Savor Summer: Easy Grilled Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Skewers
Embrace the vibrant flavors of summer with our incredibly easy and satisfying Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Skewers. This low-carb recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, featuring succulent, juicy grilled chicken, sweet and tangy fresh pineapple, aromatic ginger, and savory minced garlic. Perfectly balanced between sweet and savory, these shish kabobs (or kebobs!) are ideal for any summer gathering, from casual backyard barbecues to festive holiday cookouts like Memorial Day and the Fourth of July.
Unlock the Ultimate Summer Flavor with Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Skewers
Get ready to fire up your grill because these Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Skewers are about to become your new favorite summer staple! As the weather warms up and the days get longer, there’s nothing quite like the experience of outdoor grilling. This recipe is a shining example of how incredibly flavorful and healthy grilled dishes can be. Each bite offers a delightful harmony of savory chicken, kissed with a smoky char, and the vibrant sweetness of grilled pineapple, all brought together with a zesty BBQ glaze. It’s the taste of sunshine and good times, perfectly captured on a skewer.
What makes this recipe truly stand out is its effortless preparation. While it delivers complex flavors, the steps are straightforward, making it perfect for busy weekdays or relaxed weekends. The secret to achieving that irresistibly juicy chicken lies in the marinating process. Allowing the chicken to soak in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic ensures every piece is infused with incredible taste and moisture. This forward-thinking step transforms a simple meal into an extraordinary culinary experience.
The Magic of Marination: Why It’s a Game-Changer for Grilled Chicken
Marinating isn’t just an extra step; it’s the cornerstone of achieving tender, flavorful chicken. For these Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Skewers, a good marinade does wonders. It allows the chicken to absorb all the delicious essences of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce, breaking down muscle fibers slightly for a more tender bite. The longer the chicken marinates, the more profound the flavor penetration and the more succulent the final result.
While a minimum of 4 hours is recommended to infuse those wonderful flavors, marinating overnight in the refrigerator truly elevates the dish. Imagine waking up, knowing your dinner prep is halfway done! You can simply place your marinated chicken in a Ziploc bag in the morning before work, then come home to a ready-to-grill meal that cooks in just 10-15 minutes. This makes it an ideal choice for quick weeknight dinners, giving you more time to enjoy the beautiful summer evenings.
Mastering the Grill: Tips for Perfectly Cooked Skewers
Grilling these kabobs to perfection is surprisingly simple. The key is to ensure your grill is preheated to a medium-high heat. This high initial heat helps sear the outside, locking in juices and creating those appealing grill marks, while allowing the chicken to cook through evenly without drying out. Arrange your chicken, pineapple, and vegetable pieces uniformly on the skewers to ensure even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
A crucial step often overlooked is basting. Just before removing the skewers from the grill, brush them generously with the remaining BBQ sauce. This final glaze adds a glossy finish, a burst of caramelized flavor, and helps to keep the chicken moist. The heat from the grill will slightly caramelize the sugars in the BBQ sauce, adding another layer of irresistible taste. This simple technique takes your grilled chicken skewers from good to gourmet.
Effortless Meal Prep: Savor Flavor All Week Long
These Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Skewers aren’t just for dinner tonight; they’re also a fantastic option for meal prepping. Grilled dishes are inherently packed with flavor, and that robust taste is exactly what you need to make meal prep exciting. Preparing a batch of these skewers on a Sunday means you’ll have delicious, healthy lunches or dinners ready to go for several days.
Flavor is paramount for successful meal prep, as it prevents the dreaded “lunch fatigue” that comes from eating bland leftovers. The sweet and savory profile of these kabobs holds up wonderfully when stored properly. Simply allow them to cool completely after grilling, then transfer them to airtight containers. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and reheated gently in a microwave or oven, or even enjoyed cold in a salad. This makes healthy eating both convenient and enjoyable throughout your busy week.
Perfect for Any Occasion: From Holidays to Weeknights
While these skewers are a showstopper for major holidays like Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, their simplicity and deliciousness make them versatile enough for any occasion. Hosting a backyard BBQ? These kabobs will be the star of the show. Looking for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner? With a little pre-marination, they come together in minutes. Their vibrant colors and appealing presentation make them a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
The combination of lean chicken, vitamin-rich pineapple, and crisp vegetables makes this a smart choice for anyone seeking a low-carb, nutrient-dense meal without sacrificing flavor. It’s a testament to how simple, fresh ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create an unforgettable dining experience. Enjoy them as a standalone meal, or pair them with your favorite sides for a complete feast.
Pin this delicious recipe for later! 🙂
Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Skewers
By Brandi Crawford
Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Skewers offer a quick and easy low-carb meal packed with juicy grilled chicken, fresh pineapple, ginger, and minced garlic for an unforgettable summer flavor.
Rated 5 out of 5 stars from 10 votes.
Pin Recipe
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Servings: 6
Calories: 175 kcal
Ingredients
- 1 pound skinless chicken breasts, chopped into large chunks
- ¾ pound fresh pineapple, chopped into large chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into large pieces
- 1 cup red onion, sliced into large pieces
- 6 cherry tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon chopped ginger (ready-made ginger in a jar works well)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 tablespoon BBQ sauce
- McCormick’s Grill Mates Chicken Seasoning to taste
- McCormick’s Grill Mates BBQ Seasoning to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the chopped chicken thoroughly with chicken seasoning, BBQ seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Place the seasoned chicken in a large Ziploc bag. Add the soy sauce, chopped ginger, minced garlic, and 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce to the bag.
- Remove any excess air from the bag and seal it securely. Shake the bag vigorously until all the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the marinade.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours in the refrigerator, but for the best flavor and tenderness, marinate it overnight.
- Once marinated, begin assembling your skewers. Alternate threading chicken pieces, red onion slices, red bell pepper pieces, and pineapple chunks onto the skewers. Save the cherry tomato to be placed at the very end of each skewer for a pop of color.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the assembled skewers on the hot grill.
- Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes on each side, rotating them occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center, and the vegetables are tender-crisp with nice char marks.
- Just before removing the skewers from the grill, brush the remaining 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce generously over each skewer. This adds a final layer of flavor and a beautiful glaze.
- Allow the grilled skewers to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Skewers!
Notes
Total cook time does not include the essential marinating time. Plan accordingly for optimal flavor.
Nutrition
Fat: 3g
Net Carbs: 14g
Protein: 24g
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using tools like MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information for your specific recipe, we recommend calculating it with the actual ingredients you use, employing your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information you rely upon is accurate, complete, and useful for your individual dietary needs.
Tried this recipe? Mention @Stay_Snatched or tag #StaySnatched on social media! We love seeing your delicious creations!
Stay Connected: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more amazing recipes and cooking tips! Check out our videos!
Loved this recipe? Leave us a review and let us know how it was!