Description
Sizzling BBQ pineapple chicken kabobs bring tropical flavors straight from Hawaiian grills to summer dinner tables. Juicy marinated chicken and caramelized pineapple chunks create a perfect balance of sweet and smoky that will transport people to seaside paradise with one delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into 1.5-inch pieces
Fruits and Vegetables:
- 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained if using canned)
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
Seasoning and Sauce:
- 1.25 cups (300 milliliters) barbecue sauce (plus extra for brushing)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for added flavor)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Additional:
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- Submerge wooden skewers in water for a minimum of 30 minutes to guarantee they remain intact during grilling.
- Create a robust marinade by blending chicken pieces with barbecue sauce, olive oil, soy sauce, salt, and pepper in a container or sealed bag.
- Allow chicken to absorb marinade flavors by refrigerating for 30 minutes to 2 hours, enhancing overall taste profile.
- Heat outdoor grill to medium-high temperature, targeting approximately 400 degrees fahrenheit.
- Construct colorful kabobs by carefully threading marinated chicken, fresh pineapple chunks, vibrant bell peppers, and crisp red onion onto prepared skewers.
- Alternate ingredients strategically to ensure visually appealing and evenly cooked kabobs.
- Position skewers on preheated grill, rotating periodically to achieve uniform charring and thorough chicken cooking.
- Monitor cooking process for 10-12 minutes, ensuring chicken reaches complete doneness with beautiful caramelized edges.
- During final grilling moments, generously baste kabobs with remaining barbecue sauce to intensify flavor and create glossy exterior.
- Remove kabobs from grill, letting them rest momentarily before serving piping hot for maximum enjoyment.
Notes
- Prevent wooden skewers from burning by soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling, ensuring they don’t catch fire during cooking.
- Enhance flavor intensity by marinating chicken for the full 2 hours, allowing the barbecue sauce and seasonings to deeply penetrate the meat for a more robust taste profile.
- Create a gluten-free version by using tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and selecting a gluten-free barbecue sauce to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Maximize juiciness by not overcooking the chicken, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F and removing kabobs from grill just as they become slightly charred for optimal tenderness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg