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; 3 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; Sea salt to taste; Ground black pepper to taste; 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 so satisfying about juicy, charred chicken paired with sweet, caramelized pineapple on a skewer. This Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Pineapple Recipe brings a perfect balance of savory and tropical flavors, making it a go-to for quick weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts.

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

This recipe hits that sweet spot—quick, fresh, and bursting with flavor. I’ve come back to it time and again because it’s simple enough for a busy weeknight yet impressive for entertaining friends. Plus, the pineapple really elevates the whole dish!

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for when time is tight.
Flavor-packed: The combination of honey, garlic, and grilled pineapple adds layers of sweet and smoky deliciousness.
Healthy & Balanced: Lean protein with colorful veggies and fruit makes it a wholesome meal.
Customizable: You can easily swap veggies or spice it up depending on your mood.

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

Each ingredient here plays its part to create a harmony of tastes and textures, from the tender chicken to the juicy, caramelizing pineapple. Plus, choosing fresh produce is key—ripe pineapple and firm veggies make the biggest difference.

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: Lean and quick-cooking, chicken bites soak up the marinade beautifully.
Red bell pepper: Adds a mild crunch and vibrant color that pops on the skewer.
White or red onion: Offers a subtle sweetness that intensifies when grilled.
Zucchini: Brings a tender texture and fresh flavor that balances sweeter elements.
Pineapple: The star that adds juicy sweetness and a tangy kick.
Garlic cloves: Crushed for a fragrant, savory punch.
Sea salt and ground black pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance every flavor.
Honey: Sweetens and helps create that lovely caramelized exterior.
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 playing with the veggies depending on what looks fresh at the market. Feel free to toss in mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or even swap zucchini for yellow squash. I often add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky warmth that pairs beautifully with that honeyed pineapple.

Variation: Once, I made this with shrimp instead of chicken, and it was a hit! Just reduce cooking time, and you’ve got a seafood twist.

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

Step 1: Prep your chicken and veggies

Start by washing and patting dry the chicken breast—this helps the marinade stick better. Cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. Chop your red bell pepper, onion, zucchini, and pineapple into the same size so everything cooks at the same rate. Trust me, uniform pieces make all the difference!

Step 2: Marinate and toss

In a large bowl, sprinkle the chicken and veggies with crushed garlic, sea salt, and black pepper. Drizzle honey and olive oil over everything, then toss it well. Let this marinate for about 15 minutes—just enough to soak in flavor without slowing dinner down.

Step 3: Skewer and grill

Thread chicken and veggies onto skewers, alternating colors and flavors. Heat your grill pan over medium-high heat and brush with oil to prevent sticking. Cook the kabobs about 1 minute per side—high heat ensures a great sear while keeping the chicken juicy inside.

Step 4: Rest and serve

Once charred and cooked through, transfer kabobs to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up extra oil. Serve immediately while everything’s warm and fragrant. You’ll love the way those caramelized edges pop!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few kitchen hacks that make this Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Pineapple Recipe foolproof. These tricks keep the chicken juicy and the flavors bright while making cleanup a breeze.

Even Cutting: Taking the time to cut uniform pieces ensures all kabobs cook evenly—no one wants dry chicken or undercooked veggies.
Pre-soak Wooden Skewers: If you go the wooden skewer route, soak them for at least an hour before grilling to avoid burnt sticks.
Oil the Grill Pan: Brushing your grill skillet with olive oil prevents sticking and gives you those perfect grill marks.
Watch Your Heat: Medium-high heat cooks quickly without drying out the chicken; adjust flame to avoid charring too fast.

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Pineapple Recipe

grilled chicken kabobs - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or parsley over the kabobs right before serving—the green pops visually and adds a fresh bite. A squeeze of lime juice elevates the pineapple’s tanginess, brightening every mouthful.

Side Dishes

Serve these kabobs alongside fluffy couscous or a vibrant quinoa salad for a hearty meal. Sometimes, I whip up a simple cucumber yogurt sauce to cool things down—a little like a tzatziki twist that pairs beautifully here.

Creative Ways to Present

For a backyard party, try serving kabobs on a wooden board nestled on a bed of tropical leaves or shredded coconut. Adding pineapple rings at the base of each skewer turns it into a showstopper. Kids love it when you make a “rainbow” kabob with all the colorful veggies arranged in a fun pattern!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually pop any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’re good for up to 3 days and actually taste great cold tossed into a salad or reheated gently.

Freezing

This recipe freezes quite well! After grilling, let everything cool, then pack into a freezer-safe bag or container. I label it and freeze for up to a month. When you want a quick meal, it’s ready to defrost and enjoy.

Reheating

I recommend defrosting overnight in the fridge and reheating in the microwave or a quick toss on a hot skillet to regain some char and warmth without drying out the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use wooden skewers instead of metal?

Absolutely! Just soak wooden or bamboo skewers in water for at least an hour before threading to prevent them from burning on the grill.

How do I ensure my chicken stays juicy on the grill?

Marinating the chicken briefly with honey, olive oil, and seasonings helps lock in moisture. Cooking over medium-high heat and flipping quickly keeps the chicken juicy and prevents drying out.

Can I prepare kabobs ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken and veggies together and skewer them a few hours before grilling. Just keep them covered and refrigerated until ready to cook.

What sides pair best with grilled chicken kabobs with pineapple?

Fresh salads, grilled corn, couscous, or a light yogurt dip complement the tropical flavors well and round out the meal perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Pineapple Recipe is a personal favorite for good reason — it’s vibrant, simple, and hits all the right notes every single time. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and it becomes a staple in your recipe rotation for easy, flavorful meals that bring a bit of sunshine to your dinner table.