Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers

Pineapple Chicken Kabobs recipe – sweet and sour marinated chicken, colorful bell peppers, sweet red onion and juicy pineapple make these kabobs a great quick and easy summer dinner idea!

Contents

Pineapple Chicken Kabobs: Your Ultimate Summer Grilling Delight

Nothing evokes the spirit of summer quite like the enticing sizzle of a grill and the irresistible aroma of perfectly charred food. Among the many culinary treasures of the warmer months, Pineapple Chicken Kabobs stand out as a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly fun dish that perfectly captures the essence of tropical bliss. This recipe masterfully combines succulent pieces of chicken, marinated in a delectable sweet and sour sauce, with juicy chunks of fresh pineapple, crisp bell peppers, and sweet red onion. The result is a symphony of flavors and textures, making these kabobs an absolute must-try for your next backyard barbecue or casual family dinner.

Imagine biting into tender, grilled chicken infused with tangy pineapple, complemented by the smoky sweetness of bell peppers and the subtle bite of red onion – all threaded onto a skewer, making for an effortlessly elegant and enjoyable meal. These kabobs are not just a meal; they’re an experience, promising to transport your taste buds to a Hawaiian paradise with every bite. Easy to prepare and even easier to devour, they’re designed for stress-free entertaining and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The bright, appealing colors of the vegetables and fruit make these skewers visually stunning, adding a festive touch to any table. Pair them with a refreshing tropical beverage or a homemade lemonade, and you’ve got the ideal setup for an unforgettable summer gathering.

Why Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Are a Summer Essential

Beyond their mouth-watering taste, Pineapple Chicken Kabobs offer several compelling reasons to become a staple in your summer cooking repertoire. First, they are incredibly versatile. While chicken is the star, you can easily adapt this recipe with other proteins like shrimp, pork, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. The colorful array of fresh vegetables not only adds to the visual appeal but also packs a nutritional punch, making this a wholesome choice for any meal. The combination of lean protein and fresh produce ensures a light yet satisfying dish that won’t weigh you down, even on the hottest days. They are naturally gluten-free (ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free) and can be easily customized to fit various dietary preferences.

Secondly, the ease of preparation is unmatched. With a simple, yet potent, marinade that doubles as a glaze, you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the sunshine. Marinating the chicken infuses it with deep, complex flavors, while grilling imparts a beautiful smoky char that enhances every component of the skewer. Plus, the individual portioning of kabobs makes them incredibly convenient to serve and eat, requiring minimal plate and utensil fuss, which makes cleanup a breeze – a true win for any host! They are also fantastic for meal prepping; simply marinate the chicken ahead of time and assemble the kabobs when you’re ready to grill.

The Star Ingredients for Your Perfect Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Crafting these irresistible kabobs begins with selecting the finest, freshest ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to assemble these vibrant skewers:

Fresh Pineapple: The undisputed champion of this dish. Opt for a ripe pineapple – it should smell sweet at the base and yield slightly to gentle pressure. The outer skin should have a golden-yellow hue. Fresh pineapple is absolutely key for its vibrant, natural flavor and for yielding the valuable juice used in the marinade. While canned pineapple chunks can be used in a pinch, fresh offers a superior taste, texture, and enzymatic power that truly elevates the kabobs and helps tenderize the chicken.
1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: Lean and tender, chicken breast is the ideal canvas for absorbing the marinade’s rich flavors. For those who prefer a juicier, slightly richer meat that is more forgiving if slightly overcooked, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative. Whichever you choose, ensure the chicken is cut into uniform, bite-sized pieces (approximately 1-inch cubes) to ensure even cooking throughout.
Red Onion: This variety of onion adds a beautiful pop of color and a milder, sweeter flavor when grilled compared to white or yellow onions. Its slight natural pungency provides a welcome aromatic contrast to the sweetness of the pineapple and bell peppers, rounding out the flavor profile.
Red Bell Pepper: Sweet and vibrant, red bell peppers soften beautifully on the grill, developing a delightful smoky flavor and a tender-crisp texture. They are rich in Vitamin C and add a crucial layer of flavor and color.
Yellow or Orange Bell Pepper: For an extra splash of sunshine-like color and another layer of mild, sweet flavor, include either yellow or orange bell peppers. The spectrum of colors from the bell peppers, red onion, and golden pineapple makes the kabobs visually stunning and appealing, truly making them a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

Crafting the Irresistible Sweet and Sour Marinade

The true secret to these sensational kabobs lies in their simple yet incredibly flavorful marinade. It’s a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, salty, and savory elements that not only tenderizes the chicken but also infuses it with a delightful tropical tang. What makes this marinade even more brilliant is its dual purpose: half of it is reserved to be brushed onto the kabobs as they grill, creating a beautiful, caramelized glaze that locks in moisture and adds a final burst of flavor. This ensures every single bite is packed with incredible taste.

For the freshest and most authentic flavor, I highly recommend using fresh pineapple. My husband, ever so handy with kitchen gadgets, skillfully cored our pineapple using a dedicated pineapple corer. The juice collected from this process was absolutely perfect – exactly the right amount needed for our marinade, a true testament to using fresh ingredients. If you don’t have a corer, simply slice the pineapple, carefully remove the fibrous core, and then gently squeeze the remaining fruit to extract its juice. Alternatively, you can use store-bought unsweetened pineapple juice, but always remember that fresh yields the best and most vibrant results.

Combine the following ingredients in a bowl to create this magical marinade:

Fresh Pineapple Juice: The natural sweetness and acidity of pineapple juice work wonders to tenderize the chicken. Its inherent enzymes break down proteins, resulting in incredibly succulent meat, while also providing the signature tropical flavor that defines this dish.
Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil acts as a carrier for all the fat-soluble flavors in the marinade, helping them penetrate the chicken effectively. It also adds moisture, helps prevent the chicken from drying out, and contributes to the beautiful browning on the grill.
Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemon Juice: This component adds a bright, tangy kick that masterfully balances the sweetness of the pineapple and brown sugar. Its acidity further aids in tenderizing the chicken and brightens the overall flavor profile.
Garlic: Freshly grated or minced garlic is an absolute non-negotiable for its pungent, aromatic depth. It adds a foundational savory note that complements the sweet and sour elements beautifully.
Brown Sugar (packed light): This is crucial for contributing to the sweet and slightly caramelized flavor of both the marinade and the final glaze. It helps achieve those desirable charred, sticky edges on the kabobs as they cook, enhancing their visual and taste appeal.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Introduces a wonderful umami depth and a savory saltiness without overpowering the delicate tropical flavors. Using low-sodium soy sauce allows for better control over the overall saltiness of the dish, letting you adjust to taste.
Salt: Essential for proper seasoning and enhancing all the complex flavors present in the marinade and the ingredients themselves.
Black Pepper: A touch of freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle warmth and aromatic complexity, providing a gentle counterpoint to the sweeter elements.

Whisk all these ingredients together until well combined, ensuring the brown sugar is fully dissolved into the liquid mixture. This marinade is truly the heart of the dish, promising a depth of flavor that will make your Pineapple Chicken Kabobs unforgettable and a firm favorite for many summers to come.

Tips for the Best Marinade and Chicken Preparation

Don’t Over-Marinate: While pineapple juice is fantastic for flavor and tenderizing, its natural enzymes (bromelain) can start to break down chicken fibers if left for too long. This can potentially lead to a mushy texture. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to infuse flavor, but ideally no more than 2-4 hours to maintain optimal texture.
Reserve Half for Glazing: It’s critical to remember to set aside half of the marinade *before* adding the raw chicken to it. This reserved portion will be used later as a fresh glaze during grilling, preventing any cross-contamination and adding a final, fresh burst of flavor and shine.
Chicken Piece Size Matters: Cut your chicken into uniform, roughly 1-inch cubes. This consistent size is important because it ensures that all the chicken pieces cook evenly and at the same rate, preventing some from being undercooked while others become dry and overdone. This also ensures they are compatible in size with the pineapple and vegetable pieces for balanced skewers.

Assembling and Grilling Your Tropical Kabobs to Perfection

Once your chicken is beautifully marinated and your vibrant vegetables are prepped, it’s time for the truly fun and rewarding part: assembling your skewers and bringing them to life on the grill! The visual appeal of these kabobs is a significant part of their enjoyment, so take a moment to thoughtfully arrange your ingredients on the skewers for maximum aesthetic pleasure and balanced flavors in every bite.

Step-by-Step Grilling Guide:

Prepare Your Skewers: If you are using wooden or bamboo skewers, it is essential to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to assembly. This crucial step prevents them from charring and burning on the hot grill, ensuring your kabobs stay intact. Metal skewers are also a fantastic, reusable option and do not require any soaking.
Chop and Cube: Double-check that your pineapple, bell peppers, and red onion are all cut into pieces that are roughly the same size as your chicken cubes (approximately 1-inch). This consistency is incredibly crucial for ensuring even cooking across all ingredients and preventing smaller pieces from overcooking.
Skewer with Care: Begin threading the marinated chicken and prepared vegetables onto your chosen skewers. Alternate the ingredients for an attractive presentation and to ensure each bite offers a delightful mix of flavors. A common pattern is chicken, bell pepper, pineapple, onion, then repeat. Aim for three to four pieces of chicken per kabob. When piercing the delicate pineapple pieces, do so slowly and gently to prevent them from splitting apart. Discard the marinade that the chicken was chilling in, as it has been in contact with raw chicken.
Preheat Your Grill: Start your grill and heat it to a medium-high temperature, aiming for approximately 375-400°F (190-200°C). Once hot, clean the grill grates thoroughly with a wire brush and then lightly oil them with a high-smoke-point oil (like vegetable or canola oil) to prevent the kabobs from sticking.
Grill to Perfection: Carefully place the assembled kabobs on the preheated, oiled grill grates. Cook for a total of about 8-12 minutes, turning them every 2-3 minutes to ensure even cooking and to develop beautiful grill marks on all sides. During the last few minutes of grilling, generously brush the kabobs with the reserved marinade. This will allow the sugars in the marinade to caramelize and form a luscious, sticky glaze, adding a fantastic layer of flavor and shine.
Check for Doneness: The chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a chicken piece to verify. The pineapple should be tender and slightly caramelized, and the vegetables should be tender-crisp with some appealing char marks, indicating perfect doneness.
Rest and Serve: Once cooked to perfection, remove the kabobs from the grill and transfer them to a clean platter or cutting board. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices within the chicken to redistribute, resulting in a more tender, succulent, and flavorful bite.

Essential Grilling Tips for Success:

Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Ensure there is enough space between your kabobs on the grill for even cooking and proper charring. If they are too close, they will steam rather than grill, preventing those delicious smoky flavors and beautiful grill marks from forming.
Uniformity is Key: As mentioned previously, uniformly cut pieces of chicken, pineapple, and vegetables are crucial. This consistency ensures that all components cook at roughly the same rate, preventing some pieces from being undercooked while others become dry or burnt.
Monitor Heat: While starting on medium-high heat is good for initial searing, be prepared to adjust the heat if the kabobs are charring too quickly. Sometimes, a slightly lower, more consistent heat works best for thorough cooking without burning the exterior.
Use a Meat Thermometer: This is the most reliable and safest way to ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly to the correct internal temperature, guaranteeing both food safety and optimal tenderness.

Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations

Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are wonderfully versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides to create a complete and satisfying meal. Their tropical flair makes them excellent companions for lighter, complementary dishes, perfect for any summer occasion.

What to Serve With Your Kabobs:

Coconut Rice or Jasmine Rice: A fluffy bed of rice perfectly soaks up any remaining glaze and complements the tropical flavors beautifully. Coconut rice adds an extra layer of exotic flavor and richness.
Fresh Garden Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing or a crisp, creamy KFC Coleslaw Copycat offers a refreshing, cool contrast to the warm, savory kabobs.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: Another quintessential summer grilling favorite that pairs incredibly well with kabobs, adding another layer of sweet, smoky flavor.
Quinoa or Couscous: For a healthier, lighter grain option, fluffy quinoa or quick-cooking couscous can be excellent choices to serve alongside, offering a different texture and nutritional profile.
Fresh Fruit Salad: Continue the tropical theme with a vibrant fresh fruit salad featuring ingredients like mango, papaya, kiwi, and berries for a refreshing finish.

Exciting Variations to Try:

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your kabobs! This recipe is a fantastic starting point for endless customizations and allows you to tailor it to your personal preferences or what you have on hand:

Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade or a dash of sriracha or hot sauce before glazing.
Different Proteins: Substitute chicken with other quick-cooking proteins. Shrimp (marinate for less time, about 15-20 minutes, as they cook very quickly), pork tenderloin, or even firm tofu or halloumi cheese for a delicious vegetarian twist.
Vegetable Medley: Experiment with other grill-friendly vegetables such as zucchini slices, cherry tomatoes, mushroom caps, or even par-boiled sweet potato chunks for a more substantial skewer.
Smoky Flavor Boost: A tiny touch of liquid smoke in the marinade or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can add a deeper, more pronounced smoky dimension, even if you’re using a gas grill.
Thicker Glaze: For an extra shiny, thicker glaze, gently reduce the reserved marinade in a small saucepan over medium heat for a few minutes until it thickens slightly before brushing it onto the kabobs during the final stage of grilling.

Related Recipes to Explore

If you loved the delightful sweet and savory flavors of these Pineapple Chicken Kabobs, you might enjoy exploring these other delightful and easy-to-make recipes from our collection:

Slow Cooker Pineapple Salsa Chicken: Another fantastic and effortless way to enjoy the sweet and tangy combination of pineapple and chicken, perfect for busy weeknights when you want a flavorful meal without much hands-on time.
Jalapeno Popper Burgers: For those who appreciate a bit of heat and bold, cheesy flavors, these burgers are a fun and delicious take on a classic appetizer, transformed into a satisfying main course.

If you embark on the culinary adventure of creating these delightful Pineapple Chicken Kabobs, we would absolutely love to see your culinary masterpiece! Don’t hesitate to snap a fantastic photo of your finished dish and share it on INSTAGRAM! Make sure to tag me @crunchycreamysweet so I can admire your delicious creation and share it with our wonderful community of food lovers!

Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Author:
Anna

Perfectly grilled kabobs with pineapple, chicken, peppers and onions. Light and healthy summer dinner idea!

★★★★★

5 from 4 votes

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 20

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 10 people

Calories 206 kcal

Ingredients

1 fresh pineapple
1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast
1 red onion
1 medium red bell pepper
1 medium yellow or orange bell pepper

for the marinade:

¼ cup pineapple juice (I got exactly that much after coring fresh pineapple – see note)
3 Tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
2 cloves garlic grated
⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
3 Tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Core pineapple and pour the juice into a small bowl. (If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes while preparing other ingredients to prevent burning.)
To make marinade: combine all ingredients with pineapple juice in a small bowl. Whisk well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed and brown sugar is dissolved. Set aside.
Cut chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. Place the chicken in a bowl. Pour half of the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2-4 hours, to allow the flavors to meld. Keep the remaining marinade reserved for glazing during grilling.
Prepare pineapple, bell peppers, and onion by cutting them into pieces that are roughly the same size as the chicken (approximately 1-inch cubes). This ensures even cooking.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (approximately 375-400°F or 190-200°C). Clean the grill grates and lightly oil them to prevent sticking.
Skewer the chicken (discard the marinade it was chilling in), pineapple, and vegetables onto the bamboo or metal skewers. Alternate the ingredients for an attractive presentation and balanced flavor in each bite. Aim for three to four pieces of chicken per kabob. When piercing the pineapple pieces, go slowly and carefully to prevent them from breaking apart.
Place the assembled kabobs on the preheated grill. Grill for 8-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender-crisp with some char marks. During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the kabobs with the reserved marinade to create a delicious glaze. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when tested with a meat thermometer.
Remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious, vibrant Pineapple Chicken Kabobs!

Notes

For easiest pineapple coring, we used a coring and ratcheting tool, which conveniently collected the perfect amount of juice for the marinade at the bottom of the “shell.” If you don’t have this tool, you can slice the pineapple and gently squeeze or blend pieces to extract the juice.

Nutrition

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