These Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are the ultimate summer dinner—juicy marinated chicken, sweet pineapple chunks, colorful bell peppers, and red onions, all grilled to smoky perfection. The tropical sweet-and-savory flavor combination makes these kabobs a family favorite for cookouts, BBQ parties, or weeknight dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet & savory combo – juicy chicken + caramelized pineapple = perfection.
- Quick & easy – simple prep, then let the grill do the work.
- Healthy & colorful – loaded with lean protein and fresh veggies.
- Versatile – perfect for grilling outdoors or using a grill pan indoors.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into 1 ½-inch cubes
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 2 bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), cut into 1 ½-inch pieces
- 1 large red onion, cut into chunks
- Wooden or metal skewers
Marinade:
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup pineapple juice (from canned or fresh)
- 3 tbsp honey (or brown sugar)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional but recommended)
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade – In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, olive oil, garlic, ginger, and black pepper.
- Marinate Chicken – Place chicken cubes in a resealable bag or bowl, pour marinade over, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for best flavor).
- Assemble Kabobs – Thread marinated chicken, pineapple, bell peppers, and red onion onto skewers, alternating for a colorful presentation.
- Grill Kabobs – Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill kabobs for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and has nice grill marks.
- Serve & Enjoy – Brush with extra marinade (boiled for safety) or a drizzle of teriyaki sauce before serving. Garnish with sesame seeds or fresh cilantro if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Soak wooden skewers – If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Swap proteins – Try shrimp or salmon for a seafood twist.
- Add more veggies – Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms grill beautifully.
- Indoor option – Use a grill pan or bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes.
What to Serve With Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
- Coconut rice or jasmine rice 🍚
- A fresh cucumber salad 🥒
- Grilled corn on the cob 🌽
- A light tropical drink or mocktail 🍹
✨ These Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are bursting with smoky, juicy, tropical flavor—perfect for a summer cookout or a simple weeknight dinner that feels like a mini vacation!