When it comes to summer grilling, few dishes strike the perfect balance between sweet and savory quite like Pineapple Chicken Kabobs. These skewers are a tropical-inspired explosion of flavor, featuring juicy chunks of chicken breast, caramelized pineapple, and colorful bell peppers all kissed by the grill. With a sticky-sweet glaze that slightly chars over flame, every bite offers a delightful mix of smoky, tangy, and tender satisfaction.
Ideal for backyard barbecues or quick weeknight dinners, these kabobs are a crowd-pleaser that looks as good as it tastes. They’re easy to assemble, incredibly customizable, and perfect for serving alongside fresh summer sides like corn on the cob or a cool pasta salad. Whether you’re hosting a family cookout or meal-prepping for the week, Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are a flavorful, feel-good option.
Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe
These kabobs deliver bright and balanced flavors that scream sunshine and celebration. Pineapple adds natural sweetness and moisture, while the chicken picks up all the right notes from the marinade. Plus, they cook quickly, require minimal cleanup, and offer plenty of room to swap in your favorite veggies or proteins. It’s a one-skewer wonder you’ll crave again and again.
What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a popular choice because they grill up quickly and absorb marinades well. If you prefer richer flavor, boneless thighs work just as beautifully and tend to stay extra juicy. Whichever you choose, just make sure the chicken pieces are cut evenly for consistent cooking across each kabob.
Ingredients for the Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
To make these kabobs irresistibly juicy and flavorful, you need a short list of ingredients that each bring something special to the mix:
- Chicken Breast or Thighs – Lean, protein-rich, and perfect for soaking up all that tropical marinade.
- Fresh Pineapple Chunks – The star ingredient! Their sweetness caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
- Bell Peppers (Red, Yellow, Green) – For color, crunch, and balance to the sweetness.
- Red Onion – Adds a mild sharpness and turns lusciously tender when grilled.
- Soy Sauce – Forms the savory base of the marinade.
- Honey or Brown Sugar – Adds that sticky glaze and enhances caramelization.
- Garlic and Ginger – Bring bold, aromatic depth.
- Lime Juice – A splash of acidity to brighten every bite.
- Olive Oil – Helps everything stay juicy and prevents sticking.


How To Make the Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
Step 1: Make the Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, lime juice, and olive oil until well combined.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add cubed chicken to the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) for deeper flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Skewers
Thread the marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and red onion alternately onto soaked wooden or metal skewers.
Step 4: Grill the Kabobs
Preheat your grill to medium-high. Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Let the kabobs rest for a couple of minutes, then serve hot with your favorite sides and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or sesame seeds if desired.
How to Serve and Store Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
These kabobs are best served hot off the grill, but they’re just as satisfying at room temperature, making them great for potlucks or picnic spreads. This recipe yields about 4 servings, depending on skewer size and portioning.
To store leftovers, let the kabobs cool completely and remove them from the skewers. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or quickly warm them in a skillet over medium heat.
What to Serve With Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
H3: Coconut Rice
The natural sweetness of coconut rice complements the tropical profile of the kabobs perfectly.
H3: Grilled Corn on the Cob
Smoky and buttery corn makes a great sidekick to these charred skewers.
H3: Cucumber Mint Salad
A refreshing salad balances out the savory-sweet kabobs and cools down the spice.
H3: Garlic Butter Noodles
Comforting and savory, they soak up any extra glaze from the kabobs.
H3: Mango Avocado Salsa
This fruity, creamy side adds an extra punch of color and zing.
H3: Roasted Sweet Potatoes
A naturally sweet, hearty option that plays beautifully with grilled flavors.
H3: Easy Veggie Patties
Serve alongside or on the side to add plant-based protein to the meal. Try our Easy Veggie Patties
H3: Avocado Egg & Chickpea Salad
A fresh, protein-rich salad that works well as a light companion. Make the Avocado Chickpea Salad
Want More Chicken Skewer Ideas?
If you enjoyed these Pineapple Chicken Kabobs, you’ll love trying out some of our other grilled or tropical-inspired meals:
- Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs if you’re into cheesy, juicy bite-sized fun.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna for a pasta-packed seafood twist.
- Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken to keep the chicken trend rolling.
- Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells for a comfort-food dinner night.
- Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup as a cozy pairing or starter.
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Let us know in the comments how your Pineapple Chicken Kabobs turned out! Did you toss in extra veggies or spice it up with chili flakes? Did you serve it over rice or slide it into a wrap?
We love seeing your versions and are always here for questions!
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Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
- Total Time: 32
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Get ready to fire up your grill for these irresistibly juicy Pineapple Chicken Kabobs. This easy dinner recipe combines sweet and savory in every bite, making it perfect for summer cookouts, quick weeknight meals, or healthy snack ideas. Juicy chicken breast, caramelized pineapple, and bell peppers are threaded onto skewers and grilled to smoky perfection. It’s a fun and colorful way to enjoy a tropical twist on classic grilled chicken. Whether you’re meal-prepping or serving a crowd, this easy recipe is packed with flavor and fits into your collection of quick meals, dinner ideas, or fresh food ideas for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 pound chicken breast or thighs, cut into chunks
1 ½ 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
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
1. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, lime juice, and olive oil.
2. Add the chicken chunks to the marinade and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
3. Thread chicken, pineapple, peppers, and onion onto skewers.
4. Preheat grill to medium-high.
5. Grill skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.
6. Let rest before serving. Garnish with sesame seeds or fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
Let your chicken marinate longer (up to 2 hours) for deeper flavor.
Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 12
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: grilled chicken, kabobs, pineapple chicken, summer dinner, easy recipe