Easy Pineapple Chicken Skewers

Easy Pineapple Chicken Skewers combine sweet and tangy flavors from the marinade with pineapple, pairing perfectly with savory and juicy chicken.

These skewers are made with marinated chunks of chicken, juicy pineapple and colorful bell peppers that are threaded onto skewers and grilled to perfection.

Be sure to check out the rest of our chicken recipe ideas, too!

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Why Do Chicken And Pineapple Go Together?

The combination of chicken and pineapple offers a unique and enjoyable flavor profile that many people appreciate.

Sweet and Savory Contrast

Chicken, with its mild and versatile taste, pairs exceptionally well with the natural sweetness of pineapple. The sweet and tangy flavor of pineapple provides a pleasant contrast to the savory and tender chicken. This combination creates a balance of flavors that is both satisfying and refreshing.

Complementary Textures

Chicken, depending on the cooking method, can have a tender and juicy texture. When combined with pineapple, which has a slightly fibrous and juicy texture, it creates an interesting mouthfeel. The softness of the chicken and the juiciness of the pineapple complement each other, enhancing the overall eating experience.

Visual Appeal

The bright yellow color of pineapple and the contrast it creates with the chicken’s appearance make the combination visually appealing. When used in dishes, the vibrant colors of the chicken and pineapple can enhance the presentation and make the meal more enticing.

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Ultimately, the combination of chicken and pineapple provides a balance of sweet and savory flavors, pleasant textures, and a tropical twist.

These elements contribute to the widespread enjoyment and popularity of this pairing in various cuisines around the world.

Easy Pineapple Chicken Skewers

This Easy Kona Pineapple Chicken Kebabs recipe calls for 10-12 minutes on the grill, but it’s important to check for an internal temperature of 165 F rather than simply relying on recommended cook times.

Be sure to serve using a clean platter and utensils, never ones touched by raw meat.

Refrigerate any leftover chicken immediately and use within 3-5 days.

For more grilling tips, visit perdue.com/how-to/grilling.

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For a great pairing, serve up these chicken kabobs with a pineapple coconut margarita.

This recipe requires 45 minutes prep time and 15 minutes to cook. It makes 4 servings.

Chicken Kabobs Ingredients

• 1 can (6 ounces) pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 lime, zest and juice only
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 piece (1 inch) fresh ginger, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 package Perdue Fresh Cuts Diced Chicken Breast
• 1/2 fresh pineapple, cut into 16 chunks
• 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 16 (1-inch) chunks
• 4 metal skewers or 8 wooden skewers (12 inches) soaked in water 30 minutes

Directions for Pineapple Chicken

In bowl, whisk pineapple juice, vegetable oil, lime juice and zest, sugar, ginger and red pepper flakes until sugar dissolves. Add diced chicken breast, cover and marinate in refrigerator 30 minutes.

Thread alternating pieces of chicken, pineapple and red bell pepper onto skewers. Discard remaining marinade.

Heat lightly greased grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill kebabs 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes until chicken feels firm to touch and a meat thermometer inserted in the center reaches 165 F.

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Remove kebabs from grill, rest 2-3 minutes and serve.

Tip: If using wooden skewers, soak in water 30 minutes to keep skewers from burning on grill. If using metal skewers, remember chicken will cook faster because metal will conduct heat and cook chicken cubes from inside along with grill heat cooking chicken from outside.

Don’t miss out on our other family friendly recipes!