Get ready to fall in love with a vibrant and mouthwatering dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. This Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe brings together juicy chunks of marinated chicken, caramelized pineapple, and colorful veggies, all grilled to perfection. Whether you’re firing up the barbecue for a casual dinner or impressing friends on a weekend get-together, these kabobs deliver a fantastic combination of tastes and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe truly unforgettable. Each component plays a crucial role—from the succulent chicken that’s full of flavor, to the sweet pineapple that adds a delightful tropical touch, and the fresh vegetables that create an irresistible medley of colors and crunch.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes for even grilling and juicy bites.
- Fresh pineapple: Peeled and cut into chunks, this adds a sweet and tangy brightness that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
- Red bell peppers: Cut into squares, they provide vibrant color and a mild, sweet crunch.
- Red onion: Adds a touch of sharpness and caramelizes nicely on the grill.
- Soy sauce: Forms the salty, umami-rich base of the marinade that deeply enhances the chicken’s flavor.
- Honey: Balances the soy sauce with natural sweetness, also helping the kabobs caramelize.
- Olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist and helps with grilling without sticking.
- Apple cider vinegar: Brings a mild acidity that tenderizes and brightens the marinade.
- Garlic cloves: Minced to infuse the dish with aromatic depth.
- Fresh ginger: Grated for a subtle zing that complements the sweetness and soy.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- Skewers: Wooden or metal skewers to assemble and grill your kabobs.
- Cooking spray or oil: To prepare your grill grates for easy cooking.
How to Make Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together soy sauce, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and salt in a medium bowl. This marinade is the heart of the dish—it infuses the chicken with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that make every bite irresistible.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add your cubed chicken breasts to the marinade, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and pop the bowl in the refrigerator for at least one hour. If you can marinate it overnight, you’ll unlock even deeper flavors that will wow your taste buds.
Step 3: Get the Skewers Ready
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This simple step prevents them from catching fire and allows you to focus on the fun part—grilling!
Step 4: Preheat and Oil the Grill
Fire up your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. This helps prevent sticking and ensures your kabobs cook evenly to that perfect charred finish.
Step 5: Assemble the Kabobs
Thread the marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, red bell pepper squares, and onion pieces onto the skewers, alternating them to create a beautiful and flavorful pattern. This combination not only looks stunning but ensures each skewer delivers a variety of tastes and textures in every bite.
Step 6: Grill to Perfection
Place the kabobs on the preheated grill and cook for about 12 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally so everything gets a lovely char and cooks through evenly. You’ll know they’re ready when the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.
Step 7: Add Final Touches
During the last 5 minutes of grilling, brush any remaining marinade over the kabobs to boost their flavor and create a beautiful glaze that will make your kabobs shine!
Step 8: Rest Before Serving
Once off the grill, let the kabobs rest for a few minutes. This little pause helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender when you dig in.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your freshly grilled kabobs hot alongside some steamed rice, grilled veggies, or a crisp salad for a well-rounded meal that will have everyone smiling at the table.
How to Serve Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or parsley add a refreshing touch and make your plating pop with color. A squeeze of lime over the kabobs enhances the tropical notes of the pineapple and adds a zingy brightness.
Side Dishes
Steamed jasmine rice is a classic pairing, absorbing all the wonderful juices from the kabobs. For something lighter, try a vibrant Greek salad or grilled corn on the cob to keep the meal extra fresh and colorful.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your kabobs into a fun platter by serving them on a wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces like a tangy yogurt-based dip or a spicy sriracha mayo. You can also serve the chicken and pineapple over a bed of leafy greens for a beautiful and satisfying salad.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover kabobs in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. They’re best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days to keep the chicken tender and the flavors fresh.
Freezing
If you want to save some kabobs for later, carefully remove the pieces from the skewers and freeze them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen cooked chicken kabobs will keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftover kabobs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the chicken and pineapple.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and slightly more forgiving on the grill. Just cut them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers before grilling?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes helps prevent them from burning or catching fire while grilling, making your cooking safer and easier.
Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Definitely. The marinade can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. This is a great way to save time when you’re ready to cook.
Is it possible to cook these kabobs indoors?
Yes, you can cook them on a grill pan or under the broiler in your oven. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning and turn frequently for even cooking.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it’s no longer pink inside and the juices run clear. Using a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe is a true celebration of summer flavors and easy grilling fun. It’s a vibrant, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. I can’t wait for you to try it—you’ll soon discover why it’s one of my all-time favorites for those warm weather cookouts and casual weeknight dinners!
Print
Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and juicy Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs featuring tender marinated chicken, sweet pineapple chunks, and vibrant red bell peppers and onions, all grilled to perfection. This easy-to-make recipe combines the tangy sweetness of pineapple with a savory soy and honey marinade, ideal for a summer barbecue or a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Marinade and Chicken:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Vegetables and Fruit:
- 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 2 red bell peppers, cut into 1-inch squares
- 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
Additional:
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
- Cooking spray or oil for grill
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to develop, or overnight for enhanced taste.
- Prepare Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates with cooking spray or oil to avoid sticking.
- Assemble Kabobs: Thread the marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, red bell pepper squares, and onion pieces onto skewers, alternating each ingredient for a balanced and colorful presentation.
- Grill Kabobs: Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. The chicken is done when cooked through and juices run clear.
- Glaze with Marinade: During the last 5 minutes of grilling, brush any remaining marinade on the kabobs for extra flavor and a slight glaze.
- Rest the Kabobs: Remove the cooked kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve: Serve your Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs hot, paired with sides such as steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Marinate chicken overnight for a deeper flavor.
- If not using a grill, kabobs can be cooked under a broiler or on a grill pan stovetop, but grilling gives the best smoky flavor.
- Be careful not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- Make sure to turn kabobs frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
