Why Make This Recipe
Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are a delightful and easy way to enjoy a flavorful meal. The combination of tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and colorful bell peppers makes these kabobs not only delicious but also visually appealing. Perfect for family dinners or backyard barbecues, this recipe brings a tropical twist to your dinner table. Plus, marinating the chicken in teriyaki sauce adds a rich flavor that everyone will love.
How to Make Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients:
- 4 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1 pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into bite-sized chunks
- 2 bell peppers (red, orange, or yellow), cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 bunch of scallions, green parts only, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish
Directions:
In a large bowl, season the chicken chunks with kosher salt and cracked black pepper. Add 3/4 cup of the teriyaki sauce and the pineapple juice. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20-30 minutes before assembling the kabobs.
While the chicken is marinating, prepare your pineapple, bell peppers, and scallions. Cut the pineapple into bite-sized chunks, the bell peppers into square pieces, and the scallions into 1-inch segments.
Carefully thread the marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, bell pepper pieces, and scallion segments onto the soaked skewers, alternating the ingredients for a colorful presentation.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the assembled kabobs directly on the grill grates and let them cook for about 12-15 minutes, turning them every 3-4 minutes. This helps ensure that the chicken cooks through and gets a nice char. During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the kabobs with the remaining teriyaki sauce for extra flavor.
Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F for the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check if they are done.
How to Serve Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs can be served hot off the grill. You can place them on a platter and sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped fresh parsley or cilantro on top for garnish. Pair them with a side of rice, a fresh salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
How to Store Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave them or warm them up on the grill for a few minutes until heated through.
Tips to Make Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
- For added flavor, explore different marinades. You can try honey garlic or barbecue sauce for a different twist.
- Ensure that the chicken is cut into uniform pieces to promote even cooking.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to the kabobs for even more variety.
Variation
You can customize these kabobs by using shrimp or beef instead of chicken. For a vegetarian option, consider using tofu or a mix of seasonal vegetables and mushrooms.
FAQs
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade a day in advance and let the chicken soak overnight for extra flavor.
How long do these kabobs take to grill?
On medium-high heat, expect to grill them for about 12-15 minutes.
Can I bake these kabobs instead of grilling?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake them on a lined baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
Enjoy your Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs! They’re simple, tasty, and sure to impress your family and friends.
Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, season the chicken chunks with kosher salt and cracked black pepper. Add 3/4 cup of the teriyaki sauce and the pineapple juice. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
- If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20-30 minutes before assembling the kabobs.
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare your pineapple, bell peppers, and scallions. Cut the pineapple into bite-sized chunks, the bell peppers into square pieces, and the scallions into 1-inch segments.
- Carefully thread the marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, bell pepper pieces, and scallion segments onto the soaked skewers, alternating the ingredients for a colorful presentation.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the assembled kabobs directly on the grill grates and let them cook for about 12-15 minutes, turning them every 3-4 minutes. This helps ensure that the chicken cooks through and gets a nice char. During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the kabobs with the remaining teriyaki sauce for extra flavor.
- Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F for the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check if they are done.
- Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs can be served hot off the grill. You can place them on a platter and sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped fresh parsley or cilantro on top for garnish. Pair them with a side of rice, a fresh salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
Name: Yumi HwagByline: Founder & Recipe Developer, YumimealsBio : Yumi tests weeknight-friendly air fryer, slow cooker, and BBQ recipes in a small home kitchen. She focuses on simple steps, real-family testing, and clear food-safety guidance. Contact: [email protected]