Hot-Honey Chicken & Pineapple Kebabs

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These grilled chicken kebabs are sweet and hot thanks to hot honey, juicy chunks of pineapple and the grill itself, which caramelizes the bell peppers, onion and chicken pieces to smoky perfection. Because the glaze (and the pineapple) are sweet, the kebabs may burn if left in one spot for too long. Be sure to move them from any hot spots on the grill and brush on the glaze in only the last couple of minutes on the grill.

Grilled Pineapple and Hot Honey Kebabs on a serving plate with a blue linen
Credit:

Photographer: Stacy k. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf

Active Time:
40 mins
Total Time:
40 mins
Servings:
4
the ingredients to make the Grilled Pineapple & Hot Honey Chicken Kebabs

Photographer: Stacy k. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks (1-inch), divided 

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons hot honey, plus more for garnish

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons lower-sodium soy sauce

  • 1 medium clove garlic, minced

  • 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

  • 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, divided

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces

  • 2 medium sweet onions, cut into 8 wedges each

  • 2 small multicolored bell peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces

  • Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

  • Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Directions

  1. Place 2 tablespoons (about 2 chunks) pineapple on a cutting board and finely chop. Drag the flat side of a large knife back and forth over the chopped pineapple to form a paste. Transfer to a medium bowl; add hot honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil and 1/8 teaspoon salt; whisk to combine. Transfer 1 tablespoon of the mixture to a small bowl and set aside.

    a step in making the Grilled Pineapple & Hot Honey Chicken Kebabs

    Photographer: Stacy k. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf

  2. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400°F to 450°F). Thread chicken, onion wedges, bell pepper pieces and the remaining pineapple chunks onto 8 (12-inch) metal skewers.

    a step in making the Grilled Pineapple & Hot Honey Chicken Kebabs

    Photographer: Stacy k. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf

  3. Place the kebabs on oiled grates; grill, uncovered, turning occasionally and repositioning as needed to avoid hot spots and brushing with remaining hot honey mixture during final 2 minutes of cook time, until slightly charred and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest portion of chicken registers 165°F, about 12 minutes.

  4. Transfer the kebabs to a platter; brush with the reserved 1 tablespoon hot honey mixture and sprinkle with the remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt. Garnish with cilantro, sesame seeds and/or additional hot honey, if desired.

    a step in making the Grilled Pineapple & Hot Honey Chicken Kebabs

    Photographer: Stacy k. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf

Equipment

8 (12-inch) metal skewers

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are these kebabs healthy?

    Besides having an amazing smoky-sweet flavor with a spicy kick, these kebabs also provide some pretty impressive nutrition. The chicken gives you lean protein, vitamins and minerals. And the pineapple, bell peppers and onions are loaded with antioxidants and fiber, as well as vitamins and minerals, like vitamins C and A. Even the ginger has health benefits, from calming an upset stomach to reducing pain.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

    Because soy sauce contains gluten, as is, this recipe is not gluten-free. But you could easily remedy that by replacing the soy sauce with a gluten-free alternative, like coconut aminos, Bragg’s liquid aminos or tamari.

  • What should I serve with grilled chicken kebabs?

    We recommend pairing these chicken kebabs with a grain-based side dish, like our Easy Cilantro-Lime Rice or Garden Fresh Quinoa, plus a refreshing salad recipe.

  • Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

    Absolutely. Since these chicken kebabs are at their best right off the grill, we suggest prepping all of the ingredients ahead of time. That way, when it comes time to cook them, you’re just adding the ingredients to the skewers, placing them on the grill and basting them with the hot honey marinade.

  • How do I keep chicken kebabs from drying out?

    For this recipe, basting will keep the chicken kebabs moist while adding flavor. Keep an eye on the chicken as it’s grilling, so it’s not overcooked (which will dry it out). You want the temperature to reach 165°F on an instant-read thermometer, which indicates that the chicken is safe to eat.

Additional reporting by Carrie Myers, M.S. and Linda Frahm

EatingWell.com, May 2024

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

306 Calories
10g Fat
28g Carbs
30g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 2 kebabs
Calories 306
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 28g 10%
Dietary Fiber 3g 11%
Total Sugars 20g
Added Sugars 6g 12%
Protein 30g 60%
Total Fat 10g 12%
Saturated Fat 3g 14%
Cholesterol 138mg 46%
Vitamin A 69µg
Vitamin C 81mg 90%
Vitamin D 0µg
Vitamin E 1mg 7%
Folate 60µg
Vitamin K 3µg
Sodium 535mg 23%
Calcium 52mg 4%
Iron 2mg 10%
Magnesium 55mg 13%
Potassium 647mg 14%
Zinc 3mg 24%
Vitamin B12 0µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.