Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe: Easy Grilled Summer Dinner

Juicy, colorful, and bursting with sweet-savory tropical flavors, this Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe is the ultimate summer dinner with a Hawaiian twist. This vibrant dish features tender marinated chicken pieces and sweet pineapple chunks threaded onto skewers with crisp bell peppers and red onions, all glazed to caramelized perfection on the grill or in the oven. It’s the kind of meal that fills your backyard with mouthwatering aromas and brings everyone straight to the picnic table.

Each bite delivers a satisfying combination of textures—charred tender chicken, caramelized juicy pineapple, and crisp-tender vegetables. Whether you’re cooking for a weekend barbecue or preparing a quick weeknight dinner, this Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe is as simple to make as it is to enjoy. Serve with your favorite sides like coconut rice, grilled vegetables, fresh salad, or garlic bread for a colorful, customizable meal that feels like a tropical vacation on a plate.

Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe

• Perfect for grilling season: These kabobs are ideal for outdoor cooking, summer parties, and backyard gatherings.
• Sweet and savory magic: The combination of juicy pineapple and savory chicken creates an irresistible flavor balance.
• Kid and adult approved: Children love the sweet pineapple, while adults appreciate the perfectly seasoned chicken.
• Meal prep friendly: Make the marinade and prep the skewers ahead for quick weeknight grilling all week long.
• Healthy and colorful: Packed with lean protein, fresh fruit, and vegetables—nutritious never looked so good.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment, Plus Why They Matter)

Before diving into this delicious Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe, having the right tools on hand will make everything smoother—from prep to grilling.

Essential Tools & Why You Need Them:

Metal or Bamboo Skewers (10-12 inch)
These are essential for threading your chicken and pineapple. Metal skewers are reusable and won’t burn, while bamboo skewers need soaking for 30 minutes before use.

Large Mixing Bowl or Zip-Top Bag
Perfect for marinating the chicken thoroughly, ensuring every piece absorbs maximum flavor.

Sharp Knife & Cutting Board
For cutting chicken into uniform cubes, chunking pineapple, and chopping vegetables into skewer-friendly pieces.

Grill or Grill Pan
A gas or charcoal grill gives the best smoky char, but a grill pan or even your oven broiler works perfectly too.

Basting Brush
Essential for brushing extra marinade or glaze onto the kabobs while cooking for added flavor and shine.

Tongs
For turning kabobs easily without losing ingredients or burning your hands.

Having these items prepped and within reach makes assembling and cooking your Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe seamless and safe.

Preparation Tips

• Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading to prevent them from burning on the grill.
• Cut ingredients uniformly so everything cooks evenly—aim for 1 to 1.5-inch cubes for chicken and pineapple.
• Don’t overcrowd the skewers—leave small gaps between pieces to ensure even cooking and proper caramelization.
• Marinate for maximum flavor for at least 30 minutes, but overnight marinating creates even deeper, more complex taste.
• Preheat your grill properly to medium-high heat (about 400°F) before adding kabobs for perfect char marks.
• Let them rest: Allow kabobs to rest for 3-5 minutes after grilling so juices redistribute throughout the chicken.

These small touches make a big difference in achieving restaurant-quality grilled perfection at home.

Ingredients for This Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this bold, tropical-inspired dish to life. Most of the ingredients are fresh and simple, making this Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe both accessible and delicious.

For the Chicken & Marinade:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
• 3 cups fresh pineapple chunks (or canned pineapple chunks, drained)
• 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares
• 1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares
• 1 large red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
• ⅓ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• ¼ cup pineapple juice
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

For the Glaze (Optional):

• ¼ cup reserved marinade (boiled for 3 minutes)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water

Optional Garnishes:

• Sesame seeds (white or black)
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Sliced green onions
• Lime wedges
• Fresh pineapple leaves (for presentation)
• Sweet chili sauce for dipping

Everything in this list balances sweet, savory, and tangy—the pineapple caramelizes beautifully while the chicken stays juicy and flavorful. The garnishes are optional but add freshness and visual appeal.

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined. This aromatic marinade is the flavor foundation of your Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe.

Reserve ¼ cup of the marinade in a separate container and refrigerate for basting later (make sure to boil it for 3 minutes before using to ensure food safety).

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the cubed chicken to the bowl with the remaining marinade, tossing until every piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer everything to a large zip-top bag. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor. The longer it marinates, the more tender and flavorful your chicken will be.

Step 3: Assemble the Kabobs

If using bamboo skewers, make sure they’ve been soaking in water for at least 30 minutes. Remove the chicken from the marinade and thread onto skewers, alternating with pineapple chunks, bell pepper squares, and red onion pieces. A typical pattern might be: chicken, pineapple, red pepper, chicken, green pepper, onion, chicken, pineapple—but feel free to arrange however you like.

Leave small spaces between each piece for even heat circulation and thorough cooking. Repeat until all ingredients are used, making approximately 8-10 kabobs.

Step 4: Grill the Kabobs

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F) and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place your assembled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe on the grill and cook for 10-14 minutes total, turning every 3-4 minutes to ensure even charring on all sides.

Brush with the reserved boiled marinade during the last few minutes of cooking for extra glaze and flavor. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the pineapple should be nicely caramelized with beautiful grill marks.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest on a serving platter for 3-5 minutes. This allows the juices to settle back into the chicken for maximum tenderness.

Garnish with sesame seeds, fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or lime wedges as desired. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your perfectly grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe.

Notes

Oven Method: No grill? No problem! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), place kabobs on a lined baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.

Protein Swaps: Shrimp, pork tenderloin, or firm tofu all work beautifully in this recipe with similar cooking times.

Fresh vs. Canned Pineapple: Fresh pineapple has better texture and less moisture, but well-drained canned pineapple chunks work in a pinch.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Not soaking bamboo skewers: Dry skewers will catch fire on the grill, ruining your kabobs and creating a safety hazard.
• Cutting ingredients unevenly: Different sizes cook at different rates, leaving some pieces raw while others are overcooked.
• Overcrowding the skewers: Ingredients packed too tightly won’t cook evenly and won’t develop that desirable caramelized char.
• Using raw marinade for basting: Always boil reserved marinade for at least 3 minutes to kill any bacteria from the raw chicken.
• Not preheating the grill: A cold grill causes sticking and prevents proper sear marks and caramelization.
• Overcooking the chicken: Chicken breasts dry out quickly. Use a meat thermometer and remove at exactly 165°F for juicy results.
• Flipping too often: Let each side develop char marks before turning—constant flipping prevents proper caramelization.
• Skipping the resting period: Cutting into chicken immediately releases all the juices, leaving dry, less flavorful meat.

What to Serve With Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe?

This vibrant and flavorful kabob dish is delicious on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can turn it into a complete tropical feast. Whether you’re going light or hearty, there’s a side dish for every preference.

8 Delicious Recommendations:

Coconut Rice
Fluffy jasmine rice cooked in coconut milk adds tropical sweetness and perfectly complements the pineapple flavors.

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Creamy, tangy mac salad is a traditional Hawaiian plate lunch staple that pairs beautifully with grilled kabobs.

Grilled Corn on the Cob
Sweet corn brushed with butter and sprinkled with lime and chili powder brings smoky summer vibes.

Asian Cucumber Salad
Cool, crisp cucumbers in rice vinegar dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the sweet-savory kabobs.

Fried Rice
Vegetable or pineapple fried rice echoes the tropical theme while adding substance to the meal.

Fresh Green Salad with Mango
Mixed greens with mango slices, red onion, and citrus vinaigrette keep things light and vibrant.

Garlic Bread or Hawaiian Rolls
Warm, buttery bread is perfect for soaking up any extra glaze or marinade from the plate.

Grilled Pineapple Slices (for dessert)
Continue the pineapple theme with caramelized pineapple rings topped with vanilla ice cream for a sweet finish.

These pairings help round out the meal and bring authentic Hawaiian luau vibes to your dinner table.

Storage Instructions

This Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe stores well and makes excellent leftovers for quick lunches or dinners.

How to Store:

Refrigerator: Let the kabobs cool completely, then remove ingredients from skewers and store in an airtight container. They will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezer: For longer storage, place cooled chicken and vegetables (without pineapple, which doesn’t freeze well) in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) on a baking sheet for 10-12 minutes or until heated through.

Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Note that pineapple may release extra moisture when reheated.

Always ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when reheating.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 6 Servings)

Please note this is an approximate breakdown and may vary based on exact ingredients used.

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	295
Protein	34g
Carbohydrates	24g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugar	18g
Total Fat	7g
Saturated Fat	1g
Unsaturated Fat	5g
Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	95mg
Sodium	680mg

This dish delivers a lean, protein-packed meal with natural fruit sweetness—perfect for a healthy yet satisfying dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead, and assemble the kabobs up to 4 hours before grilling. Store covered in the refrigerator.

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving on the grill. They may take 2-3 minutes longer to cook through.

3. Do I have to use fresh pineapple?
Fresh is best for texture, but canned pineapple chunks work perfectly. Just drain them thoroughly and pat dry before threading.

4. Can I make these in the oven?
Definitely. Broil on high for 12-15 minutes, turning once, or bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

5. What if I don’t have skewers?
No problem. Arrange all ingredients on a sheet pan and roast at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway for even cooking.

6. Can I make these kabobs spicier?
Of course. Add more red pepper flakes to the marinade, brush with sriracha, or serve with spicy sweet chili sauce on the side.

7. How do I prevent vegetables from falling off the skewers?
Cut pieces slightly larger than the chicken, and thread them snugly but not too tightly. Metal skewers with flat edges work best.

8. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely. Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or yellow squash all work wonderfully and add color and nutrition.

Conclusion

This Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe is the ultimate combination of tropical sweetness and savory grilled perfection—all threaded onto convenient skewers for easy eating. With its juicy marinated chicken, caramelized pineapple, and colorful vegetables, it’s everything you love about summer grilling in one delicious package.

Perfect for backyard barbecues, weeknight dinners, or meal prep planning, this Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Plus, with endless customization options and simple preparation, it never gets old. So fire up your grill and make dinner something everyone will love.