Healthy Recipes Cooking Methods Healthy BBQ & Grilling Recipes Healthy BBQ & Grilled Kebab Recipes Hot-Honey Chicken & Pineapple Kebabs 4.2 (5) 5 Reviews 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. By Craig Ruff Craig Ruff Craig Ruff was first exposed to professional food service while working for an event center at the business school he was attending. There, he was responsible for maintaining the kitchen for caterers. He has been a lifelong cook, and followed his passion through culinary school and to working in restaurants. EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines Updated on May 22, 2024 Tested by Melissa Gray Tested by Melissa Gray A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Melissa Gray trained in traditional French-style cooking, restaurant and front-of-house management. Since transitioning to recipe development and food styling in 2015, Melissa has developed over 1,500 original recipes and styled in over 300 photo shoots. Meet the EatingWell Test Kitchen Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD Emily Lachtrupp is a registered dietitian experienced in nutritional counseling, recipe analysis and meal plans. She's worked with clients who struggle with diabetes, weight loss, digestive issues and more. In her spare time, you can find her enjoying all that Vermont has to offer with her family and her dog, Winston. EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines Save Rate PRINT Share Close Photo: Photographer: Stacy k. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf Active Time: 40 mins Total Time: 40 mins Servings: 4 Nutrition Profile: Diabetes-Friendly Nut-Free Dairy-Free Heart-Healthy High-Protein Egg-Free Photographer: Stacy k. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf Cook Mode (Keep screen awake) Ingredients 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 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. Photographer: Stacy k. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf 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. Photographer: Stacy k. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf 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. 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. Photographer: Stacy k. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf Equipment 8 (12-inch) metal skewers Nutrition Information Serving Size: 2 kebabsCalories 277, Fat 6g, Saturated Fat 1g, Cholesterol 107mg, Carbohydrates 33g, Total Sugars 24g, Added Sugars 6g, Protein 25g, Fiber 3g, Sodium 483mg, Potassium 647mg 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 Rate It Print