Tropical Grilled Chicken Kabobs
These Tropical Grilled Chicken Kabobs are a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors, making them the perfect dish for any outdoor gathering or family night. This recipe has been a cherished part of my culinary repertoire for years, with an irresistible marinade that combines the juicy essence of crushed pineapple and zesty ketchup, complemented by a hint of ginger and a splash of soy sauce. The marinated chicken, paired with fresh zucchini, vibrant red bell peppers, and sweet white onions, brings a delightful medley of textures and tastes to the table. Best of all, you can prepare the kabobs ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld overnight. Serve these kabobs over fluffy rice with a refreshing salad and warm bakery bread for a meal that’s not just simple but truly scrumptious. Trust me, your guests will be raving about them!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Canola oil
1/4 cup
Vinegar
2 tablespoons
Crushed pineapple
1 (8 ounce) can
Ketchup
1 cup
Soy sauce
2 tablespoons
Ginger
1 teaspoon
Ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon
Parsley, minced
2 tablespoons
Brown sugar
2 tablespoons
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons
Lemon juice
1 tablespoon
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
6 (cut into 1-inch cubes)
Zucchini
4 medium (chopped into 1-inch pieces)
Red bell peppers
3 (chopped into 1-inch pieces)
White onions
4 (cut into quarters)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, whisk together the canola oil, vinegar, crushed pineapple, ketchup, soy sauce, ginger, ground mustard, minced parsley, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and lemon juice to create a flavorful marinade.
2
Cut the boneless skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and add them to the marinade, ensuring they're well-coated.
3
Chop the zucchini, red bell peppers, and white onions into 1-inch pieces.
4
Prepare your skewers by spraying them lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to minimize burning.
5
Thread the marinated chicken and chopped vegetables onto the skewers, alternating between chicken and veggies, taking care not to overcrowd to promote even cooking.
6
Place the assembled skewers in a shallow baking dish (9x13 works well) and pour the remaining marinade over the kabobs. Cover and refrigerate overnight for the best flavor infusion.
7
When ready to grill, preheat your grill to low to medium heat and spray the grill grates with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
8
Remove the kabobs from the marinade (discard any leftover marinade not used for basting) and place them on the heated grill.
9
Baste the kabobs with the reserved marinade and grill, flipping occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through (juices should run clear). This usually takes about 15-30 minutes, depending on your grill's heat.
10
Take care not to overcook the chicken to maintain its juiciness. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Tropical Grilled Chicken Kabobs!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Tropical Grilled Chicken Kabobs?
They are a sweet and savory dish featuring marinated chicken, zucchini, red bell peppers, and white onions, grilled to perfection.
What ingredients make up the marinade?
The marinade consists of canola oil, vinegar, crushed pineapple, ketchup, soy sauce, ginger, ground mustard, parsley, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
How long should I marinate the chicken kabobs?
For the best flavor infusion, it is recommended to refrigerate the assembled kabobs in the marinade overnight.
Can I use wooden skewers for this recipe?
Yes, you can use wooden skewers, but you must soak them in water for about 30 minutes before use to minimize burning.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the skewers?
Lightly spray your skewers with cooking spray before threading the ingredients to prevent sticking.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
This recipe uses 4 medium zucchini, 3 red bell peppers, and 4 white onions.
How should I cut the chicken for the kabobs?
The boneless skinless chicken breasts should be cut into approximately 1-inch cubes.
How should the vegetables be prepared?
Zucchini and red bell peppers should be chopped into 1-inch pieces, while white onions should be cut into quarters.
Can I substitute the canola oil?
Yes, you can use other neutral oils like vegetable oil or avocado oil as a substitute for canola oil.
What type of pineapple is used in the marinade?
The recipe calls for one 8-ounce can of crushed pineapple.
What grill temperature is recommended?
Preheat your grill to a low to medium heat setting to ensure even cooking without burning.
How long does it take to grill the kabobs?
Grilling usually takes between 15 to 30 minutes, depending on your grill's heat and the thickness of the chicken.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it is browned, the juices run clear, and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Should I baste the kabobs while grilling?
Yes, you should baste the kabobs with the reserved marinade while flipping them occasionally on the grill.
Is it necessary to spray the grill grates?
Yes, spraying the grill grates with cooking spray helps prevent the chicken and vegetables from sticking.
Can I prepare these kabobs ahead of time?
Absolutely; preparing them the night before is encouraged so the flavors can meld in the refrigerator.
What are the best side dishes for this meal?
These kabobs pair perfectly with fluffy rice, a refreshing salad, and warm bakery bread.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used as a juicier alternative to chicken breasts.
What flavor does the ginger add?
Ginger provides a zesty warmth that balances the sweetness of the pineapple and brown sugar.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the sweet and savory tropical profile is generally very popular with children.
How should I thread the ingredients onto the skewers?
Alternate between chicken and vegetables, taking care not to overcrowd the skewer to promote even cooking.
What should I do with the leftover marinade?
Discard any marinade that was in contact with raw chicken and not used for basting during the cooking process.
Can I use different colored bell peppers?
Yes, yellow, orange, or green bell peppers can be used for added color and variety.
How many chicken breasts does this recipe serve?
The recipe uses 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts, which typically serves a large family or group.
Why is lemon juice included in the marinade?
Lemon juice provides acidity that help tenderize the chicken and brightens the overall flavor profile.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
Yes, it includes 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, along with natural sugars from the ketchup and pineapple.
Can I cook these kabobs in the oven?
Yes, you can bake them in an oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until the chicken is cooked through if a grill is unavailable.
How do I avoid overcooking the chicken?
Keep a close eye on the grill and remove the kabobs as soon as the juices run clear to maintain juiciness.
Is the marinade consistency thick or thin?
The combination of ketchup and crushed pineapple creates a relatively thick, sauce-like marinade.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.