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- Chicken and Pineapple - 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes - 1 medium ripe pineapple, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes - Vegetables for Kebabs - 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces - 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces - 1 small red onion, cut into wedges - Marinade Components - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon honey - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ground ginger - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes) Gather these items before you start. The chicken and pineapple are the stars here. The sweet pineapple pairs well with juicy chicken. The colorful peppers and onion add taste and a nice look. The marinade brings everything together. It adds flavor and moisture to the chicken. Use fresh ingredients for the best taste. Fresh garlic and ginger make a big difference. If you can, let the chicken sit in the marinade longer. This helps the flavors seep in. You can also mix and match veggies based on what you like. Enjoy the process and have fun creating your kebabs! {{ingredient_image_1}} Mixing Marinade Ingredients To start, grab a large bowl. In this bowl, mix three tablespoons of olive oil, two tablespoons of soy sauce, and one tablespoon of honey. Add two minced garlic cloves, one teaspoon of ground ginger, and one teaspoon of paprika. Lastly, season with salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until it forms a smooth marinade. Marinating the Chicken Next, take one pound of boneless chicken breast, cut into one-inch cubes. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade. Toss them well to ensure they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but two hours gives it more flavor. Threading Ingredients onto Skewers Now it's time to build your kebabs. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes. This keeps them from burning on the grill. Take the marinated chicken, pineapple cubes, and cut vegetables. Alternate threading the chicken, pineapple, red and green bell peppers, and red onion onto the skewers. This makes them colorful and fun. Tips for a Colorful Presentation For a bright look, use a mix of colors. Red and green bell peppers add zest. The yellow pineapple brings a sunny feel. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece. This helps them cook evenly. Preheating the Grill Before grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Aim for about 400°F or 200°C. Once hot, lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. This step is crucial for perfect kebabs. Cooking Times and Techniques Place your skewers on the grill. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes. Turn them occasionally to get nice grill marks. You want the chicken to be fully cooked and the veggies tender. Use a meat thermometer if you're unsure. The chicken should reach 165°F for safety. Marinating Time Recommendations Marinating the chicken is key for great flavor. I recommend marinating for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it marinate for up to 2 hours. This gives the chicken time to soak in all the amazing flavors. Adjusting Seasonings for Personal Taste Feel free to adjust the seasonings to match your taste. If you love garlic, add more! Want it spicy? Toss in some red pepper flakes. Make it your own by mixing different flavors that you enjoy. Tips for Preventing Sticking To keep your kebabs from sticking, oil the grill grates well. I like to use a paper towel dipped in oil and a pair of tongs. This helps keep the kebabs intact while grilling. Achieving Perfect Grill Marks For those beautiful grill marks, place the kebabs on the grill and don’t move them for a few minutes. This lets them sear nicely. After a few minutes, you can turn them for even cooking. The key is patience! Pro Tips Marinating Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. Grill Temperature: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat for optimal cooking and to achieve nice grill marks. Vegetable Variety: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or cherry tomatoes for extra color and flavor. Resting Time: Let the kebabs rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute for a juicier bite. {{image_2}} You can switch up the meat in this dish. Try using shrimp or pork. They both grill well and add new tastes. If you want a vegetarian option, use firm tofu or tempeh. These proteins soak up flavors nicely. You can also add mushrooms or zucchini for extra veggies. Feel free to mix and match. Want to add more flavor? Change the marinade! Try adding lime juice or cilantro for a fresh twist. If you like spice, add chili flakes or hot sauce to the mix. This will give your kebabs a nice kick. You can also experiment with different herbs. Thyme or rosemary work well with the chicken and pineapple. Each change makes the dish unique and exciting! After you enjoy your grilled pineapple chicken kebabs, you may have some left. Store leftovers in a shallow, airtight container. This helps keep them fresh. Make sure to cool them to room temperature first. Place the container in the fridge. They will stay good for about three days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the kebabs. Wrap each skewer tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, they can last up to three months. Just remember to label the bag with the date. To reheat your kebabs, use the oven or grill. This keeps them tender and juicy. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the kebabs on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. If you choose to reheat on the grill, use low heat. This method helps to avoid drying them out. Grill the kebabs for about 5-7 minutes, turning them often. Always check that they are heated through. Enjoy your tasty leftovers! To check if the chicken is cooked, use a meat thermometer. The inside should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut a piece of chicken open. The meat should be white, not pink. Juices should run clear. Cook the kebabs for about 10-12 minutes, turning them often. This helps them cook evenly. Yes, you can add other vegetables. Some great options are zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste. Just make sure to cut the veggies to about the same size as the chicken and pineapple. This way, everything cooks evenly and looks colorful on the skewers. For sides, fresh green salad pairs well. You can also serve rice or quinoa. Grilled corn on the cob makes a tasty addition too. If you like, add a refreshing yogurt dip or a tangy coleslaw. These sides balance the sweet and savory flavors of the kebabs. Grilled pineapple chicken kebabs are fun to make and tasty to eat. You learned about the key ingredients, the marinade, and grilling tips to create great kebabs. I shared variations and storage tips to keep your leftovers fresh. With a few simple steps, you can craft savory kebabs that impress family and friends. Enjoy your cooking journey, and don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors!

Tropical Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kebabs

Delicious chicken kebabs with pineapple and bell peppers, grilled to perfection.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Tropical
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 medium ripe pineapple, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 small red onion, cut into wedges
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • as needed skewers

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, ground ginger, paprika, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
  • Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss until well coated. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
  • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C) and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  • Thread the marinated chicken, pineapple cubes, red and green bell pepper pieces, and red onion wedges onto the skewers, alternating the ingredients for a colorful presentation.
  • Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks, and the vegetables are tender.
  • Remove the kebabs from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
  • Serve the kebabs warm with your choice of sides like rice or a fresh green salad.

Notes

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand.
Keyword chicken, grilled, kebabs, pineapple