Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers
These Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers are a sweet, smoky, and savory summertime favorite!
They’re easy to prep ahead, fun to eat, and bursting with bright flavors — ideal for backyard barbecues, meal prep, or light Mediterranean-style dinners.
Time and Yield
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (+ 30 minutes marination)
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (with marinating)
Ingredients
For the Skewers:
1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into 1½-inch cubes
2 cups fresh pineapple, cut into 1½-inch chunks
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1½-inch squares (optional)
1 red onion, cut into 1½-inch pieces (optional)
Wooden or metal skewers
For the Marinade:
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, garlic, paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Add the chicken cubes and toss well to coat.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
2. Prepare the Skewers:
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning.
Alternate threading chicken, pineapple, bell peppers, and onions onto the skewers.
3. Preheat the Grill:
Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
4. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill.
Cook for 10–12 minutes, turning every 2–3 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C) and lightly charred.
Brush with any leftover marinade during the first half of grilling for extra flavor (discard any marinade after that).
5. Serve:
Remove from grill and let rest for a couple minutes.
Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or sesame seeds if desired.
Serve immediately!
Notes & Tips
Pineapple tip: Use fresh pineapple rather than canned for the best caramelization and flavor.
Uniform size: Cut the chicken and pineapple into similar sizes for even cooking.
Sweetness: If you prefer less sweet, reduce honey to 1 tablespoon.
Oven option: No grill? You can broil the skewers on a sheet pan in the oven for about 5–7 minutes per side.
Add-ons: You can also thread zucchini slices, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for extra veggies!
Frequently asked questions FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and slightly more forgiving if you tend to overcook chicken.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead and assemble the skewers a few hours before grilling. Grill fresh for best texture.
Q: What sides go well with pineapple chicken skewers?
A: Great with couscous salad, lemon rice, grilled veggies, or a crisp green salad.
Q: How do I make it spicier?
A: Add extra red pepper flakes or a little Sriracha to the marinade.
Nutritional Value
Calories: 280
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 16g
Sodium: 450mg
Vitamin C: 60% DV
Vitamin A: 15% DV
Calcium: 3% DV