These Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are a sweet and savory delight! Juicy chicken pieces are paired with colorful bell peppers and fresh pineapple, all grilled to perfection. 🍍🔥
Throw these kabobs on the grill for a simple summer meal! I love how the sweet pineapple and tender chicken complement each other—makes me feel like I’m on a tropical vacation. 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breast works best here. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey breast can be a good substitute. For a vegetarian alternative, try firm tofu or tempeh cut into cubes, marinated just like the chicken.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds sweetness and tartness that complements the chicken. If fresh pineapple isn’t available, you can use canned pineapple chunks (drained) or even mango for a different flavor profile!
Bell Peppers: The red and green bell peppers bring vibrant color and flavor. You can easily swap them out for other vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or even mushrooms if preferred!
Soy Sauce: For a low-sodium option, use reduced-sodium soy sauce. If you’re avoiding soy, a coconut aminos or tamari can be great alternatives. I love coconut aminos for its slight sweetness!
Honey: It adds a nice sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken. If you want a vegan option, maple syrup or agave nectar works well.
How Can I Ensure My Kabobs Are Evenly Cooked?
The key to evenly cooked kabobs lies in proper assembly and grilling technique. Start by cutting the chicken and vegetables into uniform pieces—about one inch is perfect. This way, everything cooks at the same rate.
- Soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Alternate chicken and veggies on the skewers, leaving a little space between pieces to allow heat to circulate.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat for even cooking. Avoid moving them too much; let them grill fully on one side before flipping.
Give your kabobs a few minutes to rest after grilling. This helps keep the juices in the chicken and makes for a tastier bite!
How to Make Pineapple Chicken Kabobs?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 pineapple, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional Items:
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus a minimum of 30 minutes for marinating. Cooking on the grill will take around 10-15 minutes. So, you can enjoy these delicious kabobs in about 1 hour total, depending on your marinating time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
Start by grabbing a mixing bowl. In this bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, ground ginger, salt, and pepper until well mixed. This tasty marinade will give your chicken lots of flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Next, add the cubed chicken breast into your bowl with the marinade. Make sure to coat all the chicken pieces evenly. Once everything is well blended, cover your bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you want even more flavor!
3. Preheat the Grill:
While your chicken is marinating, it’s a good time to preheat your grill! Set it to medium-high heat so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to cook.
4. Assemble the Kabobs:
After marinating, take the chicken out of the fridge. Now it’s time to thread the chicken and vegetables onto the skewers. Start by alternating the chicken cubes, pineapple chunks, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and red onion. Make them colorful and fun!
5. Grill the Kabobs:
Once your skewers are prepared, place them on the hot grill. Cook the kabobs for about 10-15 minutes. Turn them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly, until the chicken is fully cooked and the veggies are tender and slightly charred.
6. Rest and Serve:
After grilling, remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle. When you’re ready to serve, enjoy them warm, and feel free to add some fresh herbs or extra pineapple on top for a delicious finishing touch!
Enjoy your delightful Pineapple Chicken Kabobs!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in the Kabobs?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the bell peppers and onion for other veggies like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms. Just make sure they’re cut into similar sizes for even cooking. Adjust grilling time if you choose more tender veggies!
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you’re looking for a substitute for honey, maple syrup or agave nectar work well as they provide similar sweetness and consistency. If you prefer a lower-carb option, try using a sugar substitute like erythritol or a keto-friendly syrup.
How Should I Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat or pop them in the microwave for a quick option. Just be careful not to overheat, as this can dry out the chicken.
Can I Bake These Kabobs Instead of Grilling?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the kabobs on a lined baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender. This method is a great alternative when grilling isn’t an option!
