Aloha Skewers Grilled Pineapple Chicken Paradise
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever find yourself dreaming of a tropical getaway? These pineapple skewers are your edible ticket! Seriously, they're like sunshine on a stick with a crazy delicious Hawaiian BBQ twist.
Brief Overview
These Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and pineapple skewers are inspired by classic Polynesian flavors. These are super easy! Prep takes 20 minutes, cooking 15. It makes enough for 4-6 hungry folks.
Main Benefits
The grilled pineapple adds natural sweetness and a boost of Vitamin C. Serve these tropical skewers at your next summer grilling recipes party! They're a guaranteed crowd pleaser and it’s definitely one of the best pineapple recipes I have ever cooked.
Aloha Skewers: Your Grilled Pineapple Chicken Paradise Awaits!
Fancy a little taste of paradise? These Aloha Skewers are your answer! Think tender chicken, juicy pineapple , and vibrant veggies, all slathered in a tangy sweet Hawaiian BBQ sauce.
Honestly, these are so good, they practically transport you to a beach with every bite.
We're talking pineapple chunks, bell peppers, red onion, and succulent chicken, all dancing together on a stick. And the best part? It's all incredibly simple to make.
You could even call it a cheat meal!
Marinating Magic
The secret to the crazy good flavor? A killer chicken marinade ! It’s a mix of pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and a few other goodies.
Just whisk it all together. Pop your chicken in there for at least 30 minutes. I sometimes leave it overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
Ingredients & Equipment
Right, let's talk about what you actually need to make these amazing Aloha Skewers. Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward. And there's some wiggle room, you know? Feel free to make some smart substitutions.
Main Players
- Pineapple Juice: ½ cup (120ml) , grab canned or fresh. Fresh is best, obviously, but canned works a treat. Just make sure it's 100% pineapple juice.
- Soy Sauce: ¼ cup (60ml) , go for low sodium. Less salty, you know?
- Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons (30ml) , packed light brown. This is what brings the sweetness.
- Ketchup: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Adds some tang and helps the marinade stick.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Adds acidity and brightens the flavors.
- Ginger: 1 teaspoon (5ml) , grated fresh ginger. Fresh ginger is key for that zing!
- Garlic: 1 clove , minced. Don't skimp on the garlic, it's essential.
- Smoked Paprika: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) . Adds a lovely smoky depth.
- Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) (optional). For a bit of heat, if you're feeling brave!
- Chicken Breast: 1.5 lbs (680g) , cut into 1 inch cubes. Get good quality chicken, it makes all the difference.
- Fresh Pineapple: 1 whole , peeled, cored, and cut into 1 inch chunks. Look for a pineapple that smells sweet at the base and feels slightly soft when you squeeze it. That means it's ripe and ready to go for your pineapple skewers !
- Bell Peppers: 1 red and 1 green , cut into 1 inch pieces. Choose peppers that are firm and brightly colored.
- Red Onion: 1 , cut into 1 inch wedges. Adds a lovely bit of bite.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) , for brushing. Regular olive oil is fine.
- Wooden Skewers: Essential. Remember to soak 'em! I cannot stress this enough for the bbq skewers .
Seasoning Like a Pro
Want that Hawaiian BBQ chicken flavour? Smoked paprika is your friend. Don't be afraid to use a bit of salt and pepper to taste.
You can chuck in a pinch of cayenne if you're after a fiery kick. For aromatics, a bay leaf in the marinade can work wonders.
Or a squeeze of lime right before grilling. If you don't have apple cider vinegar, a bit of white wine vinegar or lemon juice will do the trick.
Must Have Equipment for your pineapple recipes
You really only need the basics. A mixing bowl for the marinade. A good knife for chopping. And a grill, of course! Don't have a grill? A grill pan on the stovetop works just fine, although you won't get that authentic grilled pineapple flavour.
Don't forget those skewers, though! Soaking them prevents them from catching fire. Honestly, no one wants charred tropical skewers ! If you're really fancy, a meat thermometer is handy to make sure the chicken is cooked through to 165° F ( 74° C) .
So, what are you waiting for? Go get your ingredients! Think about adding a side of coconut rice or a vibrant pineapple salsa .
Your friends and family will love this summer grilling recipes .
Cooking Method: Grilling Aloha Skewers
Listen up, cooking is all about vibes! Let's get ready to grill some delicious Aloha Skewers: Grilled Pineapple Chicken ! We're talking Hawaiian BBQ chicken paradise on a stick.
Trust me, even if you're a total newbie, this one's a winner.
Prep Steps: Get Your Act Together
First things first, mise en place . Get all your ingredients chopped, measured, and ready to rock and roll. It's like prepping for a battle, but the prize is yummy pineapple skewers .
Honestly , chopping the pineapple can be a pain, but it's so worth it.
For safety, soak those wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes . Nobody wants burnt skewers sticking to their delicious chicken! This will prevent your wooden skewers from catching fire and ruining your delicious meal.
step-by-step: Grilling Glory
- Whisk together the marinade: pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, ginger, garlic, paprika, and maybe a pinch of red pepper if you are daring.
- Toss the chicken in that beautiful marinade. Let it sit in the fridge. 30 minutes minimum , but overnight is even better.
- Thread the marinated chicken, pineapple , peppers, and red onion onto the soaked skewers. Alternate the ingredients, for the best tropical skewers .
- Preheat your grill to medium heat. About 375° F ( 190° C) is just right.
- Grill the skewers. Turn them occasionally. Cook for about 12- 15 minutes , until the chicken is cooked through. Internal temp of 165° F ( 74° C) is where you want it.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Game
Want to really impress? Try using fresh pineapple juice in your chicken marinade . It makes a world of difference. And don't overcrowd the skewers! Give each piece some room to breathe for even cooking.
A common mistake? Overcooking the chicken! Nobody wants dry, rubbery chicken. Use a meat thermometer! Cook the chicken until golden brown, don't burn it.
These bbq skewers are great on their own, but they pair so well with other dishes. Serve these skewers with a side of coconut rice for a full summer grilling recipes experience, or even a dollop of fresh pineapple salsa .
You could even prep the marinade and chop the veggies the day before, saving you time on the day of your barbecue.
There you have it! A super easy and delicious pineapple recipe that’s sure to be a hit. Get grilling and enjoy! You know? Grilling isn't just cooking; it's a lifestyle.
It's about enjoying the weather, friends, and some seriously good food.
Recipe Notes: Aloha Skewers Your Questions Answered!
Alright, so you're keen to try my Aloha Skewers ? Ace! Here are a few extra bits and bobs to make sure you nail it.
I've been there, done that. So let's learn from each other, shall we?
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Presentation matters, right? For these pineapple skewers , I like to arrange them on a platter with a side of fluffy coconut rice .
Seriously, the coconut rice is a MUST! Maybe add a little pineapple salsa for extra zing. Imagine you're at a Hawaiian luau! For drinks? A nice cool glass of pineapple juice or even a cheeky cocktail would be spot on.
I once served these at a garden party. My friend told me it was like having sunshine on a stick!
Storage Tips: Keeping the Party Going
Got leftovers? No worries! The Hawaiian BBQ chicken is still top-notch the next day. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days .
If you want to freeze them, I'd recommend removing the chicken and veggies from the bbq skewers first. This way, the veggies don't go mushy.
When you're ready to reheat, either grill them again for a few minutes or pop them in the oven at 175° C for about 10 minutes.
Variations: Tweak It Till You Make It!
Fancy a change? No probs! Try using pork instead of chicken for tropical skewers . Or how about some halloumi for a veggie option? If you're feeling adventurous, add some mango chunks to the pineapple skewers.
For a low-carb version, skip the coconut rice and serve with cauliflower rice instead.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness on a Stick
Each serving of these Aloha Skewers has around 350 calories. It’s also packed with about 35g of protein and 30g of carbs.
But the real win here? It's all the vitamins from the pineapple and veggies. A delicious way to get your vitamins, right?
So there you have it! All the insider tips to make your grilled pineapple chicken skewers a smashing success. Don't be afraid to experiment with the chicken marinade and make it your own.
Grab the summer grilling recipes and have some fun! Now, get grilling and enjoy every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh pineapple for these skewers?
While fresh pineapple really brings that sunshine flavour, you absolutely can use canned pineapple chunks. Just be sure to drain them well before threading them onto the skewers. Fresh pineapple will caramelize a bit better on the grill, giving a more intense flavour, so if you're feeling fancy, go fresh!
How long should I marinate the chicken for these Aloha Skewers? Is there such a thing as too long?
Ideally, you should marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to let the flavours really sink in, but overnight is even better for maximum flavour. Marinating for too long (over 24 hours) can sometimes make the chicken a little mushy due to the acidity of the pineapple juice, so try not to exceed that.
What's the best way to prevent my wooden skewers from burning on the grill?
Soaking your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes (or even longer) before threading them is absolutely crucial. This saturates the wood, making it much less likely to catch fire on the grill. No one wants smoky, burnt skewers when they are going for tropical paradise, right?
My family doesn't like bell peppers. What's a good alternative to use on the pineapple and chicken skewers?
No worries, bell peppers aren't everyone's cup of tea! You could try cherry tomatoes, zucchini chunks, or even sliced mushrooms instead. Some people might enjoy chunks of mango or even peaches to enhance the sweetness and tanginess of the dish. Get creative and use whatever veggies (or fruits!) you fancy.
How should I store any leftover pineapple chicken skewers, and how long will they last?
Leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them gently in a pan on the stovetop or in the oven to prevent the chicken from drying out. Microwaving is also an option, but be mindful of overcooking.
Be sure to remove the cooked chicken and pineapple from the skewers and store them in a container to prevent drying.
Are these Hawaiian BBQ Pineapple Chicken Skewers healthy? What are the key nutritional benefits?
These skewers can be a part of a balanced diet! They are a good source of lean protein from the chicken, vitamin C from the pineapple and bell peppers, and fiber from the vegetables. Using low-sodium soy sauce and controlling the amount of brown sugar will also keep things healthier.
Remember to count all nutritional and dietary elements towards any required daily or weekly requirements.
Aloha Skewers Grilled Pineapple Chicken Paradise
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 0g |
