Name: Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1 to 1.5-inch cubes; 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 1 red onion, cut into chunks; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 3 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

When sweet pineapple meets tender, marinated chicken on the grill, the result is nothing short of magical. Pineapple chicken kabobs are one of those summer recipes that instantly transport you to a backyard cookout or a beachside gathering. The caramelized pineapple mingles beautifully with the savory, juicy chicken pieces, while colorful bell peppers and red onions add crunch and freshness.

This recipe is incredibly easy to pull off, but looks and tastes impressive. Whether you’re cooking for guests or just spicing up your weeknight dinner, pineapple chicken kabobs deliver on flavor, simplicity, and fun presentation. Bonus points: it’s kid-friendly, meal-prep-friendly, and works beautifully on both outdoor and indoor grills.

Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

These kabobs are the epitome of balance. The tangy, sweet glaze complements the smoky, charred edges you get from the grill. They feel festive, without being fussy. With minimal prep time and a short cook time, this is one of those go-to meals that work for both lazy weekends and busy weekdays. You can also customize the veggies based on what you have in your fridge—making it a versatile choice that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the most common choice and they work beautifully because they cook quickly and stay juicy when marinated. If you’re looking for even more flavor, boneless skinless chicken thighs are another great option—they’re slightly fattier and more forgiving on the grill. The key is to cut your chicken into even pieces so they cook uniformly on the skewers. Aim for 1 to 1.5-inch cubes for the best results.

Ingredients for the Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

The magic of these kabobs starts with the ingredients. Each one brings something to the table—whether it’s sweetness, heat, or hearty texture. Choosing fresh and vibrant produce is key, as they grill up beautifully and infuse every bite with flavor.

Chicken breast or thighs: The star of the show. Choose boneless, skinless pieces and cut them into bite-sized cubes.
Pineapple chunks: Fresh is best here. The natural sugars caramelize beautifully on the grill.
Bell peppers: Use a mix of red, yellow, and green for a burst of color and slight sweetness.
Red onion: Adds savory depth and a little crunch.
Soy sauce: Forms the base of the marinade, giving the chicken a salty, umami punch.
Honey: For that sticky-sweet glaze that pairs so well with pineapple.
Garlic: Minced garlic boosts the savory flavor of the marinade.
Ginger: Freshly grated ginger adds a warm, spicy kick.
Olive oil: Helps the marinade coat the ingredients evenly and keeps the chicken moist.
Lime juice: A splash of acidity to balance the sweetness.
Salt and black pepper: To enhance all the natural flavors.

How To Make the Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Step 1: Make the Marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, olive oil, garlic, ginger, and lime juice. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust the sweetness or saltiness if needed.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the cubed chicken to the bowl and stir to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you have time. This allows the chicken to soak up all that delicious flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Skewers

If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20-30 minutes to prevent burning. Then, thread the marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and red onion alternately onto the skewers. Leave a little space between pieces so they cook evenly.

Step 4: Grill the Kabobs

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates. Place the kabobs on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning every few minutes until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve warm with your favorite sides or over a bed of rice for a tropical meal you’ll want to make on repeat.

How to Serve and Store Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

These pineapple chicken kabobs are best served hot off the grill when the juices are sizzling and the edges have that perfect char. They feed about 4 people comfortably, especially when paired with a hearty side like rice or a crisp salad. For a fun presentation, serve them right on the skewers, or remove the pieces and toss them into a bowl for easier sharing at gatherings.

To store leftovers, simply remove the chicken and vegetables from the skewers and transfer to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for a quick and tasty meal. These kabobs also freeze well—just be sure to store them without the skewers.

What to Serve With Pineapple Chicken Kabobs?

Coconut Rice

A slightly sweet and creamy coconut rice balances the savory-sweet kabobs beautifully.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Buttery and charred corn adds a delicious crunch alongside your kabobs.

Asian Slaw

A tangy slaw with sesame dressing and crunchy veggies brings brightness and texture.

Garlic Noodles

These simple, buttery noodles make for a comforting and filling side.

Quinoa Salad

Light and nutritious, quinoa salad with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and lemon vinaigrette is a great pairing.

Watermelon Cucumber Salad

This ultra-refreshing salad brings cooling vibes to your warm summer grill plate.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Their natural sweetness complements the pineapple while adding a hearty component.

Grilled Zucchini

Lightly seasoned zucchini ribbons grilled to perfection are a low-carb, flavorful addition.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you’re loving these Pineapple Chicken Kabobs, you’re in good company. Here are a few more flavorful meals to keep the chicken creativity flowing:

Try the Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl for a hearty bowl packed with greens and lean protein.
Craving something creamy? The Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet brings comfort with a zing.
For a casserole twist, the Chicken Biscuit Casserole is a must-try weeknight star.
Mix things up with Parmesan Crusted Chicken, featuring a golden, crispy coating.
Or lighten things up with Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce for an easy protein-rich dinner.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And if you gave it your own spin, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you use mango instead of pineapple? Add some heat with chili flakes? Let us know in the comments!

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dinners and fresh ideas on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next go-to favorite.

Conclusion

Pineapple chicken kabobs bring together the best parts of grilling season: sweet fruit, juicy protein, and colorful vegetables. They’re easy to prep, fast to cook, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re throwing them on the grill for a backyard BBQ or whipping them up for a quick weeknight dinner, they deliver sunshine on a skewer every single time. Soak in the flavors and make these a regular on your summer menu.