Oh boy, do I have a treat for you today! Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are on the menu, and let me tell you, they are a huge hit at my family gatherings. I remember the first time I made them; I was trying to impress my friends at a summer BBQ, and they vanished off the grill faster than I could say “What’s for dinner?” The sweet and savory flavors combine so beautifully, it’s like a tropical vacation for your taste buds!
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can whip them up for a casual weeknight dinner, or serve them at a gathering where you want everyone to be impressed. The vibrant colors from the peppers and pineapple give it a fun, festive flair, and who doesn’t love a good skewer? Plus, you can customize it by swapping in your favorite veggies or proteins. So, are you ready to dive into this flavorful, grilled goodness?
What’s in Pineapple Chicken Kabobs?
Chicken Breast: This lean protein is the star of the show. I like to use fresh, boneless chicken breast because it grills up tender and juicy. Make sure to cut it into 1-inch pieces for that perfect kabob size.
Fresh Pineapple: The juicy, sweet pineapple adds a delightful contrast to the savory chicken. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could also try using a bit of canned pineapple, but fresh is definitely my favorite.
Bell Peppers: I use a mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers for an explosion of color. They’re not just pretty; they add crunch and a sweet flavor that pairs wonderfully with the chicken.
Red Onion: The red onion adds a touch of sharpness and depth. Plus, let’s be real, they look gorgeous on skewers!
Soy Sauce: A key ingredient for that umami goodness! I usually opt for low-sodium soy sauce to keep things a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor.
Honey: This acts as a natural sweetener, balancing out the savory and giving the chicken a beautiful caramelization on the grill.
Olive Oil: Essential for marinating the chicken and keeping it moist while grilling. I always use extra virgin for the best flavor.
Garlic: You know I can’t resist garlic! It’s a must for adding a little kick to the marinade.
Ground Ginger: Fresh ginger would be great, but ground ginger is super convenient and gives a lovely warmth to the dish.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that go a long way! Adjust them to your taste.
Skewers: Whether you go for wooden or metal, make sure you soak the wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes before using them to avoid burning on the grill.
Is Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Good for You?
Absolutely! Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are not only delicious but also packed with goodness!
Chicken Breast: Being a lean protein source, it helps build and repair muscles. Plus, it’s lower in calories compared to other cuts like thighs.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple is loaded with vitamin C and bromelain, which has anti-inflammatory properties—perfect for your immune system and digestion!
Bell Peppers: These colorful veggies are high in vitamins A and C, and contribute to your daily fiber intake.
While this dish is relatively healthy, just keep an eye on the sodium from the soy sauce. You can always dilute it with a bit of water while marinating or substitute it with coconut aminos for a lower-sodium option.
Ingredients
– 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 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
– Skewers (wooden or metal)
*Serves: 4*
How to Make Pineapple Chicken Kabobs?
1. **Marinate the Chicken**: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces into the marinade and make sure they’re well coated. Cover it up and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (a couple of hours is even better for maximum flavor!).
2. **Prepare the Vegetables**: While our chicken is soaking up all those delicious flavors, it’s time to chop! Cut the pineapple, bell peppers, and red onion into 1-inch pieces and set aside.
3. **Assemble the Kabobs**: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take out those skewers (remember to soak wooden ones if that’s what you’re using) and start threading on the marinated chicken, pineapple, bell peppers, and red onion, alternating as you go. Don’t pack them too tightly; give them a little breathing room for even cooking.
4. **Grill the Kabobs**: Time to get grilling! Place your kabobs on the preheated grill. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Those grill marks? Necessary for aesthetic purposes, obviously!
5. **Serve**: Once they’re done, let them rest for a few minutes. Serve them over rice or alongside a fresh salad for a beautiful, vibrant meal. Enjoy every bite of these Pineapple Chicken Kabobs!
Flavor Boosting Tips & Serving Suggestions
If you want to mix things up, you can always add other veggies like zucchini or mushrooms. And if you’re feeling fancy, brush a little extra honey on them during the last few minutes of grilling for that caramelized finish!
Feeling adventurous? Serve them with a side of coconut rice or a tangy dipping sauce made from Greek yogurt and lime juice. Your dinner guests will be begging for seconds, I promise!
I can’t wait for you to try this recipe! Trust me—the combination of sweet pineapple and savory chicken will have you dreaming of tropical vacations every time you take a bite. If you whip these up, I’d love to hear how they turned out. Happy grilling!
