The Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe is a sweet, smoky and colorful meal that is perfect for summer cookouts or easy family dinners. Juicy chicken, fresh pineapple and crisp vegetables are threaded onto skewers and grilled until tender and lightly charred.
Many people love the Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe because it is simple to make, full of tropical flavor and great for entertaining. If you want to learn How to make Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs, this easy recipe will help you create a restaurant-quality meal at home.
The Secret Behind This Delicious
The secret behind these kabobs is marinating the chicken before grilling. The marinade keeps the chicken juicy while adding sweet and savory flavor.
Fresh pineapple caramelizes on the grill, creating a delicious smoky sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken and vegetables.
Cooking over medium-high heat ensures beautiful grill marks without drying out the chicken.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 360 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Outdoor grill or grill pan
- Metal or wooden skewers
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Tongs
- Basting brush
Ingredients You Need for Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
For the Kabobs
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1½-inch cubes
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 large red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 large green bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 medium red onion, cut into wedges
For the Marinade
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Optional Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Sesame seeds
- Lime wedges
Instructions
1. Prepare The Marinade
Whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, honey, pineapple juice, garlic, paprika, onion powder, salt and pepper.
2. Marinate The Chicken
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and refrigerate for at least thirty minutes.
3. Prepare The Vegetables
Cut the pineapple, peppers, and onion into evenly sized pieces for even cooking.
4. Soak Wooden Skewers
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for thirty minutes to prevent burning.
5. Assemble The Kabobs
Thread chicken, pineapple, peppers, and onion onto the skewers, alternating the ingredients.
6. Preheat The Grill
Heat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
7. Place Kabobs On The Grill
Arrange the kabobs evenly over the hot grill.
8. Grill One Side
Cook for about five minutes until light grill marks appear.
9. Turn The Kabobs
Rotate the skewers and continue grilling until all sides are lightly charred.
10. Baste With Marinade
Brush the kabobs with reserved marinade during the last few minutes of cooking.
11. Check The Chicken
Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before removing from the grill.
12. Garnish And Serve
Sprinkle with parsley and sesame seeds. Serve with fresh lime wedges.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use fresh pineapple for the sweetest flavor.
- Cut all ingredients into similar sizes.
- Do not overcrowd the skewers.
- Reserve fresh marinade for basting.
- Add zucchini or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
- Marinate the chicken for up to eight hours.
- Let the kabobs rest for five minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 360 kcal |
| Protein | 34g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 640mg |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these kabobs with coconut rice, grilled corn or a fresh garden salad.
- They also pair wonderfully with roasted potatoes, garlic bread or quinoa.
- For a tropical meal, enjoy them with mango salsa and iced lemonade.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- Freeze the cooked chicken for up to two months.
- Reheat gently in a skillet, oven or microwave until warmed through.
- For the best flavor, avoid overcooking during reheating.
Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Ingredients
For the Kabobs
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1½-inch cubes
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 large red bell pepper cut into chunks
- 1 large green bell pepper cut into chunks
- 1 medium red onion cut into wedges
For the Marinade
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Optional Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Sesame seeds
- Lime wedges
Instructions
Prepare The Marinade
- Whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, honey, pineapple juice, garlic, paprika, onion powder, salt and pepper.
Marinate The Chicken
- Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and refrigerate for at least thirty minutes.
Prepare The Vegetables
- Cut the pineapple, peppers and onion into evenly sized pieces for even cooking.
Soak Wooden Skewers
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for thirty minutes to prevent burning.
Assemble The Kabobs
- Thread chicken, pineapple, peppers and onion onto the skewers, alternating the ingredients.
Preheat The Grill
- Heat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
Place Kabobs On The Grill
- Arrange the kabobs evenly over the hot grill.
Grill One Side
- Cook for about five minutes until light grill marks appear.
Turn The Kabobs
- Rotate the skewers and continue grilling until all sides are lightly charred.
Baste With Marinade
- Brush the kabobs with reserved marinade during the last few minutes of cooking.
Check The Chicken
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before removing from the grill.
Garnish And Serve
- Sprinkle with parsley and sesame seeds. Serve with fresh lime wedges.
Notes
- Use fresh pineapple for the sweetest flavor.
- Cut all ingredients into similar sizes.
- Do not overcrowd the skewers.
- Reserve fresh marinade for basting.
- Add zucchini or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
- Marinate the chicken for up to eight hours.
- Let the kabobs rest for five minutes before serving.
FAQs about Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Can I prepare these kabobs ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the skewers several hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to grill.
Can I bake these instead of grilling?
Absolutely. Bake at 425°F for about 18–20 minutes, turning halfway through cooking.
Why use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Fresh pineapple caramelizes beautifully on the grill and has a firmer texture that stays on the skewers.
What vegetables work well in this recipe?
Bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and red onions all grill beautifully with the chicken.
How do I keep the chicken juicy?
Marinate the chicken well and avoid overcooking. Remove it from the grill as soon as it reaches 165°F.
Conclusion
This Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe is sweet, smoky, juicy and full of vibrant tropical flavors. Tender marinated chicken, caramelized pineapple and colorful vegetables make every bite delicious. Now you know How to make Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs with simple ingredients and easy steps.
Gather the Ingredients for Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs and enjoy a healthy homemade meal that is perfect for summer cookouts, family dinners, or weekend gatherings.
Sofia Lane is a food lover who loves cooking and sharing easy, tasty recipes. She believes in making cooking simple and fun for everyone. On DiveCrave, Sofia shares her favorite meals, desserts and treats that anyone can make at home.