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

There's something incredibly satisfying about biting into juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and crisp veggies all grilled to perfection. This Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Pineapple Recipe blends savory and sweet beautifully, making it a standout meal you'll want to come back to again and again.

Several cooked skewers lay on a black grill pan placed on a white marbled surface. Each skewer has four main layers repeating in order: a chunky grilled brown meat piece with some charred edges, a bright yellow grilled pineapple cube with a slightly shiny texture, a green grilled pepper slice with a crisp texture, a piece of white grilled onion with slight translucency, and a red grilled bell pepper segment with visible grill marks. The colors alternate evenly, making the skewers look vibrant and well-cooked, with some pieces having a light caramelized surface. 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 Kabobs with Pineapple Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Pineapple Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Pineapple Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore this recipe because it’s as colorful as it is flavorful, plus it’s incredibly easy to pull together. The balance of smoky grilled chicken and caramelized pineapple feels like a little tropical vacation in every bite.

Perfect Flavor Combination: The sweet juiciness of pineapple complements the savory grilled chicken beautifully.
Quick and Easy: From marinating to grilling, the whole process is super fast—perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable: You can easily swap veggies or add your favorite spices to make it your own.
Healthy and Balanced: Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, this meal feels good to eat and satisfies your hunger.

The image shows close-up grilled kebabs with several layers on each skewer. Each skewer has chunks of browned, grilled meat with dark grill marks, slices of red bell pepper, green zucchini rounds, pieces of yellow pineapple, and white onion wedges. The skewers are arranged closely on a grill or cooking surface. The colors are warm and vibrant with a mix of golden browns, bright reds, deep greens, fresh yellow, and white, showing a fresh and cooked texture. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe brings together simple, fresh ingredients that harmonize on the grill. The sweetness from pineapple plus crunch from bell peppers and zucchini creates layers of flavor and texture that make each kabob a delight.

Flat lay of fresh, cubed boneless skinless chicken breast pieces, a large red bell pepper cut into chunks, a large white onion quartered into chunks, sliced green zucchini rounds, roughly cubed ripe pineapple chunks, six peeled whole garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of golden honey, a small white ceramic bowl of extra virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse sea salt crystals, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black pepper, all arranged in perfect symmetry 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: Choose boneless, skinless pieces for even cooking and easy skewering.
Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and color, plus a fresh crunch.
White or red onion: Caramelizes beautifully on the grill, adding subtle sweetness.
Zucchini: Softens on the grill and balances the sweetness with mild earthiness.
Pineapple: The star of this recipe—juicy, sweet, and slightly tangy to brighten each bite.
Garlic cloves: Crushed to infuse a gentle punch of flavor throughout the marinade.
Sea salt & ground black pepper: Essential to season and bring out natural flavors.
Honey: Adds a subtle caramel touch, helping the chicken and pineapple to glaze nicely.
Extra virgin olive oil: Keeps everything moist and prevents sticking on the grill.

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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 mixing things up depending on the season or what I have on hand, and you can too! This grilled chicken kabobs with pineapple recipe is a great blank canvas for your favorite flavors.

Variation: I sometimes swap the zucchini for mushrooms or cherry tomatoes for a little extra oomph and seasonal freshness.
Spice it up: For a smoky kick, add smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne to your marinade.
Herb twist: Fresh cilantro or basil sprinkled on top right before serving adds a lovely herbal note.
Marinade boost: A splash of soy sauce or lime juice brings in extra depth and tang.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Pineapple Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Marinate Everything

Start by washing and patting dry the chicken breast—that helps the marinade stick better. Cut it into 1-inch cubes along with the bell pepper, onion, zucchini, and pineapple. Toss everything together in a big bowl with crushed garlic, salt, pepper, honey, and olive oil. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes—this little wait makes a big difference in flavor and juiciness.

Step 2: Skewer and Heat the Grill

Thread the chicken and veggies evenly onto skewers. I like to balance colors and textures to make each bite exciting. Heat your grill skillet over medium-high heat, and brush with a little oil to prevent sticking—trust me, this step saves a headache later!

Step 3: Grill and Glaze

Cook the skewers about 1 minute per side, turning carefully. You want those lovely grill marks without overcooking the chicken. If grilling outside, you can baste with the leftover marinade to keep things juicy. Once cooked, transfer to a plate lined with kitchen paper to soak up any extra oil.

Top Tip

Through countless grilling sessions, I’ve learned a few tricks that really elevate this Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Pineapple Recipe and keep everything from sticking or drying out.

Soak Wooden Skewers: If you’re using bamboo or wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least an hour—otherwise, they’ll burn on the grill and ruin your fun.
Uniform Cutting: Cut the chicken and veggies into equal-sized pieces to ensure simultaneous cooking and avoid some bits getting dry while others remain undercooked.
Oil Your Grill Pan: A light coating of oil on the grill skillet prevents sticking and helps those appetizing grill marks develop.
Don’t Overcook: Chicken cooks quickly on skewers, so keep a close eye to maintain juicy tenderness—usually about a minute per side does the trick.

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Pineapple Recipe

Grilled Chicken Pineapple - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a fan of keeping it simple with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro. Sometimes I add a wedge of lime on the side for a zesty squeeze that brightens the whole dish.

Side Dishes

These kabobs go wonderfully with fluffy jasmine rice or a light couscous salad. On hotter days, I love pairing them with a crisp green salad tossed in a citrus vinaigrette to keep things fresh and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party, try serving the kabobs on a wooden board lined with banana leaves to amp up the tropical vibe. You can also serve the pineapple pieces alongside a small bowl of spicy mango salsa for dipping—it’s always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I pop any leftovers into an airtight container and keep them refrigerated. They stay fresh for up to 3 days, making a quick lunch or dinner super easy.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked kabobs successfully too—just make sure they’re fully cooled before sealing in an airtight container or ziplock bag. Use within a month for best flavor and texture.

Reheating

My go-to reheating method is the microwave on medium power to keep the chicken tender. A quick 1-2 minute zap usually warms these up nicely without drying them out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?

Absolutely! While chicken breast works great for even cooking, you can also use thigh meat for more juiciness, or even shrimp if you want a seafood twist. Just adjust grilling time accordingly.

How long should I marinate the kabobs?

The recipe calls for about 15 minutes, which is perfect for quick prep and infusing flavor. But if you have more time, marinating up to 2 hours will deepen the taste without compromising the texture.

Can I cook these kabobs on an outdoor grill?

Yes! Cooking outdoors adds a wonderful smoky flavor. Just remember to preheat the grill well and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Baste the kabobs with some marinade as they cook to keep them moist.

What’s the best way to prevent kabobs from drying out?

Avoid overcooking by grilling quickly over medium-high heat. Using a marinade with a bit of oil and honey helps retain moisture and adds a lovely glaze. Also, soaking wooden skewers prevents burning that could lead to uneven cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Pineapple Recipe has become a favorite not only because it’s delicious but because it feels festive and fresh without requiring hours in the kitchen. I truly believe once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again—whether for a quick family dinner or an easy, crowd-pleasing party dish. Give it a go and enjoy the sweet, smoky magic in every bite!