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Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe

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4.3 from 10 reviews

These Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are a vibrant and flavorful summer grilling favorite. Tender chicken breast is marinated in a sweet and tangy mixture of soy sauce, pineapple juice, ginger, and garlic, then threaded onto skewers with fresh pineapple chunks, colorful bell peppers, and red onion. Grilled to perfection and basted with a thickened savory marinade, these kabobs offer a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors that's sure to delight at any cookout or weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Protein and Vegetables

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, chopped into 1 ½-inch cubes
  • 3 cups cubed fresh pineapple (from 1 pineapple, slice 1-inch thick then cube)
  • 2 large or 3 small bell peppers, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces (assorted colors)
  • 1 large red onion, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces

Marinade and Seasoning

  • ⅓ cup reduced sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • ⅓ cup canned pineapple juice (100% juice)
  • ⅓ cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons grated or minced fresh ginger root
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (plus additional ¼ teaspoon for veggies and ¼ teaspoon for seasoning chicken)
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (plus additional ¼ teaspoon for veggies and seasoning chicken)
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Other

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus additional as needed for brushing the grill)
  • 12 wooden or metal skewers (10 to 12 inches long)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken and Marinade: Place the cubed chicken breast into a gallon-size zippered plastic bag. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, ketchup, dark brown sugar, extra virgin olive oil, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Reserve ⅔ cup of this marinade in a small container for later use in the basting sauce, then pour the remaining marinade over the chicken in the bag. Remove excess air, seal, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 3 hours to allow flavors to meld.
  2. Prepare the Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for the entire marinating time to prevent burning on the grill. Meanwhile, preheat your grill to medium heat, either with coals or gas. In a large bowl, toss the cubed pineapple, bell peppers, and red onion with 2 tablespoons olive oil, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. This will enhance their flavor and help them cook evenly.
  3. Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken, seasoned pineapple, and vegetables alternately onto the skewers, ensuring even distribution. Discard the marinade used on the chicken to avoid cross-contamination.
  4. Make the Basting Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and heat over medium-low heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a glossy basting sauce. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. Grill the Kabobs: Lightly brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the assembled skewers on the grill and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the chicken begins to brown. Flip the kabobs, brush the cooked side with the thickened basting sauce, and continue cooking for an additional 4 to 5 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Flip once more, brush with any remaining sauce, and then remove the kabobs from the grill. Let them rest briefly before serving.

Notes

  • Do not marinate the chicken for more than 3 hours to prevent the acid in the marinade from breaking down the meat too much.
  • Soaking wooden skewers is important to avoid them burning on the grill.
  • If you don’t have a grill, you can broil the kabobs in the oven, turning once and basting similarly.
  • Make sure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
  • Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.

Find it online: https://simpleplatter.com/pineapple-chicken-kabobs-recipe/