Chicken kebabs with pineapple

Chicken Kebabs with Pineapple is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines tender chunks of chicken with sweet, juicy pineapple. The tropical sweetness of the pineapple complements the savory marinated chicken perfectly. Here’s a recipe to make these delicious kebabs:

Ingredients:

For the Marinade:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp lime juice (or lemon juice)
  • 3 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated or minced)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Kebabs:

  • 1.5 lbs (680g) chicken breast or thighs (cut into bite-sized chunks)
  • 1 fresh pineapple (peeled, cored, and cut into chunks)
  • 1 red bell pepper (cut into chunks)
  • 1 green bell pepper (cut into chunks)
  • 1 red onion (cut into chunks)
  • Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before using)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Marinade:

    • In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Marinate the Chicken:

    • Place the chicken chunks in a resealable plastic bag or a large bowl.
    • Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure all the pieces are coated.
    • Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for more flavor.
  3. Prepare the Vegetables and Pineapple:

    • While the chicken is marinating, cut the pineapple, bell peppers, and onion into chunks.
  4. Assemble the Kebabs:

    • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
    • Thread the marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and onion onto the skewers, alternating the ingredients.
  5. Grill the Kebabs:

    • Brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking.
    • Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the vegetables are tender.
    • The pineapple should have a nice caramelization and the vegetables should be slightly charred.
  6. Serve:

    • Remove the kebabs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
    • Serve the kebabs with your choice of side dishes, such as rice, couscous, or a fresh salad.

Optional Garnishes:

  • Fresh cilantro (chopped)
  • Lime wedges (for squeezing over the kebabs)
  • A drizzle of additional honey or a sprinkle of sesame seeds (for added flavor)

Enjoy!

These chicken kebabs with pineapple are perfect for a summer barbecue or a fun weeknight dinner. The combination of savory, sweet, and slightly smoky flavors is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.