These Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are a fun and tasty dish! With juicy chicken and sweet pineapple grilled together, they make for a colorful and delicious meal that’s perfect for summer barbecues.
They are easy to assemble and cook, so you can spend more time enjoying the sunshine! I can’t resist the combination of savory chicken and the burst of pineapple—it’s like a mini-party in my mouth! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: This recipe calls for chicken breast for its lean protein. You can use thigh meat for a juicier option, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian choice.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple gives a great flavor, but canned works too! Choose pineapple chunks in juice rather than syrup for less sweetness. You could also substitute with mango for a different twist.
Bell Pepper: Any color bell pepper works well, but red is the sweetest. Feel free to swap it out with other veggies like mushrooms or cherry tomatoes for new flavors.
Zucchini: This adds bulk and a nice texture. If zucchini isn’t your thing, consider using summer squash or even eggplant.
Marinade: Soy sauce and pineapple juice create a sweet-salty balance. For a low-sodium version, use low-sodium soy sauce. You can use coconut aminos for a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
How Do You Marinate Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating chicken is crucial for infusing flavor. The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the better it tastes. Here are some tips:
- Whisk the marinade ingredients well to combine flavors.
- Place chicken in a sealed bag or container with the marinade for even coating.
- For best results, marinate for at least 30 minutes, but up to 2 hours is ideal.
Make sure to refrigerate the chicken while it marinated to keep it safe!
How to Make Pineapple Chicken Kabobs?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Kabobs:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1 bell pepper (red, green, or yellow), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds
For The Marinade:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Skewering:
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes of prep time, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating. If you’re using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them for about 30 minutes as well. Total time including cooking is around 1 hour, resulting in a delicious kabob that’s great for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, start by soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning on the grill. If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this step.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, olive oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger (if using), salt, and pepper. This tasty mixture will give your chicken tons of flavor!
3. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces into the marinade, making sure they are nicely coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For even more flavor, feel free to leave it marinating for up to 2 hours.
4. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This is the perfect temperature for grilling kabobs!
5. Assemble the Kabobs:
Once marinated, it’s time to put everything on the skewers! Start threading the marinated chicken onto the skewers, followed by the pineapple chunks, bell pepper pieces, onion wedges, and zucchini rounds. You can alternate the ingredients as you like for a colorful and delicious kabob.
6. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the assembled skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
7. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle in. Serve warm, and feel free to drizzle any remaining marinade over the kabobs or serve with a side of rice or salad. Enjoy your delicious pineapple chicken kabobs!
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just remember that cooking times may vary: shrimp will cook faster (about 3-5 minutes on the grill) and pork will need to be cooked through, typically around 15-20 minutes, depending on the cut.
Can I Make These Kabobs in the Oven?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the assembled skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through. This is a great option if grilling isn’t available!
How to Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or heat on the grill for a few minutes until warmed through. Enjoy them as a quick meal or snack!
Can I Substitute for Soy Sauce?
Yes, you can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative. If you want a lower sodium option, look for low-sodium soy sauce. Adjust the amount to taste, especially if you’re using a sweeter or less salty substitute!
