These tasty pineapple chicken kabobs are a fun twist on dinner! Juicy chicken pieces are paired with sweet pineapple chunks, all grilled to golden perfection. Yum!
Who can resist the sweet and tangy flavor combination? I love serving these with rice or just munching on them straight off the skewer—finger-licking good! 🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for kabobs. You can use thighs for more flavor and juiciness. If you’re going meatless, firm tofu or tempeh are excellent alternatives.
Pineapple: A ripe pineapple adds great sweetness. If you can’t find fresh pineapple, use canned pineapple chunks (drained) or substitute with mango for a twist.
Bell Peppers: The colorful mix of red, green, and yellow peppers not only looks good but adds a nice crunch. Feel free to swap in zucchini or cherry tomatoes if you prefer!
Marinade Ingredients: For a soy-free option, try coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. You can replace honey with maple syrup or agave for a vegan-friendly marinade.
How Do I Make Sure My Kabobs Are Juicy and Flavorful?
The key to juicy kabobs is marinating the chicken! This allows the flavors to soak in and keeps the chicken tender. Here’s how to marinate effectively:
- Whisk together soy sauce, honey, olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, ground ginger, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Add the chicken cubes, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally up to 2 hours for best results.
Also, cutting your vegetables and chicken into uniform pieces ensures they cook evenly. Use skewers that are soaked in water if they’re wooden to prevent burning on the grill!
How to Make Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into squares
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into squares
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into squares
- 1 red onion, cut into squares
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
Miscellaneous:
- Wooden or metal skewers
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare, with an additional marinating time of 30 minutes to 2 hours. Once everything is marinated, grilling should take around 10-15 minutes. So, all in all, you’ll be enjoying these delicious kabobs in about 45 minutes to 2 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. This will be the flavorful marinade for your chicken.
2. Marinade the Chicken:
Add the cubed chicken to the marinade and toss it well so that every piece is coated. Once coated, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for the best flavor.
3. Preheat the Grill:
While your chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that your chicken and veggies will get that perfect char!
4. Prepare the Ingredients:
While the grill is heating up, get your vegetables and pineapple ready. Cut them into similar-sized pieces (about 1-2 inches) so they cook evenly on the grill.
5. Assemble the Skewers:
Once your chicken is done marinating, it’s time to thread everything onto the skewers. Start by taking a skewer and then first adding a piece of marinated chicken, followed by a chunk of pineapple, a piece of red pepper, then green, yellow, a piece of onion, and repeat until the skewer is filled. You can really mix them up however you like!
6. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the assembled skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. You want the chicken cooked through and the veggies to be tender and slightly charred.
7. Let Them Rest:
After grilling, carefully remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the kabobs warm, garnished with some fresh herbs or lime wedges if you like. Enjoy your delicious and colorful pineapple chicken kabobs!
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, pork, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Just be mindful of cooking times: shrimp will cook faster (about 5-8 minutes), while pork may require longer depending on the cut. Ensure any protein is marinated similarly for the best flavor.
What Type of Skewers Should I Use?
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning on the grill. Metal skewers are a great option too, as they don’t require soaking and are reusable. Choose what you have on hand!
Can I Prep the Kabobs in Advance?
Yes, you can thread the kabobs a few hours ahead of time. Just cover them and store them in the refrigerator until ready to grill. This makes it easy to cook them right before serving!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Kabobs?
Leftover kabobs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can grill them briefly or microwave them until warmed. Just be careful not to overcook them during reheating to maintain their tenderness!
