Pineapple Chicken Kabobs (Printable Version)

Tender chicken with sweet pineapple, grilled to perfection with a savory honey-soy glaze for the perfect tropical barbecue experience.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken & Marinade

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
02 - 1/3 cup soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
03 - 1/4 cup pineapple juice
04 - 2 tbsp honey
05 - 2 tbsp olive oil
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
08 - 1/2 tsp black pepper

→ Skewers

09 - 1 whole fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1.5-inch chunks
10 - 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
11 - 1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
12 - 1 medium red onion, cut into wedges

→ Garnish

13 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
14 - Lime wedges

# How to Make It:

01 - Whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, olive oil, garlic, ginger, and black pepper in a large bowl until fully combined.
02 - Add chicken cubes to the marinade, toss well to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.
03 - If using wooden skewers, soak in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
04 - Preheat grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F.
05 - Thread marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and red onion wedges alternately onto skewers, distributing ingredients evenly.
06 - Place kabobs on grill and cook for 12-15 minutes, turning every few minutes, until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are lightly charred.
07 - Remove from grill and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

# Expert Insights:

01 -
  • The marinade works double duty, tenderizing the chicken while infusing it with tropical sweetness
  • Everything cooks on skewers, which means minimal cleanup and maximum presentation points
02 -
  • Pat the chicken slightly dry before threading if you want better grill marks
  • Reserve some marinade before adding chicken if you want to brush during grilling
03 -
  • Mango chunks work beautifully if you want to switch up the fruit
  • Shrimp only need about 4 minutes per side if you substitute for chicken