Why Make This Recipe

Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers are a perfect dish for summer gatherings or weeknight dinners. They are fun to eat, colorful, and packed with flavor. The sweet and tangy pineapple pairs well with the savory chicken, making it a delightful combination. Plus, grilling adds a smoky taste that enhances the overall flavor. Whether you are serving it at a barbecue or enjoying a meal with your family, these skewers are sure to impress.

How to Make Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers

Ingredients:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
1 medium fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1.5-inch chunks
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
1 red onion, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
1/3 cup soy sauce, gluten-free preferred
1/4 cup pineapple juice
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Lime wedges for serving

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, smoked paprika, and black pepper until well combined.
Add chicken cubes to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.
If using wooden skewers, submerge them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling. Metal skewers require no preparation.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, reaching approximately 400°F on the temperature gauge.
Thread marinated chicken pieces, pineapple chunks, bell pepper pieces, and onion pieces alternately onto the prepared skewers, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
Place skewers on the grill and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, turning every 3 to 4 minutes to ensure even cooking and light charring. The chicken is ready when cooked through and opaque throughout with charred edges.
Remove skewers from the grill and allow them to rest for 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve alongside lime wedges.

How to Serve Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers

Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers can be served on a plate with lime wedges on the side. They can also be placed on a bed of rice or salad for a complete meal. Adding a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad can elevate your dining experience.

How to Store Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers

If you have leftovers, let the skewers cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or grill for a few minutes until heated through.

Tips to Make Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
You can use other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for variety.
Always soak wooden skewers before grilling to avoid burning.

Variation

You can make a spicy version by adding chili flakes or sriracha to the marinade. Alternatively, substitute the chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken and pat it dry before marinating.

2. How do I know when the chicken is thoroughly cooked?
The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F. The meat should be opaque and no longer pink inside.

3. Can I make these skewers in the oven?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F and place the skewers on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.

Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers

Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers are a colorful and flavorful dish perfect for summer gatherings, combining sweet pineapple and savory chicken with a smoky grilled taste.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 15

Total Time 45

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Barbecue

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Marinade

1/3 cup soy sauce, gluten-free preferred
1/4 cup pineapple juice
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Skewers

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
1 medium fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1.5-inch chunks
1 each red bell pepper, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
1 each red onion, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Lime wedges for serving

Method

Preparation

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, smoked paprika, and black pepper until well combined.
Add chicken cubes to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
If using wooden skewers, submerge them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.

Cooking

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, reaching approximately 400°F.
Thread marinated chicken pieces, pineapple chunks, bell pepper pieces, and onion pieces onto the prepared skewers, ensuring even distribution.
Place skewers on the grill and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, turning every 3 to 4 minutes until chicken is cooked through and opaque with charred edges.
Remove skewers from the grill, allow to rest for 2 minutes, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate overnight. You can substitute chicken with shrimp or add chili flakes for a spicy version. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Yumi

Name: Yumi HwagByline: Founder & Recipe Developer, YumimealsBio : Yumi tests weeknight-friendly air fryer, slow cooker, and BBQ recipes in a small home kitchen. She focuses on simple steps, real-family testing, and clear food-safety guidance. Contact: [email protected]