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These Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers are more than just a recipe; they're a ticket to a tropical getaway, right in your own backyard! Picture this: juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and colorful bell peppers, all perfectly grilled and bursting with flavor. It's a symphony of sweet, savory, and smoky notes that will have your taste buds dancing. I remember the first time I made these for a summer barbecue; they were gone in minutes! Even my picky eaters were asking for more. I knew then that this recipe was a keeper.
What's so great about these skewers? For starters, they’re incredibly easy to make. The marinade comes together in minutes, and the grilling process is straightforward. Plus, they're incredibly versatile. Serve them as an appetizer, a main course, or even as part of a larger barbecue spread. One of my friends told me about their fun hiking experience in the mountains when I prepared these skewers for the first time. They are also a fantastic way to get your daily dose of fruits and vegetables. So, whether you're a seasoned grill master or a novice cook, this recipe is sure to impress.
Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers: Juicy chicken and sweet pineapple marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, grilled to perfection. Easy, flavorful, and perfect for summer barbecues!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:4 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Make sure the brown sugar is completely dissolved for even flavor distribution. This marinade is the key to that irresistible sweet and savory taste!
Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or preferably longer (even overnight!) for maximum flavor. The longer it marinates, the more tender and flavorful the chicken will become – trust me, it's worth the wait!
Prepare the Pineapple and Bell Peppers: While the chicken is marinating, cut the pineapple into 1-inch chunks. Similarly, cut the bell peppers into 1-inch pieces. I like to use a mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers for a vibrant and colorful presentation.
Assemble the Skewers: Thread the chicken, pineapple, and bell peppers onto skewers, alternating between ingredients. I usually start and end with a piece of chicken. Aim for about 5-6 pieces of chicken per skewer, depending on the size. If using wooden skewers, make sure they’ve been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350-400°F or 175-200°C). Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender and slightly charred. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Rest and Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken. Garnish with fresh cilantro or sesame seeds, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the explosion of flavors!
Optional Step – Glaze (for extra flavor boost): During the last few minutes of grilling, you can brush the skewers with a homemade glaze. In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Brush this glaze over the skewers and continue grilling for 1-2 minutes, until the glaze is caramelized and sticky. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and depth to the dish – highly recommended!
📝 Notes
For best results, marinate the chicken overnight.
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.