Ingredients
2 pounds (about 900 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast for kabobs
3 cups cubed fresh pineapple (from 1 pineapple) for kabobs
2 large or 3 small bell peppers, cut into 1½-inch pieces (use assorted colors) for kabobs
1 large red onion, cut into 1½-inch pieces for kabobs
2 tablespoons olive oil plus extra for brushing the grill for kabobs
¼ teaspoon salt for kabobs
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper for kabobs
⅓ cup reduced sodium soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free option for marinade and basting sauce
⅓ cup canned pineapple juice (100% juice) for marinade and basting sauce
⅓ cup ketchup for marinade and basting sauce
¼ cup packed dark brown sugar (or light brown sugar as substitute) for marinade and basting sauce
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil for marinade and basting sauce
2 teaspoons sesame oil for marinade and basting sauce
2 teaspoons minced garlic for marinade and basting sauce
2 teaspoons grated or minced fresh ginger root for marinade and basting sauce
¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste for marinade and basting sauce
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste for marinade and basting sauce
1 tablespoon water for marinade and basting sauce
1 teaspoon cornstarch for marinade and basting sauce
Instructions
1-First Step: Place the 2 pounds of chicken pieces in a gallon-size zippered plastic bag. Then, whisk together all marinade ingredients except the 1 tablespoon water and 1 teaspoon cornstarch; set aside ⅔ cup for basting and pour the rest into the bag with the chicken.
2-Second Step: Remove air from the bag, seal it, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 3 hours. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water during this time to prevent burning.
3-Third Step: Preheat the grill over medium heat. Toss the 3 cups of cubed fresh pineapple, 2 large bell peppers, and 1 large red onion with 2 tablespoons olive oil, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
4-Fourth Step: Thread the chicken, vegetables, and pineapple evenly onto the 12 skewers. For more grilling ideas, check out our grilled chicken kabobs with vegetables recipe for additional inspiration.
5-Fifth Step: To make the basting sauce, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then heat the reserved marinade over medium-low heat, stirring in the slurry until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
6-Sixth Step: Oil the grill grates as needed, then grill the skewers for 5 to 6 minutes until browned. Flip them, brush with the basting sauce, and grill another 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F.
7-Finally, flip again, brush with the remaining sauce, and transfer to a serving platter. This process ensures juicy, flavorful Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kebabs every time, with adjustments for dietary needs like vegan options using tofu.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🍍 Marinate chicken 1 to 3 hours; too long can affect texture due to pineapple acidity.
💧 Keep wooden skewers soaked in water during marinating to prevent burning.
🍗 Use chicken thighs if preferred but adjust cooking times and use separate skewers from breasts.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Marinating: 1 to 3 hours
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 kabob
- Calories: 223
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 604 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 58 mg
