Name: Grilled Chicken Pineapple Skewers 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; 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); 6 garlic cloves peeled and crushed; Sea salt to taste; Ground black pepper to taste; 3 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

There’s something about the sweet, smoky mix of charred pineapple and juicy chicken that just hits the spot every time. This Grilled Chicken Pineapple Skewers Recipe is a breeze to make and perfect for sharing, whether you're firing up the grill on a sunny afternoon or craving a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner.

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 Pineapple Skewers Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Pineapple Skewers Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Grilled Chicken Pineapple Skewers Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made countless kabobs over the years, but this Grilled Chicken Pineapple Skewers Recipe always steals the show. The balance of juicy chicken with caramelized pineapple brings a fun tropical vibe that’s both refreshing and hearty. Plus, it’s quick, easy, and perfect for all skill levels.

Quick to prepare: You can have these skewers ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy days.
Flavor-packed: The honey glaze and pineapple’s natural sweetness create a delicious caramelized crust on the grill.
Versatile and adaptable: You can tweak the veggies and spices to suit your mood or season.
Great for sharing: These skewers are perfect finger food for casual get-togethers or family dinners.

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

Let’s talk ingredients because they’re the foundation of this recipe’s success. Each one brings its own texture, flavor, and freshness to your skewers—here’s why I love them and some tips for picking the best.

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, tender, and takes on the marinade beautifully, making sure each bite is juicy and flavorful.
Red Bell Pepper: Adds a subtle sweetness and a pop of vibrant color, balancing the savory chicken wonderfully.
Onion (White or Red): Brings a slight sharpness that mellows perfectly when grilled, enhancing the dish’s overall depth.
Zucchini: Offers tender crunch and moisture, which complements the other ingredients without overpowering them.
Fresh Pineapple: The star of the show, it adds juicy sweetness and caramelizes into an irresistible glaze on the grill.
Garlic Cloves: Infuses a mild pungency and warmth that boosts the savory notes in the marinade.
Honey: A natural sweetener that helps with caramelization and ties all the flavors together.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Keeps everything moist and aids in grilling by preventing sticking.
Sea Salt & Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out 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 how forgiving this Grilled Chicken Pineapple Skewers Recipe is. You can easily swap in your favorite veggies or adjust the marinade to suit your taste buds. Feel free to get creative!

Variation: I sometimes add chunks of cherry tomatoes when it's summer—bursting with juicy sweetness—and they grill up beautifully alongside the pineapple.
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade gives these skewers a nice kick without overpowering the sweet flavors.
Low-carb option: Swap out zucchini for mushrooms or skip veggies entirely and double up on pineapple for a tropical treat.
Marinate longer: If you have extra time, letting the chicken soak in the marinade for an hour really deepens the flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Chicken Pineapple Skewers Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by washing and patting dry the chicken breasts—drying them ensures the marinade sticks better. Cut the chicken, bell pepper, onion, zucchini, and pineapple into roughly 1-inch pieces so everything cooks evenly. Trust me, uniform sizes make all the difference in grilling.

Step 2: Marinate Everything Together

Toss your chicken, chopped veggies, pineapple, crushed garlic, sea salt, black pepper, honey, and olive oil in a large bowl. Give everything a good mix so the marinade coats all the pieces. Then, let it sit for about 15 minutes—if you can wait longer, it'll only get tastier.

Step 3: Assemble the Skewers

Thread the chicken, pineapple, and veggies alternately onto skewers. I usually get about 7-8 skewers from this batch. Remember, if you’re using wooden or bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least an hour before threading to prevent burning.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Heat a non-stick grill skillet over medium-high heat and brush it lightly with olive oil to keep the skewers from sticking. Grill each side for about 1 minute, turning carefully to get those beautiful char marks and caramelized edges. Don’t overcook—the chicken should be just cooked through and juicy.

Step 5: Let Them Rest & Serve

Once cooked, transfer the skewers to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Serve them immediately while still warm for the best flavor and texture.

Top Tip

From countless grills and kitchen experiments, I’ve learned a few tricks that really level up this Grilled Chicken Pineapple Skewers Recipe. These little nuances save time and make your skewers taste restaurant-quality—trust me on this!

Uniform Cuts: Always cut chicken and veggies to the same size so they cook evenly—nothing worse than overcooked veggies or raw chicken!
Oil the Grill Well: Don't skip brushing oil on your skillet or grill grates, it prevents sticking and helps get those beautiful grill marks.
Don’t Overcook: Chicken breast dries out fast; grill just until cooked through, about 1 minute per side works perfectly here.
Soak Wooden Skewers: Soaking prevents charring and gives you more peace of mind while grilling.

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Pineapple Skewers Recipe

chicken pineapple skewers - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

For garnishes, I love a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or parsley—it adds a fresh, green note that balances the sweetness. A squeeze of lime over the top before serving gives an extra zing that brightens up the entire dish.

Side Dishes

I often pair these skewers with a simple coconut rice, which echoes that tropical vibe. A crisp green salad or grilled corn on the cob with a bit of chili-lime butter also makes this meal feel like a full summer feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve served these skewers standing upright in a decorative glass filled with rice or beans—it looks stunning and makes grabbing a skewer easy for guests. You can even drizzle a little extra honey glaze or a tangy yogurt dip on the side for variety.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge—it keeps well for up to 3 days. Just make sure to let everything cool to room temperature before sealing to maintain texture.

Freezing

This recipe freezes nicely, too. After cooking, I cool the skewers and freeze them in ziplock bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for an easy, last-minute meal.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the skewers in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, or gently warm them in a skillet. This way, you preserve the tender chicken and slightly caramelized pineapple flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs have more fat, making them juicy and forgiving on the grill. Just adjust cooking time slightly, as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.

Should I soak wooden skewers before grilling?

Yes! Soaking wooden or bamboo skewers in cold water for at least an hour before grilling prevents them from burning and breaking, making your grilling experience smoother.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

Chicken is cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Since the pieces are small, grilling about 1 minute per side usually does the trick. The meat should be opaque and juices run clear.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can swap chicken for firm tofu or halloumi cheese and use the same marinade and veggies. Just reduce grilling time slightly for tofu and feel free to experiment with vegetables you love.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Chicken Pineapple Skewers Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a mini escape—bright, fresh, and satisfying in every bite. I always recommend giving it a try because it’s simple enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests. You’ll enjoy the layers of flavor, the ease of prep, and how well it brings everyone together around the table. So next time you want something easy, tasty, and a little tropical, you know what to fire up!