How to create smoky grilled pineapple chicken kebabs

How to Create Smoky Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kebabs

If you’re looking for a delicious BBQ recipe that’s easy and full of flavor, smoky grilled pineapple chicken kebabs are a great choice. They combine smoky grilled chicken with sweet pineapple and a hint of spice, making them ideal for a family dinner, party, or summer cookout. The good news? They are simple to make and don’t require fancy ingredients or techniques. Just follow this step-by-step guide to create mouthwatering, smoky kebabs that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before getting started, gather all of your ingredients. Here’s what you need to prepare about 6-8 kebabs:

Chicken: 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes.
Pineapple: 1 medium-sized fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into chunks.
Bell peppers: 2-3 bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), diced into large pieces. They add color and flavor to your kebabs.
Onion: 1 large red onion, cut into thick chunks.
Soy sauce: 1/4 cup.
Honey: 2 tablespoons (or brown sugar as a substitute for extra sweetness).
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
Ginger: 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger, or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger.
Lime juice: Juice of one lime.
Paprika: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for that smoky BBQ flavor.
Olive oil: 2 tablespoons.
Salt and pepper: To taste.
Skewers: Wooden or metal skewers.

If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 20-30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.

Step 1: Make the Marinade

The marinade is what takes your kebabs to the next level. It adds flavor to the chicken and helps tenderize it.

In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, lime juice, paprika, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s well mixed.
Add the cubed chicken pieces to the marinade. Stir well to coat all the chicken evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but ideally for 1-2 hours. (The longer you marinate, the better the flavor!)

Step 2: Prep the Pineapple and Vegetables

While the chicken is marinating, prepare your pineapple and veggies.

Cut the pineapple into approximately 2-inch chunks. Fresh pineapple works best because it’s juicier and sweeter, but canned pineapple chunks can also be used if you’re in a pinch.
Dice the bell peppers and red onion into similar-size chunks to ensure even cooking on the grill.

Step 3: Assemble Your Kebabs

Once the chicken is done marinating, it’s time to assemble the kebabs.

Take the soaked wooden skewers or metal skewers and begin threading your ingredients. Start with a piece of chicken, followed by a chunk of pineapple, a piece of bell pepper, and a slice of onion. Repeat this order until the skewer is filled, leaving a little space at the ends for handling.
Don’t overcrowd the skewers! You want everything to cook evenly.

Step 4: Grill the Kebabs

Now it’s time for the fun part—grilling! Preheat your charcoal or gas grill to medium-high heat.

Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. You can use a paper towel dipped in oil and tongs to coat the grates.
Place the kebabs on the hot grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure all sides are evenly cooked.
Watch for caramelization—the pineapple chunks should get a nice, golden-brown color, and the chicken should be fully cooked. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (use a meat thermometer for accuracy).
Optional: Brush the kebabs with more marinade during grilling if you want an extra boost of flavor.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the kebabs are fully cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve them hot with your favorite sides, like rice, salad, or grilled corn on the cob.

You can also sprinkle some chopped fresh cilantro or drizzle a bit of lime juice on top for added freshness.

Tips for Success

Adjust the spice level: If you prefer less heat, skip the smoked paprika or reduce the ginger amount. If you love spicy food, add a dash of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the marinade.
Use indirect heat: If your grill tends to flare up, cook your kebabs over indirect heat to prevent burning.
Storage: Leftover kebabs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven for best results.

Smoky grilled pineapple chicken kebabs are perfect for any occasion. They’re easy to make, full of vibrant flavors, and can be customized to your taste. So grab your grill, gather your ingredients, and fire it up—it’s time to impress your family and friends with this delicious recipe!