Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers (Printer-Friendly)

Tender chicken and caramelized pineapple come together in flavorful grilled skewers for a lively meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Poultry & Produce

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
02 - 1 medium fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1.5-inch chunks
03 - 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
04 - 1 red onion, cut into 1.5-inch pieces

→ Marinade

05 - 1/3 cup soy sauce, gluten-free preferred
06 - 1/4 cup pineapple juice
07 - 2 tablespoons honey
08 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
09 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
11 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ Garnish

13 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
14 - Lime wedges for serving

# Direction Steps:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, smoked paprika, and black pepper until well combined.
02 - Add chicken cubes to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.
03 - If using wooden skewers, submerge them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling. Metal skewers require no preparation.
04 - Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, reaching approximately 400°F on the temperature gauge.
05 - Thread marinated chicken pieces, pineapple chunks, bell pepper pieces, and onion pieces alternately onto the prepared skewers, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
06 - Place skewers on the grill and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, turning every 3 to 4 minutes to ensure even cooking and light charring. Chicken is ready when cooked through and opaque throughout with charred edges.
07 - Remove skewers from the grill and allow them to rest for 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve alongside lime wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The chicken stays impossibly juicy because the pineapple juice in the marinade breaks down the protein fibers while imparting natural sweetness.
  • Watching those char marks develop on the pineapple chunks is genuinely satisfying, and they taste like candy.
  • This dish looks impressive enough to serve guests but takes less time than ordering takeout.
02 -
  • Reserve 2 tablespoons of the raw marinade before adding chicken and brush it over the skewers during grilling for an extra flavor boost that intensifies as it reduces.
  • Cutting everything into uniform 1½-inch pieces is worth the extra minute because uneven sizes mean some things burn while others stay raw.
03 -
  • Pat the marinated chicken completely dry with paper towels before threading onto skewers so it develops a proper sear instead of steaming.
  • Grill the skewers over a cooler part of the grill if you notice the outsides browning too fast; the chicken is done when a meat thermometer reads 165°F in the thickest piece.
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