I’ll be honest with you—I never planned to fall in love with grilled pineapple chicken skewers. One day, I had leftover chicken and a fresh pineapple sitting on the counter.
I thought, what if I put them together? And trust me, the sweet pineapple juice with the smoky grilled chicken turned out like magic.
This recipe is not only easy but also fun. It takes 1 hour and 28 minutes from start to finish, and the flavor is worth every minute.
If you like meals that look fancy but are actually simple, you’re going to love this one.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we start, let’s keep it simple. Nothing fancy—just everyday ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless chicken breast (cut into cubes)
- 1 fresh pineapple (cut into chunks)
- 1 red bell pepper (optional, for color)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (optional)
- 1 large onion (optional, cut into squares)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Wooden skewers (soak them in water for 30 minutes to avoid burning)
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken (30 Minutes)
This is where the flavor magic happens. Put the chicken cubes in a bowl. Add soy sauce, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Mix well until every piece is coated.
Cover it and let it rest in the fridge for 30 minutes. This step makes the chicken juicy and packed with flavor. Don’t skip it—I promise it’s worth the wait.
Step 2: Prepare the Pineapple and Veggies (15 Minutes)
While the chicken marinates, chop the pineapple into bite-sized chunks. If you’re using bell peppers and onion, cut them into even-sized squares.
This makes the skewers look colorful and also helps everything cook evenly.
Step 3: Assemble the Skewers (13 Minutes)
Now comes the fun part! Take your soaked skewers and start threading chicken, pineapple, and veggies. Mix and match to make them look colorful.
I usually go: chicken → pineapple → bell pepper → chicken again.
This part feels creative—you can arrange them however you like.
Step 4: Grill Them to Perfection (30 Minutes)
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 12–15 minutes, turning them every few minutes so all sides cook evenly.
Here’s the trick: brush them with leftover marinade halfway through grilling for extra flavor.
But make sure it’s only marinade from before the chicken touched it (never raw marinade).
The chicken should be golden brown with a little char, and the pineapple should be caramelized. That’s when you know it’s perfect.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy (Just a Few Minutes)
Take the skewers off the grill, let them rest for 2–3 minutes, and then serve. I like pairing mine with rice or fresh salad.
The sweet, smoky, and savory flavors together taste like summer in every bite.
Extra Tips for Best Results
- Soak skewers properly: If you skip this, they’ll burn fast.
- Use fresh pineapple: It tastes much better than canned.
- Don’t rush the marinade: It makes all the difference.
- Keep heat medium-high: Too high will burn, too low will dry out.
FAQs About Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers
Q: Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
A: Yes, but fresh pineapple tastes better and gives that perfect grilled sweetness.
Q: Can I bake them instead of grilling?
A: Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes, turning once. But grilling gives the best flavor.
Q: How do I know if the chicken is cooked?
A: The inside should be white, not pink. Or check with a meat thermometer—it should reach 165°F (74°C).
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the skewers and keep them in the fridge for up to 12 hours before grilling.
Q: What side dishes go best with this?
A: Rice, grilled corn, garlic bread, or even a fresh cucumber salad.
So, now you know how to make these amazing grilled pineapple chicken skewers in just 1h28mins. They’re easy, colorful, and guaranteed to impress anyone at the table.
Would you like me to also write a short “recipe card” version (like the quick printable summary people love) that you can use along with this full article?