Pineapple Grilled Chicken Kebabs

There’s something about Pineapple Grilled Chicken Kebabs that instantly teleports me to a backyard filled with the crackling sound of a grill and the scent of sweet, smoky air. It’s the kind of dish that doesn’t just satisfy hunger—it creates memories. I remember the first time I had these kebabs at a cousin’s summer birthday party, where my uncle stood proudly by the barbecue, flipping skewers like a culinary maestro. The vibrant colors of red peppers, golden pineapple, and juicy grilled chicken glistened under the setting sun, and that moment—full of flavor and laughter—etched itself into my memory.

What makes this dish truly special is the marriage of sweet pineapple and savory marinated chicken, both coming together in perfect harmony. It’s a meal deeply inspired by Hawaiian cuisine, where fresh tropical fruit often finds its way into savory dishes. The pineapple not only brings brightness but also acts as a natural tenderizer for the chicken, resulting in bites that are juicy and flavorful all the way through.

This dish speaks to the heart of communal cooking—meals enjoyed outdoors, made to be passed around, and remembered. It’s perfect for summer barbecues, but just as delightful broiled in your oven when you’re craving a taste of sunshine on a gloomy day. Whether you’re planning a family gathering or a casual weeknight dinner, Pineapple Grilled Chicken Kebabs are a vibrant, joyful addition to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with flavor: The marinade, featuring pineapple juice, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, delivers a rich balance of sweet and savory.
• Colorful presentation: With its rainbow of ingredients, it’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.
• Easy to prep ahead: Marinate the chicken the night before for a quick, stress-free cooking experience.
• Versatile cooking methods: Whether you’re grilling outdoors or using your oven, this dish adapts beautifully.

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INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

• 500 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 2 cm cubes
• 2 cups fresh pineapple, cubed
• 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 2 cm pieces
• 1 large red onion, cut into wedges
• 60 ml soy sauce
• 60 ml pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

How to Make Pineapple Grilled Chicken Kebabs

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Mix the marinade
   In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, olive oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and black pepper. You’ll notice the sugar begins to dissolve, blending into a dark, aromatic marinade that hints at the deliciousness to come.
2. Marinate the chicken
   Add the chicken cubes into the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours. The longer you let it sit, the more flavorful and tender the chicken becomes. This is a great time to prep the vegetables.
3. Prep the skewers
   If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Then begin threading the ingredients: start with a piece of chicken, followed by pineapple, bell pepper, and onion. Repeat until your skewers are full, ending with chicken for that golden crust on both ends.

1. Grill the kebabs
   Preheat your grill to medium heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the kebabs on the grill and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, turning carefully to ensure even charring. Total cook time is around 12–15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred.
2. Serve and enjoy
   Let the kebabs rest for a couple of minutes. Serve them hot off the grill over rice, couscous, or even in a pita wrap with a dollop of yogurt sauce. The aroma alone will have your guests circling the table in anticipation.

Helpful Tips

• Uniform cuts: Make sure your chicken and vegetables are cut to similar sizes for even grilling.
• Reserve marinade: You can simmer leftover marinade into a glaze for brushing during grilling—just boil it thoroughly first.
• Oven alternative: Don’t have a grill? Bake the kebabs in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through.
• Make it your own: Add zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or swap the bell peppers for a different crunch and color.

DETAILS

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating)
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Grilling or Oven
• Cuisine: Hawaiian-inspired
• Diet: Dairy-free, Gluten-free (with tamari)

Notes

Chicken thighs provide more flavor and stay moist during grilling, but breasts are leaner and cook faster—use what you prefer.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Estimated per serving:

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 28 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fat: 14 g

Frequently Asked Questions

What are pineapple grilled chicken kebabs?
Pineapple grilled chicken kebabs are skewers of marinated chicken and pineapple chunks grilled to perfection. The marinade typically blends sweet and savory flavors, enhancing the chicken’s tenderness and the pineapple’s natural caramelization. Ideal for cookouts, these kebabs deliver a tropical, juicy bite in every piece.

What is pineapple chicken kabobs?
Pineapple chicken kabobs are a grilled dish featuring bite-sized pieces of chicken, fresh pineapple, bell peppers, and onions. The ingredients are threaded onto skewers and grilled, creating a smoky-sweet flavor combination that’s perfect for summer gatherings or an easy weeknight dinner.

Do you need to marinate pineapple chicken kabobs?
Yes, marinating is recommended to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor. Even a short marinade helps balance the sweetness of the pineapple with savory notes, making the kabobs more flavorful and juicy when grilled. A quick 30-minute soak can make a big difference.

What can you add to the chicken pineapple kabob?
You can enhance chicken pineapple kabobs with colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions. For extra flavor, try adding a light glaze made from soy sauce, honey, and garlic. These additions boost the visual appeal and create a well-rounded, tasty skewer.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS

To freeze: Wrap assembled kebabs tightly in plastic and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before grilling.
To refrigerate: Store in a sealed container for 3–4 days. Reheat gently to preserve the texture of the chicken and pineapple.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other tropical or grilled delights:

• A Cozy Skillet of Lemon Chicken for Comfort and Celebration
• Hot Honey Feta Chicken
• Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken
• Perfectly Juicy Air Fryer Grilled Chicken (Quick, Easy & Flavor-Packed)

Conclusion

Pineapple Grilled Chicken Kebabs are more than a meal—they’re a celebration of summer, a memory on a stick, and a go-to dish that blends ease with elegance. Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash or just treating your family to something special, these kebabs deliver every time. Soak in the sunshine, fire up the grill, and let this recipe bring warmth to your table and your heart.