Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

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Juicy, tender chicken with sweet, caramelized pineapple chunks—these Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are a flavor-packed way to level up your grilling game. With their irresistible tropical twist, they make the perfect summer dinner or crowd-pleasing appetizer. Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ or a cozy weeknight meal, these skewers hit all the right notes.

The combination of marinated chicken and grilled pineapple brings the best of sweet and savory together. As the kabobs cook, the natural sugars in the pineapple caramelize beautifully while the chicken stays juicy and flavorful thanks to a simple yet bold marinade. It’s a breeze to make and even easier to love.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make your Pineapple Chicken Kabobs turn out just right, having the right tools on hand is key:

• Bamboo or Metal Skewers: If using bamboo, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Metal skewers offer durability and are reusable.
• Sharp Knife: For cutting uniform pieces of chicken and pineapple that will cook evenly.
• Mixing Bowls: Needed for preparing and marinating the chicken.
• Tongs: Essential for flipping the skewers on the grill without burning your hands.
• Grill or Grill Pan: A gas or charcoal grill gives the kabobs those signature char marks and smoky flavor. A grill pan is great for indoor cooking.

These tools ensure that prep is smooth, grilling is safe, and the kabobs cook to perfection.

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Ingredients for the Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Here’s a breakdown of the flavorful ingredients that bring these kabobs to life:

• Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless) – The main protein; it grills beautifully and absorbs marinade well.
• Fresh Pineapple Chunks – Adds natural sweetness and juiciness, and grills to a lovely caramelized texture.
• Soy Sauce – Provides umami depth and balances the sweetness.
• Honey – Adds sweetness and helps in caramelizing the kabobs.
• Garlic (minced) – Brings a punch of savory flavor.
• Ginger (grated) – Adds warmth and a slight zing, pairing perfectly with pineapple.
• Olive Oil – Helps with even grilling and keeps the chicken juicy.
• Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning.

These ingredients combine to create a tropical, tangy-sweet profile with just enough savory notes to keep things balanced.

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How To Make the Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Step 1: Prep the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes and place in a bowl or zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).

Step 3: Soak and Assemble the Skewers

If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. Then, alternate threading marinated chicken and pineapple chunks onto the skewers.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates. Grill the kabobs for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly charred.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Remove from heat and let rest for a couple of minutes. Serve hot with extra pineapple or your favorite side dish.

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How to Serve and Store These Kabobs

These Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are best served hot off the grill, when the pineapple is juicy and the chicken is perfectly charred. Pair them with coconut rice, a crisp cucumber salad, or grilled corn for a full summer-inspired meal. Garnish with chopped chives or cilantro for a touch of freshness.

If you have leftovers, remove the chicken and pineapple from the skewers and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. These kabobs also make a great next-day lunch served over greens or tossed into a grain bowl.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chicken is best for kabobs?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well. Thighs tend to stay more tender, while breasts offer a leaner option.

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Fresh pineapple gives the best texture and flavor, especially on the grill, but canned pineapple chunks (in juice, not syrup) are an acceptable substitute.

Can these kabobs be baked instead of grilled?

Yes! Bake them at 425°F on a foil-lined baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Use the broiler for a couple of minutes at the end to get that caramelized effect.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 4 hours. Too long and the pineapple’s acidity can start breaking down the chicken too much.

Can I prep these kabobs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble them a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to grill.

Are these kabobs freezer-friendly?

You can freeze the raw, marinated chicken (without the pineapple) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before assembling with fresh pineapple.

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Want More Chicken Ideas with a Tropical Twist?

If these Pineapple Chicken Kabobs got your mouth watering, you’ll want to check out these flavorful creations too:

• Tropical Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs with Pineapple for even more island-inspired goodness.
• Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe—a super easy, bake-and-serve option.
• Sweet Smoky Mango Pineapple Chicken for a sweet-savory twist with a little heat.
• Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot for hands-off cooking with maximum flavor.
• Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet if you want creamy, buttery chicken with bold seasoning.

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Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Life With Olivia on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how your kabobs turned out. Did you add bell peppers or jalapeños? Try them with sriracha drizzle?

I love seeing how you put your own spin on it. Feel free to ask questions too—let’s make grilling even better together.

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