Print

Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are a juicy and flavorful dish that perfectly balances the smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors of tender chicken breast and fresh pineapple chunks. Easy to prepare and ideal for summer grilling, these kabobs bring a burst of tropical freshness and irresistible aroma to any cookout or casual dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Pineapple

  • 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into 1 to 1.5-inch cubes
  • 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks, cut to similar size as chicken

Marinade and Seasonings

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Equipment

  • Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Cut the chicken breast into evenly sized cubes, about 1 to 1.5 inches each. Peel and chop fresh pineapple into similar-sized chunks to ensure uniform cooking.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and fresh lime juice. Toss the chicken pieces in the marinade to coat them evenly. Let the chicken soak for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator to absorb the flavors.
  3. Assemble the Kabobs: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning. Alternate threading chicken and pineapple chunks onto each skewer, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking.
  4. Preheat and Oil the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high temperature and brush the grates with oil to keep the kabobs from sticking. This step ensures a perfect sear and beautiful grill marks.
  5. Grill the Kabobs: Place the kabobs over direct heat and grill for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the pineapple has caramelized edges.
  6. Rest and Serve: Allow the kabobs to rest for a few minutes off the heat before serving to let juices redistribute for maximum juiciness.

Notes

  • Cut chicken and pineapple into even pieces for uniform cooking.
  • Do not overcrowd the skewers to allow smoke circulation and even cooking.
  • Soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning during grilling.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe doneness.
  • Allow kabobs to rest before serving to retain juiciness.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken kabobs, pineapple chicken skewers, summer grilling, sweet and savory kabobs, easy chicken kabobs, barbecue, outdoor cooking