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
Scale
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.
