Pineapple Soy Garlic Chicken Skewers

Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that’s both delicious and incredibly easy to make? Introducing Pineapple Soy Garlic Chicken Skewers! Picture juicy chunks of chicken marinated in a savory soy and garlic blend, paired with succulent pineapple pieces that caramelize beautifully when grilled. The sweetness of the pineapple beautifully balances the umami flavor of the soy sauce, creating a taste experience that’s downright addictive!

Fun fact: Did you know that grilling chicken on skewers can actually help it cook faster and retain moisture? Perfect for those busy family evenings! Just imagine serving these vibrant skewers at your next family gathering, where everyone will rave about the taste reminiscent of summer barbecues while you enjoy the satisfaction of a meal made with love. If you’ve enjoyed recipes like BBQ Chicken Drumsticks from my blog, you’ll absolutely fall head over heels for this one, too!

What is Pineapple Soy Garlic Chicken Skewers?

So, what’s the story behind these mouthwatering Pineapple Soy Garlic Chicken Skewers? The name pretty much says it all, but it leads to a fun question: Who had the bright idea to pair chicken with pineapple in the first place? I like to think there was a culinary genius who realized that sweetness and savory flavors belong together in harmony! After all, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, right? Next time you whip up these skewers, take a moment to smile as you imagine how this delicious combination came to be. Whether you’re hosting a casual weekend dinner or simply want to treat your family to something special, try out these skewers—you won’t regret it!

Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Soy Garlic Chicken Skewers

Let me tell you three reasons you’ll absolutely love these Pineapple Soy Garlic Chicken Skewers. First off, they serve as a stellar main dish highlight, offering a delightful contrast of crisp and juicy textures as you bite into tender chicken and sweet pineapple. Secondly, making this dish at home is a fantastic cost-saving alternative compared to dining out, allowing you to keep your wallet happy while enjoying gourmet flavors. Lastly, the suggested toppings—like fresh cilantro or zesty lime—will add an extra flavor punch that you won’t want to miss. If you’re a fan of sweet and tangy dishes like Chicken Teriyaki, these skewers will become your new favorite. Don’t just dream about it; grab your ingredients and get cooking today!

How to Make Pineapple Soy Garlic Chicken Skewers

Making Pineapple Soy Garlic Chicken Skewers is simple and satisfying! With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a grilling time of 10 minutes, you can easily whip these up in under an hour. With every bite, the grilled chicken is crispy on the outside yet tender on the inside, infused with a delightful soy-garlic essence. Get your grill ready, and let’s dive into this amazing recipe!

Key Ingredients for Pineapple Soy Garlic Chicken Skewers

• 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks: Use ripe pineapple for optimal sweetness.
• 1/4 cup soy sauce: Opt for low-sodium if desired.
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic offers the best flavor.
• 2 tablespoons honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the soy sauce.
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil: For a subtle nutty flavor.
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger: If you can find fresh ginger, feel free to use it!
• Wooden skewers: Soaked in water for 30 minutes prior to prevent burning.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, sesame oil, and ground ginger. Whisk thoroughly until well combined. Add the chicken cubes and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the refrigerator for maximum flavor).
2. Skewer the ingredients: Pre-soak your wooden skewers for 30 minutes to avoid burning. Alternate threading the marinated chicken and fresh pineapple chunks onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
3. Preheat the grill: Set your grill to medium-high heat. You want a nice sizzle when you place your skewers on.
4. Grill the skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. Serve and enjoy: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Enjoy hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a wedge of lime if you desire!

Top Tips for Perfecting Pineapple Soy Garlic Chicken Skewers

• Substitutions: If you’re out of chicken thighs, chicken breasts work great as a leaner option. You could also substitute pineapple with bell peppers or zucchini for a veggie twist.
• Timing is Key: Keep an eye on the skewers while grilling. Overcooking can lead to dry chicken, so grilling for the precise timing is crucial!
• Avoiding Common Mistakes: Make sure your grill is preheated; no one likes mushy chicken! Also, resist the urge to flip the skewers too often; letting them sit gives a perfect char.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (which I doubt, but just in case!), store the Pineapple Soy Garlic Chicken Skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or on the grill until warmed through. This method will help retain the juiciness and flavor of your skewers.

Now that you have the scoop on making these delicious Pineapple Soy Garlic Chicken Skewers, it’s time to gather your ingredients and fire up that grill! You won’t be disappointed, and neither will your family. Happy cooking!

Pineapple Soy Garlic Chicken Skewers

Delicious chicken skewers marinated in a savory soy and garlic blend, paired with caramelized pineapple for an addictive flavor experience.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Barbecue

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs Cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks Use ripe pineapple for optimal sweetness.
• 1/4 cup soy sauce Opt for low-sodium if desired.
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic Fresh minced garlic offers the best flavor.
• 2 tablespoons honey Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the soy sauce.
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil For a subtle nutty flavor.
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger Fresh ginger can be substituted if available.
• 1 pack Wooden skewers Soaked in water for 30 minutes prior to prevent burning.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, sesame oil, and ground ginger. Whisk thoroughly until well combined.
2. Add the chicken cubes and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the refrigerator for maximum flavor).

Skewering

1. Pre-soak your wooden skewers for 30 minutes to avoid burning.
2. Alternate threading the marinated chicken and fresh pineapple chunks onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.

Grilling

1. Set your grill to medium-high heat. You want a nice sizzle when you place your skewers on.
2. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks.
3. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).

Serving

1. Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
2. Enjoy hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a wedge of lime if desired!

Notes

For substitutions, chicken breasts can be used as a leaner option. Vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini can be added for a veggie twist. Keep an eye on the skewers while grilling to prevent overcooking.