Ingredients
Marinade
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, packed
- 5 green onions, trimmed, roughly chopped
- ¼ of a red onion, quartered
- 3 garlic cloves, smashed
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice (from 2 limes)
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3¼ cups red onion, cut into 2-inch pieces (remaining after ¼ used in marinade)
- 1 pineapple, cored and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 pound mini bell peppers, whole
Optional
- Coconut rice, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a blender, combine the cilantro, green onions, ¼ of the red onion, garlic, olive oil, lime juice, brown sugar, thyme, cinnamon, paprika, allspice, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Blend until smooth. Transfer the marinade to a large bowl or plastic zip-top bag.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat all pieces well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 4 hours, allowing the flavors to fully develop.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium heat, ensuring it is clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the kebabs: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Thread the chicken pieces, pineapple chunks, mini bell peppers, and the remaining red onion pieces alternately onto 8 metal skewers, distributing ingredients evenly.
- Grill the kebabs: Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Rotate them frequently to ensure even cooking. Grill until the vegetables are tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 12 to 15 minutes.
- Serve: Remove the kebabs from the grill and serve them hot, either still on the skewers or plated. Accompany with coconut rice if desired for a complete meal.
Notes
- If using bamboo skewers instead of metal skewers, soak them in water for at least 1 hour before grilling to prevent burning.
- Marinating for longer (up to 4 hours) will enhance the flavor of the chicken.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken is safely cooked through to 165°F.
- You can substitute boneless chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs remain juicier and more flavorful.
- For a spicier kick, add chopped fresh scotch bonnet peppers to the marinade.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Caribbean