Why You’ll Love Ultimate Tropical Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kebabs Recipe

This recipe combines tropical sweetness with savory grilled chicken for a crowd‑pleasing meal that’s both simple and flavorful. It’s quick to prepare, easy to customize to your liking, and perfect for summertime grilling or entertaining guests. The marinade tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with rich flavor, and the pineapple caramelizes on the grill for a juicy burst in every bite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1‑inch cubes
1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into 1‑inch chunks
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before using)

Directions

In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
Add the cubed chicken to the marinade and toss until all pieces are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
Preheat your grill to medium‑high heat (about 375–400°F / 190–205°C). If you’re using wooden skewers, ensure they’ve been soaked.
Thread the marinated chicken pieces and pineapple chunks onto the skewers, alternating between chicken and pineapple for even distribution.
Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for about 4–5 minutes per side, turning to ensure even cooking and nice grill marks.
Baste with any remaining marinade during the last couple of minutes for extra glossy, flavorful kebabs.
Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: About 4 servings
Prep Time: ~30 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: ~10–12 minutes
Total Time: ~40–45 minutes (including marinating)

Variations

Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the marinade for heat.
Veggie addition: Thread bell peppers, red onion, or zucchini between the chicken and pineapple for added color and nutrition.
Tropical upgrade: Swap pineapple chunks for mango or peach pieces for a different fruit flavor.
Gluten‑free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Citrus boost: Add a squeeze of lime juice to the marinade for brightness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Remove kebabs from skewers and place the leftover chicken and pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm gently in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through to prevent drying out.

FAQs

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinating 2 hours (or up to overnight) works well.

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes, but fresh pineapple caramelizes better on the grill. If using canned, drain well before skewering.

What’s the best cut of chicken to use?

Both chicken breast and thighs work. Thighs tend to stay juicier on the grill.

Do I need to soak wooden skewers?

Yes, soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.

Can this be cooked indoors?

Yes, you can grill on an indoor grill pan or bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 15‑20 minutes, turning halfway.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and juices should run clear.

Can I add other fruits to the skewers?

Yes, mango or peaches add a nice twist on the tropical theme.

What sides pair well with these kebabs?

Serve with coconut rice, green salad, or grilled vegetables.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead and pre‑cut pineapple to save time.

Are these kebabs kid‑friendly?

The sweet pineapple and mild marinade make these kebabs appealing to kids as well as adults.

Conclusion

These Ultimate Tropical Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kebabs are a flavorful, fun way to enjoy grilled chicken with a taste of the tropics. With simple preparation and endless customization options, they’re perfect for summer cookouts, family dinners, or meal prep. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or try a variation, these kebabs are sure to become a favorite.

Ultimate Tropical Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kebabs

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Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kebabs are a flavorful and colorful summer dish featuring marinated chicken, sweet pineapple, and crisp vegetables grilled to perfection.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Grill
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Instructions

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes if using.
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and black pepper to make the marinade.
Add chicken cubes to the marinade and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 8 hours for more flavor).
Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
Thread marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, and vegetables alternately onto skewers.
Grill kebabs for about 10–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and has grill marks.
Remove from grill and let rest a few minutes before serving.

Notes

You can substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for variation.
Fresh pineapple works best, but canned pineapple can be used if drained well.
Brush leftover marinade onto kebabs while grilling for extra flavor (only if marinade hasn’t touched raw chicken).

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 skewer (approx.)
Calories: 220
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 55mg