Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe

If you’re searching for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing summer dish, Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are the answer to your backyard barbecue dreams! Juicy chicken, colorful veggies, and sweet pineapple get marinated in a tangy-savory sauce, then grilled to smoky perfection. Every bite is a little tropical escape you’ll want to revisit all season long.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of fresh, bold ingredients to make Pineapple Chicken Kabobs truly shine! Each component brings its own magic: from the juicy chicken that soaks up the marinade, to the sweet-tart pineapple and the crunchy, vibrant veggies that grill up beautifully.

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: Cut into even 1½-inch cubes—these provide the hearty, lean protein base that stays tender and juicy when marinated.
• Fresh Pineapple: Use a whole pineapple, chopped into cubes—its sweetness intensifies on the grill and adds a tangy bite to every skewer.
• Bell Peppers (Red, Yellow, or Green): Colorful peppers add sweetness, crunch, and plenty of visual appeal. Don’t be afraid to mix colors!
• Red Onion: Slightly sweetens and mellows as it grills, making every bite more flavorful.
• Olive Oil: Tossed with veggies to prevent sticking and add richness, plus some for basting the grill.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Simple but essential seasonings to bring out the best in each component.
• Wooden or Metal Skewers: For threading the kabobs—just soak wooden skewers beforehand!
• Soy Sauce (or Tamari): The umami backbone of the marinade—go gluten-free if you prefer with tamari.
• Pineapple Juice (100%): For extra tropical sweetness and to tenderize the chicken.
• Ketchup: Adds subtle tang and helps the marinade caramelize into a gorgeous glaze.
• Dark Brown Sugar: Deepens the sauce’s color and flavor with a touch of molasses.
• Sesame Oil: Gives the marinade an unmistakable depth and aroma.
• Minced Garlic & Fresh Ginger: These aromatics give the kabobs zesty, slightly spicy notes you’ll crave.
• Cornstarch & Water: Mixed as a slurry to thicken your basting sauce for a glossy finish.

Variations

One of the best things about Pineapple Chicken Kabobs is how easily you can customize them! Whether you’re accommodating dietary needs or simply using up what’s in your fridge, there’s a fun and delicious twist for everyone.

• Swap the Protein: Try shrimp, tofu, or pork in place of chicken for a new flavor each time.
• Add Different Veggies: Mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes all grill up beautifully alongside the pineapple.
• Spicy Kick: For heat lovers, add a sprinkle of chili flakes or sriracha to your marinade.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Simply use tamari in place of soy sauce, and double check all label ingredients to keep things GF-friendly.
• Low Sugar Option: Substitute brown sugar with honey, agave, or your favorite low-sugar alternative.

How to Make Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by placing your cubed chicken in a large zip-top bag. Whisk together the marinade ingredients (saving the cornstarch and water for later), and pour about half over the chicken. Seal the bag tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 3 hours. The longer it sits, the more flavor the chicken soaks up—just don’t exceed 4 hours, as the pineapple juice can make the meat a little mushy.

Step 2: Prep Veggies and Soak Skewers

While the chicken marinates, chop your pineapple, red onion, and bell peppers into sturdy, 1½-inch pieces. If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water for at least an hour—this prevents burning and splintering on the grill.

Step 3: Assemble the Kabobs

When you’re ready to cook, toss the veggies and pineapple with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Thread the chicken, pineapple, peppers, and onion onto the skewers, alternating for a colorful, balanced look. Be sure to discard the leftover marinade from the chicken for food safety!

Step 4: Make the Basting Sauce

Whisk together your reserved marinade with a quick cornstarch slurry (just cornstarch and water mixed until smooth). Pour into a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring until it thickens into a luscious glaze. This extra step gives Pineapple Chicken Kabobs their signature sticky-sweet finish.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Brush the grill grates lightly with oil to prevent sticking. Lay out your kabobs and grill for about 5–6 minutes on one side, until they get a gorgeous char. Flip, brush with basting sauce, and cook another 4–5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F). Brush one last time with sauce, then serve piping hot!

How to Serve Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or green onions right before serving is absolutely transformative—these finishing touches add lively color and a burst of freshness that perfectly complement the rich, caramelized kabobs. A few toasted sesame seeds are a fun, crunchy bonus!

Side Dishes

Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are fabulous alongside fluffy steamed rice, coconut-lime quinoa, or even herby couscous. For a lighter spread, serve with a crisp green salad or grilled corn on the cob for that classic cookout vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

Lay the skewers out on a big platter over a bed of arugula or baby greens, or stand the kabobs upright in a pineapple half for a festive tropical centerpiece! For parties, you can even slide the grilled ingredients off the skewers for a vibrant “kabob bowl.”

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Pineapple Chicken Kabobs should be cooled, then stored in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3–4 days, making them perfect for stress-free lunches or easy weeknight dinners.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze, remove the chicken and veggies from the skewers and pack in freezer-safe bags or containers. While the pineapple may soften a bit, the flavor stays fantastic—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, either pop the kabobs (or pieces) in the microwave until heated through, or warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes. The grill works as a quick reheat option, too—just a few minutes over medium heat will bring back the summery flavors.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something pure and joyful about sharing a platter of Pineapple Chicken Kabobs with family and friends—each bite is sunny, sweet, and packed with flavor. Whether you fire them up for a weeknight dinner or your next summer cookout, I hope you love every irresistible, golden-glazed piece!

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