Pineapple Chicken Skewers

There’s something irresistibly cheerful about a plate of Pineapple Chicken Skewers sizzling on the grill, each vibrant cube of chicken glistening with a tangy-sweet glaze and nestled next to bursts of pineapple and colorful peppers. The balance of sweet fruit with savory chicken feels like a mini vacation for your taste buds. From the moment you whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, and ginger, you’re creating a marinade that expertly infuses each bite with layers of flavor. By the time you thread everything onto skewers, the kitchen is humming with anticipation—every ingredient plays its part in this delightful dance of textures and tastes. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just starting your barbecue journey, this recipe is designed for beginners and seasoned cooks alike, making it an ideal choice for summer gatherings, casual weeknight dinners, or an easy appetizer that steals the show.

I’ll never forget the first time I tried these skewers at a friend’s backyard barbecue. The sun was dipping low, kids were chasing each other through the yard, and the scent of grilling chicken mixed with caramelizing pineapple filled the air. As I took that first bite, the juicy chicken was perfectly cooked, offering a touch of char that contrasted beautifully with the bright, acidic hit of fresh pineapple. The colorful bell peppers and red onion weren’t just eye candy—they added a satisfying crunch and a gentle vegetal sweetness that tied everything together. It felt like a celebration of summer on a stick. Since then, I’ve tweaked the marinade to perfection, experimented with different veggies, and even swapped in cherry tomatoes when I’m feeling adventurous. But no matter how many times I make them, those Pineapple Chicken Skewers always bring a playful, tropical vibe to the table.

KEY INGREDIENTS IN PINEAPPLE CHICKEN SKEWERS

Before we dive into the fun of skewering and grilling, let’s talk about the stars of the show. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building that perfect blend of sweet, savory, and slightly smoky flavors. Whether you’re aiming for a vibrant appetizer or a satisfying main course, these key components are what make Pineapple Chicken Skewers so memorable.

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts

Tender yet sturdy, these lean chicken cubes soak up every drop of marinade. They cook evenly on the grill and deliver juicy, protein-packed bites that pair wonderfully with sweet and tangy flavors.

• Fresh pineapple

This tropical fruit adds natural sweetness and a refreshing acidity that cuts through the richness of the chicken. As it grills, the sugars caramelize, creating slightly charred edges that elevate each skewer.

• Red bell pepper

With its crisp texture and mild sweetness, red bell pepper brings vibrant color and crunch. It complements the pineapple’s brightness and helps balance the savory marinade.

• Green bell pepper

Offering a slightly more herbal flavor than its red counterpart, green bell pepper contributes depth and a pop of emerald green, making your skewers as pretty as they are delicious.

• Red onion

These sweet, pungent rings soften beautifully on the grill, releasing their flavor into the entire skewer. They also add a lovely purple hue and a gentle bite.

• Soy sauce

This salty, umami-rich liquid forms the savory backbone of our marinade, enhancing the chicken’s natural flavors and bringing depth to the overall dish.

• Pineapple juice

Reinforcing that tropical vibe, pineapple juice adds extra sweetness and acidity, ensuring every piece of chicken is infused with bright, fruity notes.

• Honey

A drizzle of honey gives the glaze its signature stickiness and a warm, floral sweetness that contrasts the salty soy sauce. It also helps the chicken and pineapple develop a gorgeous caramelized crust.

• Olive oil

This healthy fat helps the marinade cling to the chicken and veggies, while promoting a beautiful, golden sear on the grill.

• Garlic powder

An easy way to introduce a gentle garlicky kick, garlic powder disperses evenly throughout the marinade, ensuring no bite lacks its aromatic charm.

• Ground ginger

Warm and slightly spicy, ground ginger adds a zesty note that pairs beautifully with pineapple and honey, rounding out the flavor profile.

• Salt and pepper

Simple but essential, these seasonings are used at the end to taste, enhancing and balancing all the other flavors.

• Wooden or metal skewers

The perfect vehicle for delivering this medley of flavors to the grill. Wooden skewers benefit from soaking to prevent burning, while metal skewers conduct heat, helping cook the chicken from the inside out.

HOW TO MAKE PINEAPPLE CHICKEN SKEWERS

Let’s roll up our sleeves and get ready to bring these tropical skewers to life. We’ll start by crafting a marinade that’s tangy, sweet, and packed with flavor, then move on to prepping and grilling. Each step is designed to be straightforward for beginner cooks, while still delivering that restaurant-style sizzle and char that makes this dish so irresistible.

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Use a whisk to fully blend these ingredients into a smooth, vibrant marinade that’s ready to coat your chicken.

2. Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring each piece is completely coated in that glossy mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This resting period allows the flavors to deeply infuse the chicken, making every bite juicy and aromatic.

3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, place them in cold water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes to prevent charring once they hit the grill.

4. Carefully thread the marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and red onion onto the skewers. Alternate between ingredients for a balanced look and flavor distribution.

5. Generously season each assembled skewer with salt and pepper to taste, enhancing the sweet and savory marinade.

6. Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for about 10–12 minutes, turning them occasionally. You’re looking for an internal chicken temperature of 165°F (75°C) and a lovely char on each side.

7. Remove the skewers from the grill and allow them to rest for 5 minutes. This resting time helps the juices redistribute, keeping each bite succulent.

8. Serve the Pineapple Chicken Skewers warm, either as a vibrant appetizer, a main course, or alongside your favorite side dishes. Enjoy the tropical fusion on a stick!

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR PINEAPPLE CHICKEN SKEWERS

Once your Pineapple Chicken Skewers emerge from the grill, it’s time to think about presentation and pairings. Whether you’re dishing them out at a casual backyard barbecue or serving a colorful weeknight dinner for the family, these suggestions will help you elevate your meal into a full-on tropical feast. From complementary side dishes to refreshing sauces, discover easy, crowd-pleasing ideas that highlight the skewers’ bold flavors and vibrant colors.

• Tropical Coconut Rice

Serve the skewers on a bed of fluffy coconut rice, garnished with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of shredded coconut. The creamy sweetness of the rice pairs perfectly with the tangy pineapple and savory chicken.

• Fresh Mango Salsa

Spoon a bright, chunky mango salsa over or alongside your skewers. Diced mango, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and cilantro add a zesty contrast that keeps each bite lively and colorful.

• Grilled Veggie Platter

Extend your grilling session by tossing on zucchini, cherry tomatoes, asparagus, or eggplant. Drizzle everything with a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of sea salt for a vibrant, healthful side.

• Classic Green Salad

Keep it simple with a bed of mixed greens, cucumber ribbons, and avocado slices. Dress lightly with a citrus vinaigrette to echo the pineapple’s acidity and bring a refreshing crunch to your plate.

HOW TO STORE PINEAPPLE CHICKEN SKEWERS

If you happen to have leftovers (and trust me, that’s rare), proper storage will preserve their juicy texture and bold flavor for another delicious meal. Whether you’re packing lunches or saving dinner for a busy night, these tips will help you maintain freshness and prevent the skewers from drying out or losing their signature tangy sweetness.

• Refrigerate in an airtight container

Allow the skewers to cool to room temperature before placing them in a sealed container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat gently in the oven or air fryer to maintain that grilled texture.

• Freeze halves

If you want to extend their life, slide the chicken and veggies off the skewers and layer them in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating over medium heat until warmed through.

• Keep marinade separate

If you’ve pre-marinated extra chicken for another batch, store the leftover marinade in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Discard any marinade that’s been in contact with raw chicken after marinating for food safety.

• Individual meal prep

Portion out de-skewered chicken and veggies into individual lunch containers with rice or greens. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate. Quick reheat in the microwave ensures an easy, flavorful meal on the go.

CONCLUSION

As we wrap up our adventure with Pineapple Chicken Skewers, take a moment to appreciate how a handful of simple ingredients can transform into a vibrant, crowd-pleasing masterpiece. From the first step of whisking together soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, and ginger, to the final sizzle on the grill, each stage of this recipe is designed to be approachable for beginner cooks yet satisfying for seasoned grill enthusiasts. You’ve learned how to layer flavors, balance sweet and savory notes, and use basic grilling techniques to achieve that signature char and juiciness. We’ve explored a rainbow of ingredients—lean chicken, fresh pineapple, colorful peppers, and red onion—all coming together on skewers that deliver big impact in minimal time. With just 12 minutes of cook time and a total preparation window of about an hour and five minutes (including resting), these skewers offer the perfect blend of ease and excitement.

Feel free to print this article and save it for your next summer barbecue or cozy weeknight dinner. Keep it within reach for those moments when you crave a tropical-inspired meal that’s both delicious and simple to prepare. Below you’ll find a handy FAQ section to troubleshoot any questions you might have or dive deeper into substitutions and tips. If you give these Pineapple Chicken Skewers a try, I’d love to hear your feedback—did you experiment with different veggies or maybe added a spicy twist? Drop your comments or questions below so we can keep the conversation going. Happy grilling!

Print Recipe

Pineapple Chicken Skewers

Author: Sophie Reynolds Courses: Appetizer

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 1 hr Cook Time 12 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 1 hr 17 mins

Calories: 300

Description

These Pineapple Chicken Skewers combine tender chicken with succulent pineapple and vibrant vegetables, all marinated with a tangy glaze. Perfect for summer barbecues!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks

• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces

• ¹⁄₄ cup soy sauce

• ¹⁄₄ cup pineapple juice

• 3 tablespoons honey

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Whisk the mixture until well blended.
2. Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, making sure all pieces are evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to infuse the chicken.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
4. Thread the chicken, pineapple chunks, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and red onion onto skewers, alternating between the ingredients as desired.
5. Season the skewers with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and has a nice char.
7. Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
8. Serve the Pineapple Chicken Skewers warm, and enjoy them as a delightful appetizer or with your favorite side dish.

Note

• You can add extra flavor by marinating the chicken overnight.
• Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like zucchini or cherry tomatoes.
• These skewers can also be cooked in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
• Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.

Keywords: pineapple chicken, skewers, grilled chicken, summer recipes, easy recipes, barbecue