This delightful recipe of mustard chicken and pineapple skewers is a perfect blend of tangy and sweet flavors. The juicy pineapple paired with tender chicken, all brought together by the rich mustard vinaigrette, results in a dish that's both eye-catching and mouthwatering. Ideal for a BBQ party or a family dinner, its ease of preparation will surprise you as much as its incredible taste.
All ingredients for this recipe are quite common and can be easily found in local supermarkets. However, always remember to choose a ripe pineapple for the best results. It should have a sweet smell at the base, yield to slight pressure and have no visible bruises. For the mustard, you can opt for either French's Sweet Yellow Mustard for a milder taste or French's Spicy Yellow Mustard to add a kick to your skewers.
Mustard Chicken and Pineapple Skewer Ingredients
chicken breasts: The star of our skewers, always choose fresh chicken for the best taste and texture.
pineapple: Adds a sweet and tangy flavor, balancing the savory chicken.
garlic: Gives a depth of flavor to the marinade.
honey: Brings a sweet note to our mustard vinaigrette.
mustard: The key ingredient for the marinade, providing a tangy flavor.
vinegar: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
olive oil: Helps to bind all the flavors together.
salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the flavors.
parsley: Adds a pop of color and a fresh touch to the finish.
One reader, Harrison Moss says:
This mustard chicken and pineapple skewers recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are a perfect blend of sweet and tangy, and the chicken turns out so juicy and tender. It's a hit at every barbecue, and I love how easy it is to make. Definitely a new favorite in my recipe collection!
Techniques Required for Making Chicken and Pineapple Skewers
How to marinate the chicken: Combine the garlic, honey, mustard, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl to make the mustard vinaigrette. Then add the chicken to the bowl or a container and marinate for at least 4 hours.
How to skewer the chicken and pineapple: Thread the marinated chicken and pineapple onto skewers, ensuring that a piece of chicken is at both ends to prevent the pieces from falling off during grilling.
How to grill the skewers: Grill the skewers over medium/high heat for 15-20 minutes, rotating occasionally to ensure even cooking.
How to serve: Sprinkle the grilled skewers with parsley and serve immediately.
How To Make Mustard Chicken and Pineapple Skewers
Mustard chicken grilled along with juicy pineapples will definitely be your next barbecue favorite. You can make your skewers as sweet or spicy as you like.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4chicken breasts,boneless skinless, cut into 1-1½-inch pieces
- 1pineapple,cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1tspgarlic
- 1tbsphoney
- ¼cupFrench’s Sweet Yellow Mustard,or French’s Spicy Yellow Mustard
- 3tbspvinegar
- ½cupolive oil
- salt and pepper,to taste
- parsley
Instructions
-
Make Mustard Vinaigrette by combining garlic, honey, mustard, vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper in a bowl. Mix well.
-
Add chicken to a bowl (or to tupperware) and marinate for at least 4 hours.
-
Place chicken and pineapple on skewers making sure a piece of chicken is at both ends so pieces don’t fall off the skewers.
-
Grill on Medium/High Heat for 15 to 20 minutes, rotating occasionally.
-
When done, sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Calories: 684.56kcal
- Fat: 43.97g
- Saturated Fat: 8.44g
- Trans Fat: 0.18g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 26.74g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 6.48g
- Carbohydrates: 36.33g
- Fiber: 4.32g
- Sugar: 26.80g
- Protein: 38.42g
- Cholesterol: 111.36mg
- Sodium: 1083.48mg
- Calcium: 73.83mg
- Potassium: 703.08mg
- Iron: 2.81mg
- Vitamin A: 69.06µg
- Vitamin C: 114.56mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Mustard Chicken and Pineapple Skewers
When grilling chicken and pineapple skewers, it's important to keep the heat at a medium to high level. Too high heat can cause the outside of the chicken to burn before the inside is fully cooked. Also, remember to rotate the skewers occasionally for even cooking. The pineapple pieces will caramelize and add a sweet flavor to the chicken.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Prep ahead: Marinate the chicken and pineapple the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use pre-cut ingredients: Purchase pre-cut pineapple and pre-sliced chicken to cut down on prep time.
Grill in batches: Cook the skewers in batches to ensure even cooking and prevent overcrowding on the grill.
Invest in a grill basket: Use a grill basket for the pineapple to prevent small pieces from falling through the grates.
Organize your workspace: Set up all your ingredients and tools in an organized manner before you start cooking to streamline the process.
Substitute Ingredients For Mustard Chicken and Pineapple Skewers Recipe
Chicken breasts - Substitute with turkey breasts: Turkey breasts can be used as a lean and flavorful alternative to chicken breasts. They have a similar texture and can be marinated and grilled in the same way.
Pineapple - Substitute with mango: Mango can be used as a substitute for pineapple in this recipe to provide a sweet and tangy flavor with a similar texture when grilled.
French's sweet yellow mustard or French's spicy yellow mustard - Substitute with Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard can be used as a substitute for yellow mustard, providing a slightly sharper and more complex flavor to the dish.
Olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil can be used as a substitute for olive oil, providing a mild flavor and high smoke point for grilling.
Parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro can be used as a substitute for parsley to add a fresh and vibrant herb flavor to the dish.
Plating Ideas for Mustard Chicken and Pineapple Skewers
Elevate the skewers: Arrange the mustard chicken and pineapple skewers on a sleek, rectangular plate, ensuring they are evenly spaced and visually appealing.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the skewers with finely chopped parsley to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the dish.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Drizzle a small amount of the mustard vinaigrette over the skewers in an artistic manner, adding a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Utilize negative space: Ensure there is ample negative space on the plate to allow the skewers to stand out and be the focal point of the dish.
Add a touch of elegance with serving ware: Consider presenting the skewers on a stylish, modern serving platter or board to enhance the overall visual appeal.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Skewers
Grill: A grill is used for cooking food over an open flame or heat source. It is perfect for grilling the chicken and pineapple skewers to achieve a delicious smoky flavor.
Skewers: Skewers are long, narrow metal or wooden sticks used to hold pieces of food together. They are essential for assembling the chicken and pineapple skewers before grilling.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is used for combining the marinade ingredients and marinating the chicken. It is an essential tool for ensuring the chicken is well-coated and infused with flavor.
Tongs: Tongs are used for flipping and turning the chicken and pineapple skewers while grilling. They provide a secure grip and help prevent the food from sticking to the grill.
Basting brush: A basting brush is used to apply the mustard vinaigrette to the chicken and pineapple skewers before grilling. It ensures an even coating of the marinade for maximum flavor.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Leftover Skewers
To store leftover mustard chicken and pineapple skewers, first allow them to cool completely to room temperature. This will prevent condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can lead to soggy skewers.
Once cooled, remove the chicken and pineapple pieces from the skewers and place them in an airtight container. If you prefer, you can keep the skewers intact for easy reheating later.
Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to eat, reheat the skewers in the oven or on the grill until the chicken is heated through and the pineapple is warm and slightly caramelized.
If you want to freeze the skewers for later use, follow these steps:
- Remove the chicken and pineapple from the skewers and place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag.
- If using a container, make sure to leave some headspace to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents, so you can easily identify them later.
- Place the container or bag in the freezer, where the skewers will keep for up to 2-3 months.
To thaw frozen mustard chicken and pineapple skewers, transfer the container or bag from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow them to thaw overnight. Once thawed, reheat the chicken and pineapple in the oven or on the grill until heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
For best results, consume the thawed and reheated skewers within 1-2 days. Do not refreeze previously frozen skewers, as this can affect their texture and quality.
How To Reheat Leftover Skewers
Here are the best methods for reheating leftover mustard chicken and pineapple skewers:
Oven method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Brush the skewers with a little olive oil or melted butter to prevent them from drying out. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the pineapple is slightly caramelized. This method helps to retain the original texture and flavor of the skewers.
Stovetop method: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil or butter to the pan. Place the skewers in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is heated through and the pineapple is slightly charred. This method is quick and easy, and it adds a nice char to the skewers.
Microwave method: While not the most ideal method, the microwave can be used in a pinch. Place the skewers on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. Be careful not to overcook the skewers, as the chicken can become rubbery and the pineapple can become mushy.
Grill method: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is heated through and the pineapple is slightly charred. This method is perfect for summer barbecues and adds a smoky flavor to the skewers.
Interesting Trivia About Mustard Chicken and Pineapple Skewers
Mustard chicken and pineapple skewers are a popular dish in Hawaiian cuisine. They are often served at luaus and other festive gatherings. The combination of tangy mustard and sweet pineapple creates a delicious flavor profile that is loved by many. This dish is not only tasty but also a great source of protein and vitamin C. It's a perfect option for a summer barbecue or a quick and easy weeknight meal. Plus, the marinade can be adjusted to suit different flavor preferences, making it a versatile and customizable dish for any occasion.
Is Making These Skewers at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this mustard chicken and pineapple skewers recipe is quite favorable. The main ingredients, chicken and pineapple, are reasonably priced and readily available. The addition of mustard and honey enhances the flavor without significantly increasing the cost. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20-$25, making it a budget-friendly option. The delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors makes this dish a crowd-pleaser. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Is This Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?
This mustard chicken and pineapple skewers recipe is a relatively healthy option for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner. The recipe incorporates lean protein from the chicken breasts, which are a great source of essential amino acids and help maintain muscle mass. The pineapple adds a natural sweetness and provides a good amount of vitamin C, manganese, and antioxidants. The mustard vinaigrette is made with heart-healthy olive oil, which is rich in monounsaturated fats and has anti-inflammatory properties. The honey and vinegar in the marinade add flavor without relying on excessive amounts of salt or sugar.
However, there are a few aspects of the recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Use skinless chicken breasts to reduce the overall fat content of the dish
- Opt for a whole grain mustard instead of the sweet yellow mustard to increase the fiber content and reduce the sugar
- Reduce the amount of olive oil in the vinaigrette to lower the calorie density of the marinade
- Add more vegetables to the skewers, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or onions, to increase the nutrient diversity and fiber content of the meal
- Serve the skewers with a side salad or a whole grain like quinoa or brown rice to create a more balanced and satisfying meal
Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Skewer Recipe
This recipe for mustard chicken and pineapple skewers is a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors. The marinade infuses the chicken with a rich, savory taste, while the pineapple adds a refreshing sweetness. The grilling process caramelizes the marinade, creating a beautiful char and enhancing the overall flavor profile. The addition of parsley at the end adds a pop of freshness. It's a perfect dish for a summer barbecue or a casual dinner party. The balance of flavors and the simplicity of the recipe make it a winner in my book.
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Why trust this Mustard Chicken and Pineapple Skewers Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, ensuring a tantalizing experience for your taste buds. The combination of succulent chicken and juicy pineapple creates a harmonious balance, while the zesty mustard vinaigrette infuses a burst of tangy goodness. The meticulous marination process ensures that the chicken absorbs the rich flavors, resulting in tender and flavorful skewers. The use of honey adds a touch of sweetness, complementing the savory elements. With the addition of garlic and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this recipe promises a symphony of delectable sensations, earning your trust with every mouthwatering bite.
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