Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers

Name: Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 1 cup pineapple chunks; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; ¼ cup soy sauce; 2 tbsp honey; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Skewers (wooden or metal)

Highlighted under: Easy Plates

I love making Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers during the warmer months when we can fire up the grill and enjoy outdoor gatherings. The combination of juicy chicken and sweet pineapple is simply irresistible! I marinate the chicken in a tangy mixture that infuses it with flavor, ensuring each bite is tender and juicy. These skewers are not just a hit with my family; they're the perfect centerpiece for any barbecue. Plus, they’re easy to prepare and look beautiful on the grill!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-27T11:29:27.982Z

When I first tried grilling chicken with pineapple, I was amazed by how the flavors melded together so beautifully. The sweet caramelization of the pineapple combined with the savory chicken creates a delightful balance that makes every bite a joy. I learned that marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes really enhances the flavor, so I make sure to plan ahead and let it soak up all those delicious ingredients.

Another tip I discovered is the importance of soaking your skewers in water if you’re using wooden ones. This prevents them from burning on the grill and keeps your skewers intact. I love serving these with a side of rice to soak up any leftover juices, making for a delicious and satisfying meal!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Juicy chicken combined with sweet caramelized pineapple
Easy to prepare and perfect for outdoor barbecues
Customizable with your favorite bell peppers and vegetables

The Importance of Marinating

Marinating the chicken is a crucial step to ensure maximum flavor penetration and tenderness. When you let the chicken soak in the soy sauce mixture for at least 30 minutes, the acids and enzymes work to break down the meat fibers, resulting in a juicier bite. For even more flavor, consider marinating it overnight in the refrigerator. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before grilling to ensure even cooking.

The combination of soy sauce and honey not only imparts a savory-sweet flavor but also helps in achieving that beautifully caramelized exterior during grilling. If you're experimenting with flavors, try adding a splash of lime juice or ginger to the marinade for an extra zing that pairs wonderfully with the pineapple.

Choosing the Right Skewers

The choice between wooden and metal skewers can significantly impact your grilling experience. Wooden skewers are great for their lightweight nature but require soaking in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. If you’re short on time, use metal skewers which can withstand high temperatures without fear of charring. They also have the added benefit of being reusable, making them a sustainable choice for your barbecues.

If you choose wooden skewers, be sure to leave a little space between the ingredients when threading them on. This allows heat to circulate and ensures even cooking, rather than steam cooking the vegetables. When arranging the skewers, consider alternating colors and textures to make the dish visually appealing on your grill.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers are versatile and can be served in numerous ways. They shine as a main dish but are also excellent as appetizers at outdoor gatherings. Serve them with a side of jasmine rice or a vibrant salad to balance the sweetness. A drizzle of teriyaki sauce or a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top adds an extra layer of flavor if you want to elevate the dish.

Feel free to customize these skewers to suit your taste. Try mixing in other vegetables such as zucchini or cherry tomatoes, or even swapping pineapple for mango for a tropical twist. For a spicier kick, add jalapeño slices between the chicken and pineapple. The sky's the limit when it comes to creating your ideal skewer combination!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare these delicious skewers:

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, diced
1 cup pineapple chunks
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tbsp honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Skewers (wooden or metal)

Once you have all the ingredients ready, you're set to create these fantastic skewers!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your skewers:

Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add the diced chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Skewer the Ingredients

Thread the marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, and bell peppers onto the skewers, alternating as you go.

Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you're using wooden skewers, make sure they've been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes.

Grill the Skewers

Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.

Serve

Remove the skewers from the grill and serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.

Enjoy your beautifully grilled chicken and pineapple skewers!

Pro Tips

For a little extra flavor, you can add a squeeze of lime juice over the skewers just before serving.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you plan to prepare these skewers in advance, you can marinate the chicken and cut your vegetables up to a day ahead. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. When you're ready to grill, simply thread the ingredients onto the skewers and cook. This not only saves you time but also enhances the flavor as the marinade continues to infuse.

Leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. They can also be microwaved, though this may affect the texture, so be cautious not to overdo it.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your chicken ends up dry, it may be due to overcooking. Keep an eye on the skewers while grilling, and look for internal temperatures of 165°F (74°C) for thoroughly cooked chicken. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. If you want chunky grilled vegetables, remember that different sizes will cook at different rates, so cut them uniformly for consistent cooking.

Another common issue is sticking to the grill. Make sure your grill is preheated and well-oiled to create a non-stick surface, which is crucial for a flawless flip. If you're using a grill basket or foil, these can also help prevent sticking and make flipping easier.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable, making it great for gatherings. If you’re cooking for a larger crowd, simply multiply the ingredients according to the number of skewers you wish to make. Just be mindful of grill space; overloading can cause uneven cooking. Prepare your ingredients and marinate them in batches to streamline the process.

For smaller gatherings, you can also halve the recipe without compromising on deliciousness. Simply adjust your ingredient ratios, and enjoy these flavorful skewers as a personal treat—or share them with a close friend for a cozy barbecue!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other meats for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with shrimp, pork, or beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I grill these skewers indoors?

Absolutely! You can use a grill pan on the stovetop if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill.

→ What sides pair well with these skewers?

They go great with rice, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.