Ah, grilling season! There’s just something magical about the sizzle of meat hitting the hot grates, right? I remember the first time I made these pineapple grilled chicken kebabs. It was a warm summer evening, and the sweet smell of pineapple mingling with the savory chicken filled the air. My friends and family gathered around, and as soon as those kebabs hit the table, they vanished in seconds! Trust me, this pineapple grilled chicken kebabs recipe is a total crowd-pleaser, bursting with flavor and so easy to whip up. You’ll only need about 30 minutes of prep before you’re ready to grill, making it perfect for those busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings. So, let’s get started on these tasty kebabs that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients for Pineapple Grilled Chicken Kebabs Recipe
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious kebabs:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients blend together beautifully, giving you that sweet and savory flavor combo that’s just irresistible. Make sure your chicken is fresh and tender, and don’t skimp on the pineapple—its juice adds a fantastic sweetness to the mix. Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Pineapple Grilled Chicken Kebabs
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—preparing these scrumptious pineapple grilled chicken kebabs! Follow these steps, and you’ll have yourself a delicious meal in no time.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken and Pineapple
First things first, let’s make that marinade! In a bowl, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good whisk until it’s all blended together. Now, add in those cubed chicken pieces and pineapple chunks, making sure they’re well-coated in the marinade. This is where the magic happens! Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes—trust me, the longer you let it sit, the more flavorful the chicken and pineapple will be.
Step 2: Prepare the Grill
While your chicken and pineapple are soaking up all that delicious flavor, it’s time to get your grill ready. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This is super important because you want that nice sear on your kebabs. If you’re using a charcoal grill, let the coals burn down until they’re covered with ash. If you’re working with a gas grill, just turn it on and let it heat up. Also, if you’re using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water for about 30 minutes before grilling—this helps prevent them from burning!
Step 3: Assemble the Kebabs
Now for the fun part—assembling your kebabs! Grab those soaked skewers and start threading the marinated chicken and pineapple onto them. I like to alternate between chicken and pineapple for a beautiful color and flavor contrast. Aim for about 3-4 pieces of chicken and 2-3 pineapple chunks per skewer. Make sure not to overcrowd them, as this helps them cook evenly.
Step 4: Grill the Kebabs
Time to fire them up! Place the kebabs on the preheated grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes. Make sure to turn them occasionally so they get that lovely char on all sides. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is no longer pink in the center. You can use a meat thermometer to check, but you’ll know they’re ready when they smell amazing and look beautifully caramelized!
Tips for Success with Pineapple Grilled Chicken Kebabs Recipe
To make sure your pineapple grilled chicken kebabs turn out absolutely perfect, I’ve got some handy tips that I’ve learned along the way. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will take your kebabs from good to spectacular!
- Choose the Right Chicken: Opt for fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs are a bit juicier, but either works great! Just make sure they’re cut into uniform cubes for even cooking.
- Soak Those Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling is crucial. This simple step helps prevent them from catching fire on the grill, ensuring your kebabs stay intact and delicious.
- Marinate Generously: Don’t rush the marinating process! If you can, let the chicken and pineapple soak in that flavorful marinade for a longer time—up to a few hours in the fridge can really enhance the flavor.
- Keep It Juicy: Avoid overcooking your chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, aiming for 165°F (75°C). If you cook them just right, they’ll be juicy and tender every time!
- Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to add some colorful bell peppers, red onion, or zucchini to your skewers for extra flavor and a pop of color. Just make sure they’re cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
These tips will help you nail your kebabs every time. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these juicy, flavorful delights!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutrition behind these delicious pineapple grilled chicken kebabs. Here’s an estimated breakdown per kebab:
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keep in mind that these values are just estimates and can vary based on the brands you use and how you prepare them. It’s always a good idea to check the labels of your ingredients to get the most accurate nutritional information. But either way, you can feel good about enjoying these tasty kebabs, packed with protein and flavor!
FAQ About Pineapple Grilled Chicken Kebabs
Got questions about these delicious pineapple grilled chicken kebabs? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries I get, along with helpful tips to make your cooking experience even better.
Can I use other meats?
Absolutely! While I love the combination of chicken and pineapple, you can totally switch things up. Shrimp is a fantastic alternative—just make sure to marinate it for a shorter time as it cooks quickly. Pork is another great choice; tender cuts like pork tenderloin work beautifully on the grill. Just cut it into cubes similar to the chicken, and you’re good to go!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare with these kebabs!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop them in the microwave for a minute or two, or you can warm them up on the grill for a few minutes to maintain that delicious char. Just be careful not to overheat them, as you want to keep that juicy goodness intact!
Can I make these kebabs in the oven?
Definitely! If grilling isn’t an option, you can bake these kebabs in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway through. Just like on the grill, make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You’ll still get a fantastic flavor, even without the grill marks!
Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Grilled Chicken Kebabs Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes of prep, you can have these kebabs ready to hit the grill in no time!
- Flavorful: The combination of sweet pineapple and savory chicken creates a mouthwatering explosion of flavor that everyone will love.
- Healthy: Packed with protein and low in carbs, these kebabs are a delicious option for a balanced meal.
- Customizable: Feel free to throw in your favorite veggies or switch up the protein for endless variations.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a summer BBQ or a weeknight dinner, these kebabs are sure to impress family and friends.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make extra and store leftovers for a quick lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Trust me, once you try these pineapple grilled chicken kebabs, they’ll become a go-to recipe in your home cooking rotation!
Serving Suggestions for Pineapple Grilled Chicken Kebabs
Now that you’ve got your mouthwatering pineapple grilled chicken kebabs ready to go, let’s talk about the best ways to serve them up! Pairing these flavorful kebabs with the right sides can elevate your meal to another level. Here are some of my favorite suggestions:
- Fluffy Rice: A side of jasmine or basmati rice is perfect for soaking up those delicious juices from the kebabs. You can even add some herbs or lime zest to the rice for an extra burst of flavor!
- Fresh Salad: A light, crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette complements the sweetness of the pineapple beautifully. It’s refreshing and balances out the meal nicely.
- Grilled Vegetables: Toss some bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion on the grill alongside your kebabs. The smoky flavor from the grill enhances the veggies and makes for a colorful plate!
- Coconut Quinoa: For a twist, try serving your kebabs over coconut-infused quinoa. It adds a nutty flavor and pairs perfectly with the tropical vibes of the pineapple.
- Coleslaw: A creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw adds a crunchy texture and a bit of tang that complements the sweetness of the kebabs. It’s a classic pairing that’s always a hit!
These sides not only make your meal more satisfying but also add a beautiful variety of colors and textures to your plate. So, grab your kebabs and get ready for a feast that everyone will love!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
Print
Pineapple Grilled Chicken Kebabs Recipe: 5 Flavorful Tips
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Grilled chicken kebabs with pineapple for a tasty meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken and pineapple to the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread chicken and pineapple onto skewers.
- Grill the kebabs for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is fully cooked.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Serve with rice or salad.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 kebab
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: pineapple grilled chicken kebabs recipe