Description
These Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are a perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors, with tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and colorful bell peppers grilled to perfection. The marinade and basting sauce infuse the kabobs with irresistible taste, making them a delightful dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Kabobs
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, chopped into 1 1/2 -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 1/2 -inch pieces (use assorted colors for contrast)
- 1 large red onion cut into 1 1/2 -inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil plus additional as needed for brushing the grill
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 12 wooden or metal skewers about 10 to 12 inches long
For the Marinade and Basting Sauce
- 1/3 cup reduced sodium soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1/3 cup canned pineapple juice 100% juice
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1/4 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
- 1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Marinade – Place the chicken pieces in a gallon size zippered plastic storage bag and set aside. In a small mixing bowl whisk together the marinade ingredients through the pepper. Measure out and transfer ⅔ cup of the marinade to a small container and refrigerate for later. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken in the bag and marinate for at least 1 hour.
- Assemble the Skewers – Prepare the grill and soak wooden skewers. Toss pineapple, peppers, and onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Thread skewers with chicken, veggies, and pineapple.
- Make the Basting Sauce – Combine cornstarch and water, heat the reserved marinade in a saucepan, add the cornstarch slurry, and thicken the sauce.
- Grill the Kabobs – Brush the grill grates, cook the skewers, baste with sauce, and cook until chicken reaches 165°F.
Notes
- Transfer assembled kabobs to a baking sheet and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before grilling.
- Avoid marinating the chicken for more than 4 hours to prevent texture changes due to pineapple juice acidity.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 kabob
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg