Name: Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 47 min
Cuisine: Tropical / American Fusion
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless; 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or cilantro (optional)

What do you get when sweet tropical pineapple meets juicy grilled chicken? A mouthwatering combo that defines summer on a skewer. Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are one of those dishes that blend vibrant color, juicy flavor, and effortless prep into something everyone wants a bite of.

These kabobs are brushed with a simple marinade that caramelizes beautifully on the grill, bringing out the charred edges of the chicken and the natural sugars of the pineapple. Perfect for BBQs, weekday dinners, or meal-prep lunches, this recipe checks every box: quick, crowd-pleasing, and full of flavor.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the marinade or lighting up the grill, let’s round up the essentials for crafting perfect Pineapple Chicken Kabobs:

Wooden or Metal Skewers: These are the backbone of the dish. If you’re using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Sharp Chef’s Knife: You’ll need this for dicing the chicken breasts and pineapple into evenly sized chunks, ensuring everything cooks uniformly.
Cutting Board: Preferably use one for raw meat and a separate one for fruits to prevent cross-contamination.
Mixing Bowl: A large bowl is necessary to marinate the chicken thoroughly, allowing the flavors to seep in.
Grill or Grill Pan: This recipe shines on an outdoor grill, but a stovetop grill pan also does a great job of giving you that beautiful sear and grill marks.
Brush or Spoon: For basting the kabobs with any remaining marinade mid-cooking for extra flavor punch.

Setting yourself up with the right tools not only saves time but also enhances the final taste and texture. Skipping these might not ruin your kabobs, but they definitely won’t turn out as memorable!

Ingredients for the Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Each ingredient in this recipe has a clear role to play. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Chicken Breasts: The protein base of this dish, offering a lean yet juicy bite that grills beautifully.
Fresh Pineapple Chunks: Adds sweetness and a juicy contrast to the savory chicken. Canned pineapple can work in a pinch but won’t deliver the same freshness or texture.
Soy Sauce: Brings umami depth to the marinade and enhances the overall flavor.
Honey: Balances the soy with a sweet glaze that caramelizes perfectly on the grill.
Garlic (Minced): Infuses the chicken with aromatic, savory notes.
Fresh Ginger (Grated): Brightens up the marinade with a touch of zest and warmth.
Olive Oil: Helps coat the chicken and ensures it stays moist during grilling.
Lime Juice: Adds acidity that tenderizes the chicken and adds a citrusy punch.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balance.
Chopped Fresh Chives or Cilantro (Optional): For a fresh finish and color contrast.

How To Make the Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Step 1: Prep the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Taste it—you’re looking for that sweet-salty balance.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. Toss them into the marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the Skewers

Alternate threading marinated chicken and pineapple chunks onto soaked wooden skewers (or metal if preferred). Try to end and start with chicken pieces for even grilling.

Step 4: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat your grill (or grill pan) over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Grill and Baste

Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning every few minutes and basting with leftover marinade until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice charred marks.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped chives or cilantro if using, and serve hot.

Serving and Storing Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

These kabobs are best enjoyed straight off the grill while the pineapple is still warm and caramelized, and the chicken is juicy and tender. Serve them over a bed of coconut rice, alongside a crisp cucumber salad, or with a tropical salsa to complete the island vibe.

If you have leftovers, they store well too. Remove the chicken and pineapple from the skewers and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. You can also repurpose them into wraps, salads, or even a pineapple-chicken fried rice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I marinate the chicken?

You can marinate for as little as 30 minutes, but 2 to 4 hours is ideal to let the flavors really soak in. Avoid overnight marinating with acidic components like lime juice to prevent toughening the meat.

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes, though fresh pineapple is highly recommended for its texture and natural sugars that caramelize on the grill. If using canned, opt for chunks in juice, not syrup, and drain them well.

What can I substitute for soy sauce?

Tamari or coconut aminos are great gluten-free alternatives. You could also use a low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake.

Can I bake these instead of grilling?

Definitely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place skewers on a lined baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through.

Are these kabobs freezer-friendly?

The cooked chicken and pineapple can be frozen off the skewers. Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What side dishes go well with Pineapple Chicken Kabobs?

Try pairing them with garlic butter rice, grilled veggies, tropical fruit salad, or even sweet potato fries for a complete meal.

Want More Chicken & Pineapple Combo Ideas?

If you’re loving this sweet-savory duo, there are plenty more delicious directions you can take.

For a cozy oven-baked option, try my 2-Ingredient Pineapple Cake for dessert right after your kabobs. If you’re interested in spicy and hearty mains, the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna packs a punch and brings serious comfort to the table.

Need a side to round out the meal? My Air-Fried Potato Wedges are a fantastic crispy complement.

For other quick and flavorful chicken dishes, you might also like the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta or go bold with Spicy Honey Sriracha Chicken with Noodles.

Each of these recipes shares that same craveable balance of sweet, heat, and hearty satisfaction.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your grill-night or summer recipe boards for easy access. Just hit that Pin button!

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Did you go with fresh pineapple? Try a twist in the marinade? Leave a comment below. I’m always excited to hear your creative spins and kitchen wins.

Looking for more inspiration like this? Check out my Pinterest board for fresh ideas daily: LadyPlate on Pinterest.

Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 47 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Juicy chicken breast and sweet pineapple chunks, marinated in a zesty honey-soy blend and grilled to perfection. These kabobs deliver bold flavor and bright color, ideal for cookouts, weeknight dinners, or tropical-themed meals.