Juicy Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe: A Tropical Grilling Gem

Sultry summer evenings call for mouthwatering pineapple chicken kabobs that burst with tropical flavors and promise an instant flavor adventure.

Juicy chunks of marinated meat nestle alongside sweet, caramelized pineapple pieces for a perfect grilling experience.

Marinades infused with tangy citrus and aromatic spices elevate these skewers beyond ordinary meal prep.

Every bite delivers a harmonious blend of savory and sweet sensations that dance across your palate.

Tender chicken pieces absorb rich marinade ingredients, creating layers of complex taste profiles.

Grilling transforms these kabobs into a delectable feast that connects you with vibrant culinary traditions.

You’ll want to fire up the grill and surprise everyone with this irresistible summer sensation.

Why Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Are Always a Win

• Blast Flavor Variety: Experience a mouthwatering explosion of sweet, tangy pineapple and savory chicken with perfectly balanced marinade that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.
• Customize Creatively: Swap vegetables, adjust spice levels, or switch proteins to match personal preferences, making this recipe incredibly adaptable for different tastes and dietary needs.
• Grill-Friendly Design: Perfect for outdoor cooking enthusiasts who love preparing meals that look stunning and taste incredible, with minimal kitchen equipment required and maximum taste potential.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Impress family and friends with restaurant-quality kabobs that come together quickly, require simple ingredients, and deliver impressive presentation without complicated cooking techniques.

What’s Inside Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

• Chicken: Tender cubes of meat that serve as the primary protein for these flavorful kabobs.

• Soy Sauce, Honey, Rice Vinegar, Olive Oil: Combine to create a delicious and balanced flavor profile that enhances the chicken's taste.
• Garlic, Ground Ginger: Aromatic seasonings that add depth and warmth to the marinade.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.

• Pineapple Chunks: Sweet and tangy fruit that adds a tropical twist and caramelizes beautifully when grilled.
• Bell Peppers: Colorful vegetables that provide crunch and additional flavor to the kabobs.
• Red Onion: Adds a sharp and slightly sweet element to the overall dish.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that provides a final touch of color and fresh flavor to the kabobs.

• Wooden Skewers: Necessary for assembling and grilling the kabob ingredients.

Instructions for Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Step 1: Prepare Wooden Skewers

If using wooden skewers, submerge them completely in water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.

Step 2: Create Zesty Marinade

• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Rice vinegar
• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Ground ginger
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend ingredients until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Coat Chicken in Marinade

Drop chicken cubes into the marinade mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure each piece gets completely covered. Seal bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Allow chicken to marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours for maximum flavor absorption.

Step 4: Fire Up the Grill

Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature. Ensure grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Build Colorful Kabobs

• Marinated chicken chunks
• Pineapple pieces
• Bell pepper segments
• Red onion wedges

Create visually appealing and balanced skewers.

Step 6: Grill to Perfection

Place kabobs on hot grill. Cook for 10-15 minutes, rotating periodically to ensure even cooking. Verify chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature. Look for beautiful golden-brown grill marks.

Step 7: Rest and Garnish

Remove kabobs from grill. Let them rest for several minutes to retain juiciness. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for added color and herbal notes.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Present kabobs hot, either standalone or atop rice or mixed green salad. Enjoy the delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors!

Cooking Tips for Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

• Prevent Skewer Burning: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to avoid charring and ensure safe, smooth cooking.
• Boost Flavor Intensity: Marinate chicken for 1-2 hours instead of 30 minutes to allow deeper absorption of marinade ingredients and enhance overall taste.
• Ensure Perfect Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F (75°C), guaranteeing safe and juicy protein without overcooking.
• Balance Vegetable Texture: Cut pineapple and vegetables into similar-sized chunks to promote even cooking and consistent grilling results.
• Create Vibrant Presentation: Alternate ingredients on skewers with varied colors like red peppers, yellow pineapple, and white chicken for an appealing visual display.

Sweet & Savory Variations on Pineapple Kabobs

• Vegetarian Kabobs: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, marinated in the same sauce for a plant-based protein option.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Swap pineapple with zucchini and add feta cheese, using oregano and lemon juice in the marinade for a Greek-inspired version.
• Low-Carb Option: Remove pineapple and serve kabobs over cauliflower rice or mixed greens, reducing overall carbohydrate content.
• Spicy Korean-Style: Add gochujang or sriracha to the marinade, use ginger-garlic paste, and garnish with green onions for a zesty Korean flavor profile.

What Pairs Well with Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

• Tropical Beverage Boost: Pair these zesty pineapple chicken kabobs with a refreshing mango mojito, blending the sweet and tangy notes that complement the marinade's flavors.
• Wine Harmony: Select a crisp Riesling or Gewürztraminer, whose slight sweetness and fruity undertones will beautifully match the pineapple and grilled chicken's caramelized edges.
• Rice Companion: Serve kabobs over coconut lime rice, creating a harmonious base that absorbs the marinades and adds extra tropical dimension to the entire meal.
• Cooling Side Kick: Prepare a cucumber yogurt tzatziki sauce as a light, creamy accompaniment that provides a cool contrast to the grilled meat's warm, intense flavors.

Keeping Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Fresh

• Store leftover kabobs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Wrap skewers or remove meat from skewers before placing in container. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality and food safety.
• Pack cooled kabobs in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove air to prevent freezer burn. Label with date and contents. Freeze up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Place kabobs on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on 50% power in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and moisture. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

FAQ About Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

• Can I use different types of meat for these kabobs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with beef, shrimp, or tofu. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure proper doneness.

• Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the marinade or drizzle sriracha sauce over the kabobs for extra heat. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.

• What if I don't have a grill?

You can cook these kabobs on a grill pan, in the oven at 425°F, or even use an air fryer. Each method will give slightly different results but still be delicious.

Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Pineapple Chicken Kabobs bring tropical Hawaiian flair to summer grilling with juicy marinated chicken and caramelized pineapple chunks. Grilled to perfection, these kabobs offer a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors that will transport your taste buds to a beachside paradise.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes

Fruits and Vegetables:

• 1 cup (237 milliliters) fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 small red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces

Marinade and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) soy sauce
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) honey
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley
• Skewers (wooden or metal)

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Instructions

1. Prepare wooden skewers by submerging them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
2. Create a vibrant marinade by whisking together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, olive oil, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
3. Thoroughly coat chicken cubes in the marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for 30-120 minutes to enhance flavor absorption.
4. Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature, approximately 375-400°F, creating ideal conditions for caramelization and searing.
5. Construct colorful skewers by alternating marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and red onion pieces for balanced visual and taste appeal.
6. Grill kabobs for 10-15 minutes, rotating periodically to achieve even charring. Verify chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
7. Allow kabobs to rest 3-5 minutes after grilling, enabling meat juices to redistribute and maintain tenderness.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately over rice or salad, presenting a complete and aromatic meal with tropical-inspired flavors.

Notes

• Marinate longer for deeper flavor infusion by storing chicken in marinade overnight in the refrigerator.
• Select firm pineapple chunks that hold shape during grilling to prevent disintegration.
• Consider using metal skewers for easier handling and more even cooking if wooden skewers aren’t available.
• Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh for vegetarian version without compromising marinade’s delicious taste profile.
• Ensure even chicken cube sizes for consistent cooking and preventing uneven doneness.
• Add chili flakes or sriracha to marinade for those wanting extra spicy kick.
• Store leftover kabobs in airtight container for quick next-day lunch or dinner protein option.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg