Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

There’s something magical about the sizzle of skewers hitting a hot grill—the smoky aroma, the vibrant colors, and the promise of a meal that feels like a mini vacation. For me, that magic is perfectly captured in Pineapple Chicken Kabobs. I still remember the first time I made them for a backyard gathering with friends. The sun was setting, laughter filled the air, and those sweet, savory skewers disappeared faster than I could flip them.

It was one of those effortless, joyful meals where everyone gathered around the grill, drinks in hand, completely captivated by the smell of caramelizing pineapple and teriyaki-glazed chicken. That’s the power of a great kabob—it doesn’t just feed people; it brings them together.

If you’re looking for a Grilled Chicken Skewers recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, you’ve found it. These Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are my go-to for summer grilling, weeknight dinners, and any occasion that calls for a little tropical flair.

They’re marinated in a simple, homemade teriyaki sauce that tenderizes the chicken and gives it that irresistible glossy finish. Paired with juicy pineapple chunks and colorful bell peppers, every bite is a balance of sweet, savory, and smoky goodness. Whether you’re a grilling pro or just getting started, this Easy Dinner Recipe is designed to build your confidence and deliver incredible flavor with minimal effort.

Ready to fire up the grill? Let’s dive in.

Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Ingredients

Pineapple Chicken Kabobs come together with a handful of fresh, vibrant ingredients that pack a ton of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks (about 1 small pineapple)
• 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch chunks
• Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before grilling)

For the Teriyaki Marinade:

• 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 3 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening the glaze)

Smart Swaps:

• No fresh pineapple? Canned pineapple chunks in juice (not syrup) work in a pinch.
• Swap bell peppers for zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes.
• Use agave or brown sugar instead of honey.

Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
• Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour

Compared to many grilled dishes, these kabobs cook fast—making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Making these Grilled Chicken Skewers is a straightforward process, but a few pro tips will take them from good to great.

Step 1: Make the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. This homemade teriyaki marinade is the secret to tender, flavorful chicken. If you love experimenting with flavors, check out our foundational Chicken Marinade guide for more inspiration.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the cubed chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour about two-thirds of the marinade over it. Reserve the remaining marinade for basting and glazing. Seal the bag, massage the marinade into the chicken, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours). Marinating is key for juicy, well-seasoned chicken.

Step 3: Prepare the Skewers and Veggies

While the chicken marinates, soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and onion onto the skewers, alternating ingredients for color and flavor distribution. Leave a little space between pieces to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, brushing with reserved marinade during the last few minutes of cooking. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F, and the pineapple should have nice grill marks.

Step 5: Make the Glaze

While the kabobs grill, pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan. Add the cornstarch slurry and simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze. Brush over the finished kabobs before serving.

Nutritional Information for Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

One serving (2 skewers) provides approximately:

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 3g

Pineapple adds natural sweetness and vitamin C, while lean chicken breast offers high-quality protein—making this a Healthy Chicken Recipe that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Equipment Needed for Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

• Grill (gas or charcoal) or grill pan
• Skewers (wooden or metal)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Basting brush
• Small saucepan

No grill? No problem. You can make Oven Baked Kabobs by arranging the skewers on a baking sheet and broiling for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Elegance: These skewers look impressive but are simple enough for a Tuesday night.
• Family-Friendly: Sweet pineapple and tender chicken are a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Meal Prep Star: Assemble skewers ahead of time or use leftovers in salads, wraps, or grain bowls.
• Versatile: Easily adapt the veggies or protein to what you have on hand.
• Summer Grilling Perfection: They embody everything we love about warm-weather cooking.

Healthier Alternatives for Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Want to lighten things up? Try these simple swaps:

• Use chicken breast instead of thighs for leaner protein.
• Replace honey with sugar-free maple syrup or a pinch of stevia.
• Load up on extra veggies like mushrooms or cherry tomatoes for more fiber.
• Serve with cauliflower rice instead of white rice for a low-carb option.

If you enjoy tropical flavors with a hands-off approach, our Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan recipe offers similar sweet-and-savory vibes with even easier cleanup.

Serving Suggestions for Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

These skewers are a complete meal on their own, but they shine with the right sides. Here are a few ideas:

• Fluffy jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up the extra glaze
• A crisp cucumber salad or Asian slaw for contrast
• Grilled corn on the cob or garlic bread for a barbecue feel
• A sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions for garnish

For another crowd-pleasing grilled option, try our Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers—they’re creamy, herby, and totally addictive.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the Skewer Soak: Dry wooden skewers will burn on the grill. Always soak them for at least 30 minutes.
• Overcrowding the Skewers: Leave a little space between ingredients to ensure everything cooks evenly.
• Using High Heat Exclusively: If your grill is too hot, the sugar in the marinade can burn before the chicken cooks through. Medium-high heat is ideal.
• Not Reserving Marinade for Glaze: Always set aside some marinade before adding the raw chicken to avoid cross-contamination.

Storing Tips for Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze assembled, uncooked skewers on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before grilling.
• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven or on a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Avoid microwaving, which can make the chicken rubbery.

If you love set-it-and-forget-it meals, our Crockpot BBQ Chicken is another sweet-and-savory chicken dish that practically cooks itself.

Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Conclusion

Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are more than just a meal—they’re an experience. From the moment you thread those colorful ingredients onto skewers to the final drizzle of teriyaki glaze, this recipe is designed to bring joy to your kitchen (and your grill). It’s flexible, flavorful, and perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to weekend cookouts.

I hope this recipe becomes a staple in your home, just like it has in mine. When you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below or share your creation with me on Pinterest—don’t forget to tag @Stacksipsnack.

For more grilled chicken inspiration, check out our Easy Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito—it’s another favorite for adding excitement to your dinner rotation. Happy grilling

FAQs about Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

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