flavor!
3. Prepare the Grill and Vegetables:
While your chicken is marinating, it’s time to get your grill ready! Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Also, chop up your vegetables and pineapple if you haven’t already. Make sure they are all cut into 1-inch pieces to match the chicken size.
4. Assemble the Kabobs:
Now for the fun part! Take your skewers and start threading the marinated chicken, pineapple pieces, and your colorful bell peppers and onion onto the skewers. You can alternate the ingredients for a beautiful presentation!
5. Grill the Kabobs:
Once the grill is hot, carefully place the skewers on it. Cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally. You’ll want to check that the chicken is fully cooked and has those nice grill marks—yum!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
After grilling, remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This little waiting time allows the juices to settle. Now, serve your delicious Pineapple Chicken Kabobs hot and enjoy every bite!
Can I Substitute the Chicken with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use shrimp or cubed tofu for a vegetarian option. Just remember that shrimp cooks faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. If using tofu, press it beforehand to remove excess moisture and enhance the marinade absorption.
What if I Don’t Have Soy Sauce?
No worries! You can substitute soy sauce with teriyaki sauce or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option. If you prefer a lighter flavor, consider using a mix of Worcestershire sauce and water (1:1 ratio) as a substitute.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, separate the chicken from the vegetables if possible to prevent sogginess. To reheat, place them on a skillet or grill until warmed through.
Can I Make These Kabobs in the Oven?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
