Grilled Chicken Pineapple Kabobs

There's something magical about the sizzle of marinated chicken hitting a hot grill, especially when it's threaded alongside vibrant bell peppers and juicy pineapple chunks. These Grilled Chicken Pineapple Kabobs bring together the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors in every bite. The honey-lime marinade infuses the tender chicken with a tropical brightness, while the charred edges of the vegetables and caramelized pineapple add depth and complexity. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, these colorful skewers are guaranteed to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

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The beauty of kabobs lies in their versatility and visual appeal. Each skewer becomes a personal serving of perfectly portioned protein, fruit, and vegetables, all grilled to perfection. The marinade does double duty here—tenderizing the chicken while building layers of flavor with smoked paprika, garlic, and fresh lime juice. As the kabobs cook, the pineapple caramelizes, the peppers soften and char slightly, and the chicken develops those coveted grill marks that signal outdoor cooking at its finest.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
• 1 medium pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1.5-inch chunks
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
• 1 medium red onion, cut into 1.5-inch pieces (optional)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, garlic, paprika, pepper, and salt to make the marinade.

Step 2: Marinate the chicken

Add chicken cubes to the marinade, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).

Step 3: Prepare skewers

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.

Step 4: Assemble kabobs

Thread marinated chicken, pineapple, bell peppers, and onion alternately onto skewers.

Step 5: Preheat the grill

Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C).

Step 6: Oil the grates

Lightly oil the grill grates. Place kabobs on the grill.

Step 7: Grill the kabobs

Grill for 12–15 minutes, turning every 3–4 minutes until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and vegetables are lightly charred.

Step 8: Rest and serve

Remove from grill and let rest 2 minutes before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For extra flavor, reserve a small amount of marinade before adding raw chicken to brush onto kabobs during grilling. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and helps prevent drying. Make sure all your ingredients are cut to uniform 1.5-inch pieces so everything cooks evenly. If using wooden skewers, the 30-minute soak is essential to prevent them from burning on the grill. Don't overcrowd the skewers—leave a little space between pieces to ensure proper heat circulation and even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F/74°C.

Varianten und Anpassungen

These kabobs are endlessly adaptable to your preferences and what's available. Substitute chicken with shrimp for a seafood version that cooks even faster, or use firm tofu for a plant-based option. Pineapple can be replaced with mango chunks for a different tropical twist, or try peaches during summer for a seasonal variation. Add mushrooms or zucchini to the skewers for extra vegetables. For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade. You can also prepare these kabobs in the oven under the broiler if grilling isn't an option—just place them on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil for 10-12 minutes, turning once.

Serviervorschläge

These vibrant kabobs pair beautifully with a variety of sides to create a complete meal. Serve over fluffy white or brown rice, or try them with couscous or quinoa to soak up any extra marinade. A fresh green salad with citrus vinaigrette complements the tropical flavors perfectly. For a more substantial spread, add grilled corn on the cob, garlic bread, or a cucumber-tomato salad. The kabobs also work wonderfully in a wrap with hummus and fresh greens, or deconstructed into a grain bowl. Don't forget to garnish with fresh lime wedges and chopped cilantro for an extra burst of brightness.

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These Grilled Chicken Pineapple Kabobs are more than just a meal—they're an experience that brings the joy of outdoor cooking to your table. With their rainbow of colors, perfect balance of flavors, and impressive presentation, they turn any ordinary dinner into something special. The combination of protein-packed chicken, vitamin-rich vegetables, and naturally sweet pineapple makes this a nutritious choice the whole family will love. At just 290 calories per serving with 30 grams of protein, you can feel good about serving these kabobs again and again throughout grilling season and beyond.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What is the best type of chicken to use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breast cubes work well for even cooking and tenderness on the grill.

→ How long should the chicken marinate?

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor infusion.

→ Can I use different fruits besides pineapple?

Yes, mango can be a delicious alternative to pineapple for a sweet, tropical twist.

→ What grilling temperature is recommended?

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C) for optimal cooking results.

→ How can I prevent the skewers from burning?

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to minimize burning.

→ What can I serve with these skewers?

Serve alongside rice, couscous, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.