Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers (Printer-friendly)

Tender chicken and pineapple skewers grilled for lively, tropical flavors—perfect for summer gatherings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Protein & Produce

01 - 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 - 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks
03 - 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
04 - 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch wedges

→ Marinade

05 - 1/4 cup soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
07 - 2 tablespoons honey
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
09 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1 teaspoon ground ginger
11 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Garnish

12 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
13 - Lime wedges for serving

# How-To Steps:

01 - In a medium mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, olive oil, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, ginger, and black pepper. Whisk until fully incorporated.
02 - Place chicken pieces in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour half the marinade over the chicken, reserving the remainder for basting. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for intensified flavor.
03 - Set grill to medium-high heat and allow to preheat thoroughly.
04 - Thread chicken, pineapple, red bell pepper, and onion alternately onto skewers, ensuring even distribution.
05 - Place assembled skewers on the grill. Grill for 12 to 15 minutes, turning every 3 to 4 minutes, and baste with reserved marinade until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
06 - Remove skewers from grill. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve with fresh lime wedges.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The sweet pineapple caramelizes against the smoky grill, making every bite feel like a little surprise.
  • I end up making this when I want a meal that feels both effortless and special, especially when guests drop by unannounced.
02 -
  • Chicken pieces too big don't cook fast—I once served slightly raw skewers, so slice them evenly.
  • Sneaking extra honey into the marinade can lead to burnt bits on the grill; moderation is key for a perfect glaze.
03 -
  • Using pineapple that's fully ripe and freshly cut makes the biggest flavor difference—canned just won't caramelize as well.
  • A brush dedicated to basting keeps the glaze even and avoids cross-contaminating raw chicken and cooked food.
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