Print

Honey Garlic Chicken Kabobs Recipe Easy Cozy Meal with Grilled Pineapple and Rice

honey garlic chicken kabobs - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy honey garlic chicken kabobs recipe featuring grilled pineapple and fluffy rice, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners with a tropical twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (ripe but firm)
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 red onion, cut into wedges
  • Wooden or metal skewers (soaked if wooden to prevent burning)
  • 1/4 cup (85 grams) honey (raw or local preferred)
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup (185 grams) long grain white rice or jasmine rice
  • 2 cups (480 ml) water or chicken broth
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, grated ginger, olive oil, and black pepper until the honey dissolves.
  2. Add the cubed chicken and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1 hour for deeper flavor.
  3. Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until water runs clear to remove excess starch.
  4. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed rice, 2 cups of water or chicken broth, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and let rice steam, covered, for another 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
  6. Thread marinated chicken pieces, pineapple chunks, red bell pepper pieces, and onion wedges onto skewers, alternating for color and flavor contrast. Leave space between pieces.
  7. Preheat grill to medium-high (about 400°F). Brush grates lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
  8. Place skewers on grill and cook for 12-15 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes for even grill marks and caramelization. Chicken should reach 165°F internal temperature.
  9. Serve kabobs over a bed of fluffy rice. Optionally, spoon any leftover marinade simmered briefly or reserved as a glaze over the top.

Notes

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before use to prevent burning. Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1 hour or longer for deeper flavor. Watch pineapple closely while grilling to avoid burning. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F. Let kabobs rest a few minutes after grilling to lock in juices. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Variations include using chicken thighs, shrimp, tofu, or halloumi cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic chicken kabobs, grilled pineapple, easy dinner, weeknight meal, grilled chicken, tropical chicken kabobs, honey garlic marinade

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/honey-garlic-chicken-kabobs-recipe-easy-cozy-meal-with-grilled-pineapple-and-rice/