There’s just something about the sweet, smoky combo of juicy chicken and caramelized pineapple that makes this Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Pineapple Recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Every bite brings a burst of flavor that’s fresh, vibrant, and downright addictive.

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’ve made plenty of grilled kabobs, but adding pineapple just changes the whole game—it brings juicy sweetness that perfectly balances the savory chicken and veggies. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to put together, making it a fantastic choice for weeknight dinners or weekend BBQs.

Flavor Explosion: The combo of grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and charred pineapple creates a perfect sweet-savory bite every time.
Simple Prep: Just a quick marinade and assemble—no complicated steps or fancy equipment needed.
Versatile Meal: Great on its own or paired with your favorite sides, perfect for a casual family supper or entertaining friends.
Healthy & Balanced: Lean protein plus fresh vegetables and fruit make it a satisfying, nutritious meal.

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 here plays its part in creating the delicious harmony that makes this grilled feast so memorable. Plus, I’ll share a few tips on picking the best produce and getting your flavors just right.

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: Boneless and skinless works best so the kabobs cook evenly and are easy to eat without fuss.
Red Bell Pepper: Adds bright color and a sweet crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken.
White or Red Onion: Brings a hearty sharpness that mellows and caramelizes on the grill—red adds a bit more sweetness.
Zucchini: Mild and juicy, it soaks up flavors and stays tender without getting mushy.
Pineapple: The star of the show! Choose a ripe, juicy pineapple—it caramelizes perfectly on the grill for that signature sweetness.
Garlic Cloves: Crushed garlic infuses the marinade with fragrant depth that ties everything together.
Sea Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning, enhancing all the natural flavors without overpowering.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps with caramelization and browning on the grill.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Keeps the kabobs moist and helps everything grill without sticking.

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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

One of the best things about this Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Pineapple Recipe is how easily you can swap things in and out to suit your taste or what you have on hand. I love tweaking ingredients depending on the season or my mood.

Variation: Sometimes, I swap the zucchini for chunks of yellow squash or add mushrooms for an earthy twist. It’s all about building layers of texture and flavor.
Marinade Boost: Add a splash of soy sauce or a squeeze of lime juice for an extra zing that complements the sweetness beautifully.
Spice It Up: Sprinkle some chili flakes or cayenne into the marinade if you like a little heat to balance the sweetness.
Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with firm tofu or halloumi cheese and grill the same way for a delightful meatless kabob.

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

Step 1: Prep and Marinate Your Chicken and Veggies

Start by washing and patting dry the chicken breast, then cutting it into 1-inch cubes. This size is just right for quick cooking without drying out. Next, chop your veggies and pineapple into similar 1-inch pieces—uniform size is key for even cooking. Toss everything together with crushed garlic, sea salt, black pepper, honey, and olive oil in a large bowl. Let it sit and marinate for about 15 minutes to soak in those delicious flavors.

Step 2: Thread the Kabobs

Once your marinade has done its magic, carefully thread chicken, bell pepper, onion, zucchini, and pineapple onto skewers. I usually start and end with a veggie piece to keep everything stable. You’ll end up with about 7 to 8 skewers—perfect for sharing!

Step 3: Grill to Perfection

Heat a grill skillet over medium-high heat and brush it with a little oil so nothing sticks. Grill each kabob for roughly 1 minute per side—remember, you want a nice char but juicy chicken inside. If you’re using an outdoor grill, don’t forget to glaze them occasionally with leftover marinade to keep them luscious and flavorful.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Once grilled, transfer the kabobs to a plate lined with kitchen paper to blot any excess oil. Serve immediately so you get the best texture and flavor—sizzling and juicy is the way to go!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned that perfect kabobs come down to a few small yet game-changing details. Paying attention to these will take your Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Pineapple Recipe from great to unforgettable.

Uniform Pieces: Cutting chicken and veggies into equal sizes ensures even cooking—no one likes dry chicken or undercooked veggies.
Soak Wooden Skewers: If you're not using metal skewers, soak wooden or bamboo skewers in cold water for at least an hour so they don’t burn on the grill.
Don’t Skip the Oil: Brushing your grill pan or grates with oil is crucial to keep kabobs from sticking and tearing apart.
Quick Marinade Time: Even 15 minutes is enough to infuse great flavor—no need to overdo it and risk mushy chicken.

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Pineapple Recipe

Grilled Chicken Kabobs - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or parsley over the kabobs just before serving. It adds that fresh, herbaceous note that balances the sweetness and char. A squeeze of lime or lemon juice right on top also brightens the flavors and helps cut through the richness.

Side Dishes

Pairing these kabobs with a simple jasmine rice or quinoa salad makes for a wholesome meal. I’m also partial to a crisp green salad or some grilled corn on the cob, which amps up the summer vibes. For a bit of creamy contrast, a side of tzatziki or garlic yogurt sauce is fantastic.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, I’ve served these kabobs over a bed of coconut rice with extra pineapple chunks and toasted coconut flakes sprinkled on top. They’re also a hit plated alongside tropical fruit salsa or wrapped up in warm flatbreads for a tasty handheld treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I tightly store leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They stay tasty for up to three days. I recommend reheating gently so the chicken doesn’t dry out—microwave with a damp paper towel over the container does the trick.

Freezing

If I’m prepping ahead for busy weeks, I freeze the cooked kabobs in freezer-safe bags with all the juices locked in. They last up to a month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so they keep their texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I prefer gently warming in the microwave or oven, covered, so the chicken stays juicy. A quick sear on a hot pan also revives the crispness on the veggies and pineapple if you have a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of meat or protein for this recipe?

Absolutely! While chicken breast works great for quick grilling, you can swap in chicken thighs for juicier kabobs or even shrimp if you want something lighter. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.

How do I prevent the pineapple from making the chicken mushy?

Great question! Pineapple contains enzymes that can break down meat fibers if marinated too long. That’s why I recommend marinating for just 15 minutes—long enough for flavor but not so long that the chicken gets mushy.

Can I grill these kabobs on an outdoor barbecue?

Definitely! The outdoor grill adds fantastic smoky flavor. Just remember to oil the grill grates well and watch the kabobs carefully—they cook fast due to the small pieces. Basting with leftover marinade helps keep everything moist.

What’s the best way to keep kabob pieces from falling off the skewers while grilling?

To keep everything secure, make sure you thread the pieces snugly but not too tightly. Alternate meat and veggies to create a balanced structure, and avoid overcrowding the skewer, so each piece cooks evenly without wobbling.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Pineapple Recipe holds a special spot in my recipe box because it’s as easy as it is delicious. It feels a little fancy but doesn’t ask for hours of your time. Whenever I’m craving something fresh grilled with a touch of sweetness, this recipe is my go-to for getting everyone around the table smiling. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making it just as much as you enjoy eating it—give it a try and let those flavors brighten up your next meal!