Sweet And Sour Chicken Kabobs
Sweet and Sour Chicken Kabobs offer a vibrant blend of tangy pineapple, savory chicken, and flavorful seasonings, ideal for grilling or broiling. The dish combines the sweetness of brown sugar and pineapple with the zest of soy sauce and ginger, making it perfect for casual gatherings and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 3/4 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1 (15 1/4 oz.) can unsweetened pineapple chunks ⓘ
- 1/4 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke seasoning ⓘ
Instructions
- Place chicken cubes and green pepper pieces in a shallow dish.
- Drain pineapple, reserving 1/2 cup juice, and set pineapple aside.
- Combine the reserved pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, liquid smoke, garlic powder, and ground ginger to make the marinade.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken and green pepper pieces.
- Stir to coat everything evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours to marinate.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight. If you don’t have liquid smoke, you can substitute with smoked paprika for a similar taste. If green peppers aren't available, zucchini or red bell peppers work well too. Ensure that the chicken is cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Sweet and Sour Chicken Kabobs over a bed of rice or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal. They pair beautifully with Marinated Noodles And Cabbage for a delightful combination of flavors. Garnish with fresh cilantro or sesame seeds for added visual appeal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover kabobs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can use a microwave for a quicker option, but be cautious not to overcook them.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Chicken Kabobs contains roughly 219 calories, with 9g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1749mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it's best to thaw it completely before marinating. This ensures that the marinade penetrates the chicken evenly for maximum flavor.
What can I serve with these kabobs?
These kabobs are versatile and can be served with rice, quinoa, or a fresh vegetable salad. You could also serve them with a dipping sauce like sweet chili or teriyaki for added flavor.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Ensure there is no pink meat, and juices run clear.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).