Name: Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Pineapple Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breast boneless, skinless, cut into 1 inch pieces; 6 garlic cloves peeled and crushed; Sea salt to taste; Ground black pepper to taste; 3 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 large red bell pepper cut into 1 inch pieces (5.29 oz | 150 g); 1 large white onion cut into 1 inch pieces; 1 cup zucchini sliced (4.37 oz | 124 g); 1 small pineapple cut into 1 inch pieces (14.10 oz | 400 g)

There’s something so vibrant about the combination of juicy pineapple and tender grilled chicken that just sings summer. This Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Pineapple Recipe brings together smoky, sweet, and savory flavors that always impress guests – and it’s downright easy to pull off.

The image shows six skewers of grilled kebabs arranged diagonally on a black grill pan. Each skewer has five main layers repeated in this order: charred golden-brown chicken pieces with slightly burnt edges, bright red tomato slices, white onion chunks with a bit of brown from grilling, green bell pepper slices with soft edges, and yellow pineapple cubes with grill marks. The layers alternate evenly on each skewer, with each piece looking juicy and cooked. The background is a white marbled surface that contrasts with the dark grill and colorful food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Pineapple Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Pineapple Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Pineapple Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I still remember the first time I threw these kabobs on the grill — that perfect sizzle combined with the sweet scent of pineapple made it an instant favorite. This Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Pineapple Recipe feels like a celebration on a skewer, perfect for laid-back dinners or weekend cookouts.

Easy prep: Just a quick marination, and you’re ready to grill without fuss or complicated steps.
Balanced flavors: The pineapple adds a juicy sweetness that beautifully complements the savory chicken and veggies.
Versatile ingredients: You can easily swap veggies or adjust seasonings to suit your tastes.
Perfect for any occasion: Great for weeknight dinners, weekend BBQs, or even meal prepping for the week.

The image shows many grilled skewers with layers of cooked chicken pieces that are brown with some black grill marks. Between the chicken pieces are slices of red bell pepper, white onion chunks, green zucchini rounds, and yellow pineapple cubes, creating a colorful mix. Each skewer has repeated layers of these vegetables and meat, with the chicken being the largest pieces. The grilled surface beneath the skewers is dark and charred. The whole scene is close-up, focusing on the texture and colors of the grilled food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in the Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Pineapple Recipe is chosen to create that wonderful burst of flavor and texture. I like to shop for fresh, colorful veggies and a sweet, ripe pineapple — those little details make a big difference.

Flat lay of a pile of fresh boneless, skinless chicken breast pieces cut into cubes, vibrant red bell pepper chunks, crisp white onion wedges, bright green zucchini slices, golden pineapple chunks, six whole peeled garlic cloves, small white ceramic bowls holding golden honey and extra virgin olive oil, and small piles of coarse sea salt and ground black pepper, all arranged symmetrically in a balanced composition on a simple white ceramic plate and bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Chicken breast: Lean and tender, it grills quickly and soaks up the marinade beautifully.
Red bell pepper: Adds a crunchy sweetness and vibrant color.
White or red onion: Brings a subtle bite and caramelizes slightly on the grill for depth.
Zucchini: A mild vegetable that grills to juicy softness without overpowering the other flavors.
Pineapple: The star of the recipe—its natural sweetness caramelizes over the heat, creating irresistible charred edges.
Garlic cloves: Give a fragrant kick without overpowering the dish.
Honey: Balances savory with sticky sweetness and helps with caramelization.
Extra virgin olive oil: Keeps everything moist and adds a subtle richness.
Sea salt & black pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance all the natural flavors.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love playing around with this recipe depending on what’s in season or what I have on hand. It’s really forgiving, so don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own.

Variation: I once swapped out zucchini for mushrooms to add an earthier flavor, and it was a hit! You can also add a sprinkle of chili flakes if you want some heat.
Dietary substitutions: For a lower-carb option, try serving over cauliflower rice or a fresh green salad.
Marinade tweaks: Adding a splash of soy sauce or fresh lime juice to the marinade can bring a tangy twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Pineapple Recipe

Step 1: Chop everything into uniform pieces

I always make sure the chicken, pineapple, and veggies are cut into roughly 1-inch cubes. This keeps the kabobs cooking evenly, so you don’t end up with some bits overdone and others undercooked.

Step 2: Marinate the ingredients together

Place the chicken, bell pepper, onion, zucchini, pineapple, crushed garlic, honey, salt, and pepper in a big bowl. Toss everything well and let it sit for about 15 minutes. This quick marinade lets all those flavors mingle and tenderizes the chicken.

Step 3: Skewer it up

Thread the chicken and veggies onto skewers, alternating pieces for a colorful mix. You should get about 7 to 8 skewers, which is just right for sharing.

Step 4: Grill and don’t rush

Heat a non-stick grill pan with a bit of olive oil on medium-high. Place the skewers on, cooking each side about a minute or so until you see beautiful grill marks and the chicken is cooked through. Keep a close eye so the pineapple doesn’t burn—caramelized but not charred is the goal.

Step 5: Rest & serve immediately

Transfer the skewers to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up excess oil. Serve them up right away while they’re juicy and warm for the best taste and texture.

Top Tip

From my experience making these kabobs multiple times, a few small tweaks really make a world of difference. These tips helped me get consistently juicy chicken and perfectly caramelized pineapple every time.

Soak wooden skewers: If you’re using wooden or bamboo skewers, soak them in cold water for at least an hour beforehand to keep them from burning on the grill.
Uniform cuts: Keeping your ingredients similarly sized ensures that nothing is over- or undercooked.
Oil the grill pan: Brush some extra olive oil on the grill pan before placing skewers to prevent sticking and help those beautiful grill marks form.
Watch the pineapple: Pineapple sugars caramelize quickly, so keep an eye on your kabobs and turn often to avoid burning.

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Pineapple Recipe

grilled chicken kabobs - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like sprinkling chopped fresh cilantro over these kabobs—its bright herbal notes really lift the dish. A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving adds an irresistible zesty freshness, too.

Side Dishes

These kabobs pair beautifully with fluffy coconut rice or a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing crunch. Sometimes I serve with grilled corn on the cob or warm pita bread to soak up all the juices.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I’ve arranged the kabobs on a big platter lined with extra pineapple slices and sprinkled toasted sesame seeds on top. It makes for a fun, tropical centerpiece that guests love digging into.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I pop any leftover kabobs into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to three days. They’re great cold as a snack, but reheating brings back that fresh grilled flavor nicely.

Freezing

I’ve frozen extra marinated chicken and veggies (without skewering) and thawed them for a quick cook another day. Freeze them in a ziplock bag and use within a month for best taste.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or in a warm oven. I cover them loosely to keep moisture in, and I usually add a little drizzle of olive oil to keep the chicken juicy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of meat in this Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Pineapple Recipe?

Absolutely! While chicken breast is lean and cooks quickly, you can swap in thighs for a juicier option or even try shrimp for a quicker cook time.

How do I prevent the pineapple from burning on the grill?

Pineapple sugar caramelizes fast, so grill the kabobs on medium heat and turn frequently. You can also baste the pineapple with a little honey or oil to help protect it from burning.

Should I soak wooden skewers before grilling?

Yes, soaking wooden or bamboo skewers in cold water for at least an hour before grilling helps prevent them from catching fire or burning on the grill.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! You can marinate the chicken and veggies a few hours ahead or even overnight in the fridge to deepen the flavors. Just keep the kabobs assembled right before grilling for best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Pineapple Recipe has become my go-to for when I want something quick but feel like a little celebration. It's juicy, flavorful, and just plain fun to eat. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — it’s one of those dishes that always sparks joy at the table.