Description
Grilled to perfection and bursting with tropical flavor, these Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are a quick dinner favorite and perfect for BBQs, family meals, or healthy snack ideas. Juicy chicken chunks marinated in a tangy-sweet glaze are paired with caramelized pineapple on skewers—simple to prepare, absolutely delicious, and great for anyone looking for easy dinner ideas or fresh food ideas for summer. This easy recipe brings together a beautiful mix of sweet, savory, and smoky in every bite!
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into 1.5-inch cubes
2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
⅓ cup soy sauce (low sodium)
¼ cup honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Zest of 1 lime
Juice of 1 lime
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: chopped chives or parsley for garnish
Optional: 1 bell pepper, cut into chunks
Optional: ½ red onion, sliced into thick pieces
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, ginger, lime zest, lime juice, and red pepper flakes.
2. Add chicken cubes to a large zip-top bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 6 hours.
3. If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
4. Thread chicken and pineapple (plus optional veggies) onto skewers, alternating them for even cooking.
5. Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and brush grates with oil.
6. Place skewers on the grill and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning every 3–4 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
7. Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
8. Serve warm with your favorite tropical or grilled sides.
Notes
For the best flavor, use fresh pineapple chunks instead of canned.
Chicken thighs can be used for extra juiciness and flavor retention on the grill.
Double the marinade if you want extra for basting or dipping—just be sure to separate before adding raw chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approx. 2 kabobs
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: pineapple chicken kabobs, grilled chicken skewers, easy BBQ recipe, tropical chicken, summer grilling