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Pineapple Chicken Kabobs on the Grill

Pineapple Chicken Kabobs on the Grill

Pineapple Chicken Kabobs on the Grill are a vibrant, juicy summer dish that perfectly balances sweet pineapple with marinated, tender chicken pieces. Grilled to smoky perfection with colorful vegetables and a savory-tangy marinade, these kabobs are easy to prepare, healthy, and ideal for backyard barbecues or casual cookouts.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes

Produce

  • 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
  • 1 red onion, cut into chunks
  • 2 bell peppers (assorted colors), cut into chunks

Marinade

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce or teriyaki sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Other

  • Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes) or metal skewers

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy or teriyaki sauce, brown sugar or honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, olive oil, salt, and pepper until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes a rich, aromatic marinade.
  2. Cut Chicken and Vegetables: Slice chicken into even, bite-sized cubes. Chop pineapple, red onion, and bell peppers into similarly sized chunks to ensure even grilling and easy skewering.
  3. Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken cubes in the marinade, coating all pieces thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours to develop flavor and tenderness.
  4. Assemble the Kabobs: Thread chicken pieces, pineapple chunks, bell pepper pieces, and red onion alternately onto soaked wooden or metal skewers to create balanced layers of flavor.
  5. Preheat the Grill: Heat grill to medium-high, about 400°F, to ensure even cooking and beautiful char marks without burning.
  6. Grill the Kabobs: Place skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning every few minutes so all sides cook evenly. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
  7. Rest and Serve: Remove kabobs from the grill and let rest for a few minutes to redistribute juices. Serve hot for maximum flavor and juiciness.

Notes

  • Use uniform cuts for even cooking.
  • Don’t overcrowd skewers; leave small gaps between pieces.
  • Keep the grill clean and oiled to prevent sticking.
  • Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely and juicily.
  • Marinate at least 30 minutes for flavor, up to 2 hours for tenderness.
  • For variations, add red pepper flakes for spice, swap chicken for tofu for a vegetarian option, or use tamari to keep it gluten-free.

Nutrition

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