Pineapple Chicken Skewers – A Sweet and Savory Summer Favorite
When it comes to summer grilling, Pineapple Chicken Skewers are a must. They’re juicy, vibrant, and packed with flavor thanks to the perfect blend of sweet pineapple, marinated chicken, and charred veggies. Whether you’re feeding a crowd at your next cookout or looking for a fresh weeknight meal, these skewers deliver all the sunshine you need on a plate.
This recipe is ideal for those who love bold flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. A quick marinade adds depth to the chicken, and the pineapple caramelizes beautifully on the grill. The result? A well-balanced bite that’s equal parts sweet, savory, and smoky.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These skewers are more than just a pretty presentation. They offer a satisfying mix of textures and flavors – juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and tender fruit all cooked together over an open flame. The glaze caramelizes slightly as it cooks and gives each bite a pop of flavor that makes this dish feel special – without much effort.
They’re also great for meal prep or entertaining. You can assemble everything ahead of time and grill when you’re ready. Easily keeps things simple while still impressive.
Key Ingredients and Flavor Notes
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each component brings something to the table:
Chicken breast or thighs provide the main source of protein. They stay juicy and flavorful due to the marinade. Fresh pineapple adds sweetness and helps tenderize the meat naturally. Bell peppers and red onion contribute crunch and color, and lime juice brightens everything up with a touch of acidity.
A quick marinade made with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a hint of honey ties all the ingredients together. It’s flavorful enough to stand on its own but light enough to let the produce shine.
Cooking Tips for Best Results
The key to perfectly grilled skewers is consistency. Cut all your ingredients to roughly the same size so they cook evenly. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to avoid burning. Grill over medium-high heat and rotate occasionally to get those beautiful char marks without drying out the meat.
Assemble the skewers just before grilling or refrigerate them up to a day in advance for easy prep. If you’re cooking indoors, a grill pan works just as well.
What to Serve With Pineapple Chicken Skewers
These skewers are versatile and pair well with all kinds of summer dishes. Try them with grilled corn, a cold pasta salad, or a scoop of cauliflower rice. They also go great with coleslaw or roasted sweet potatoes.
For a casual BBQ, serve alongside other grilled favorites or simple sides like watermelon salad or sliced avocado with lime and salt. You can also remove the ingredients from the skewers and toss them over a bed of greens for a tropical-inspired salad bowl.
Equipment You’ll Need
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Tongs – For safely turning skewers while grilling
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Mixing bowl – To prepare the marinade
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Whisk – To blend marinade ingredients evenly
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Skewers – Metal or soaked wooden
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Grill – Outdoor or indoor grill pan for cooking
Other Recipes to Try
If you love bright, grilled meals like this one, here are more ideas from Sisters Know Best and beyond:
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Grilled Vegetable Skewers with Chimichurri – A vibrant, herbaceous side that pairs perfectly with tropical flavors
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Summer Sausage Skewers – A hearty, flavorful skewer recipe perfect for entertaining
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Easy Campfire Food Your Family Will Love – Make your next outdoor gathering easy and delicious
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Keto Coleslaw Recipe – A low-carb, creamy side dish that balances the sweetness of pineapple
Pineapple Chicken Skewers are the kind of meal that keeps summer cooking exciting. With minimal prep, bold flavor, and beautiful presentation, they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite. Grill them up for your next gathering – or just a weeknight meal that feels like a mini vacation.
Pineapple Chicken Skewers
Equipment
- Tongs For flipping the skewers on the grill.
- Mixing bowl To combine the marinade.
- whisk Helps evenly mix the marinade ingredients.
- Skewers Use metal skewers or soaked wooden ones to thread the ingredients.
- Grill Essential for achieving the smoky, charred flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken breast about 450g, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 1 ½ cups Pineapple chunks fresh or canned, drained if using canned
- 1 large Red bell pepper cut into 1.5-inch pieces
- 1 medium Red onion cut into wedges
- ¼ cup Soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Honey
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tsp Ginger grated
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Lime wedges & chopped cilantro optional – for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the marinade. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for more flavor).
- While the chicken marinates, prep your skewers: alternate threading chicken, pineapple, bell pepper, and onion onto skewers. Discard remaining marinade.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh lime wedges and chopped cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Marinate longer for deeper flavor, but don’t exceed 2 hours or the pineapple’s acidity may affect texture.
- No grill? Use a grill pan indoors or broil in the oven, turning halfway through.
- Vegetarian twist – Swap chicken for tofu or halloumi.