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Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 49 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breast cubed: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best results. Cut them into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt content of the dish.
  • 2 tbsp honey: Honey adds a touch of sweetness and helps the chicken caramelize beautifully on the grill. You can substitute maple syrup or agave nectar if preferred.
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks: Fresh pineapple is always best but you can also use canned pineapple chunks in juice (not syrup). Drain the pineapple well before using.

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
  • In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce and honey. Whisk together until well blended. Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, ensuring that all pieces are coated evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken to a resealable bag. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or preferably longer (up to 4 hours) for maximum flavor. The longer the chicken marinates, the more tender and flavorful it will become. This step is crucial to infusing the chicken with the sweet and savory notes of the soy sauce and honey.
  • Step 2: Prepare the Skewers
  • While the chicken is marinating, prepare your skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill. This is a crucial step, especially if you plan to grill for longer than 15 minutes. If using metal skewers, this step is not necessary. Gather your marinated chicken and pineapple chunks.
  • Step 3: Assemble the Kabobs
  • Thread the chicken and pineapple onto the skewers, alternating between the two. Aim for about 4-5 pieces of chicken and 4-5 pieces of pineapple per skewer, depending on the length of your skewers. Try to keep the chicken and pineapple close together on the skewer for even cooking. This ensures both components cook at a similar rate and don't dry out.
  • Step 4: Grill or Bake the Kabobs
  • Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the kabobs from sticking. Place the kabobs on the grill and cook for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the pineapple is nicely caramelized. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F.
  • Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place the kabobs on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the pineapple is slightly browned. Again, ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
  • Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
  • Once the kabobs are cooked, remove them from the grill or oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken. Serve the Pineapple Chicken Kabobs hot, garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, if desired.
Keyword Chicken Recipes