There are few things that signal the start of summer better than the smell of something delicious sizzling over an open flame. Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are one of those dishes that instantly transport me back to long, sun-drenched afternoons spent with family, where sticky fingers and full hearts were part of the experience. This recipe marries the sweet, caramelized flavors of grilled pineapple with tender, juicy chicken, creating a symphony of tastes that feels like a mini-vacation on a stick.
In tropical cultures, pineapple has long symbolized hospitality and warmth. Pairing it with chicken, a global comfort food, brings a sense of community to any gathering. Whether it’s a backyard cookout, a picnic by the lake, or a casual family dinner, these kabobs promise not just a meal, but a memory.
Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are easy enough for a weeknight dinner and festive enough for summer celebrations. Every bite is packed with smoky, sweet, and savory flavors that kids and adults alike will crave again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
-
Perfect for grilling season and outdoor gatherings
-
Sweet and savory flavor combination that everyone loves
-
Quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients
-
Flexible – add your favorite veggies for extra color and flavor
-
Makes a beautiful and mouthwatering presentation
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
-
1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces
-
1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into chunks
-
1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
-
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
-
1 red onion, cut into chunks
-
½ cup barbecue sauce
-
2 tablespoons soy sauce
-
1 tablespoon honey
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
Wooden or metal skewers
HOW TO MAKE Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs:
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Before we dive into grilling, a quick story: growing up, kabobs were a special occasion food. My dad would let us kids “design” our own skewers, threading chicken and pineapple onto sticks with serious concentration. Those homemade kabobs, slightly uneven but full of love, were the highlight of our summer.
Let’s bring that magic to your kitchen today.
-
Prep the Ingredients:
Cut the chicken, pineapple, peppers, and onion into even-sized chunks to ensure everything cooks at the same rate. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes if you are using them to prevent burning. -
Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, soy sauce, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. -
Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken pieces in a large resealable bag or bowl. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, reserving the other half for grilling. Seal the bag and toss to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
-
Assemble the Kabobs:
Thread the chicken, pineapple, peppers, and onion onto the skewers, alternating as you go for colorful, tasty results. -
Grill the Kabobs:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the kabobs on the grill and cook for about 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, and basting with the reserved marinade until the chicken is cooked through and has beautiful grill marks. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Remove from the grill and let rest for a couple of minutes. Serve hot and savor every juicy, flavorful bite.
HELPFUL TIPS:
-
Uniform Sizes: Keep the pieces of chicken and pineapple uniform in size for even grilling.
-
Do Not Overcrowd: Give each piece a little space on the skewer to ensure they cook evenly.
-
Extra Veggies: Feel free to add mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to your kabobs.
-
Grill Temperature: Medium-high heat is perfect for giving the kabobs a good sear without burning the sugars in the marinade.
-
Meal Prep Tip: You can marinate and assemble the kabobs a few hours ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you are ready to grill.
DETAILS:
-
Prep Time: 20 minutes
-
Cook Time: 12 minutes
-
Total Time: 32 minutes
-
Yield: 4–6 servings
-
Category: Main Dish
-
Method: Grilling
-
Cuisine: American, Tropical
-
Diet: Gluten-Free (use gluten-free soy sauce)
NOTES:
-
Double the batch if you are feeding a crowd; these kabobs tend to disappear quickly.
-
For an extra tropical twist, sprinkle a little shredded coconut on top before serving.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
(Approximate per serving)
-
Calories: 310
-
Protein: 28g
-
Carbohydrates: 22g
-
Fat: 12g
-
Fiber: 2g
-
Sugar: 17g
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can I make Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the kabobs a few hours ahead, cover them, and refrigerate until ready to grill.
What can I use instead of pineapple?
Mango chunks or peaches are fantastic alternatives if you want a slightly different tropical twist.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer; chicken is safely cooked at 165°F internal temperature.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
If you have leftovers, remove the chicken and veggies from the skewers and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Related Recipes:
If you liked these Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:
CONCLUSION:
There is something magical about cooking and eating food on a stick, especially when it is as vibrant and mouthwatering as Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs. Whether you are hosting a summer bash or just want to enjoy a casual dinner outdoors, these kabobs bring bright flavors, happy memories, and a sense of celebration to the table. So fire up your grill, gather your favorite people, and let the sunshine in with this unforgettable dish.
Print
Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
Description
There are few things that signal the start of summer better than the smell of something delicious sizzling over an open flame. Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are one of those dishes that instantly transport me back to long, sun-drenched afternoons spent with family, where sticky fingers and full hearts were part of the experience. This recipe marries the sweet, caramelized flavors of grilled pineapple with tender, juicy chicken, creating a symphony of tastes that feels like a mini-vacation on a stick.
In tropical cultures, pineapple has long symbolized hospitality and warmth. Pairing it with chicken, a global comfort food, brings a sense of community to any gathering. Whether it’s a backyard cookout, a picnic by the lake, or a casual family dinner, these kabobs promise not just a meal, but a memory.
Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are easy enough for a weeknight dinner and festive enough for summer celebrations. Every bite is packed with smoky, sweet, and savory flavors that kids and adults alike will crave again and again.
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces
1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into chunks
1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 red onion, cut into chunks
½ cup barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
-
Prep the Ingredients:
Cut the chicken, pineapple, peppers, and onion into even-sized chunks to ensure everything cooks at the same rate. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes if you are using them to prevent burning. -
Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, soy sauce, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. -
Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken pieces in a large resealable bag or bowl. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, reserving the other half for grilling. Seal the bag and toss to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours. -
Assemble the Kabobs:
Thread the chicken, pineapple, peppers, and onion onto the skewers, alternating as you go for colorful, tasty results. -
Grill the Kabobs:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the kabobs on the grill and cook for about 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, and basting with the reserved marinade until the chicken is cooked through and has beautiful grill marks. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Remove from the grill and let rest for a couple of minutes. Serve hot and savor every juicy, flavorful bite.
Notes
-
Double the batch if you are feeding a crowd; these kabobs tend to disappear quickly.
-
For an extra tropical twist, sprinkle a little shredded coconut on top before serving.