Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers (Print Version)

Tender chicken cubes grilled with caramelized pineapple and smoky spices, ideal for warm-weather dining.

# What You'll Need:

→ Poultry & Produce

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
02 - 1 medium fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1.5-inch chunks
03 - 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
04 - 1 red onion, cut into 1.5-inch pieces

→ Marinade

05 - 1/3 cup soy sauce, gluten-free certified
06 - 1/4 cup pineapple juice
07 - 2 tablespoons honey
08 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
09 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
11 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ Garnish

13 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
14 - Lime wedges for serving

# How to Make It:

01 - In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, smoked paprika, and black pepper until well combined.
02 - Add chicken cubes to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat all pieces. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor development.
03 - If using wooden skewers, submerge them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
04 - Preheat grill to medium-high heat, targeting approximately 400°F.
05 - Thread marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, bell pepper pieces, and onion alternately onto skewers, distributing ingredients evenly.
06 - Place skewers on hot grill and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, rotating every 3 to 4 minutes until chicken reaches internal doneness and edges develop light char.
07 - Remove skewers from grill and allow 2 minutes rest time. Top with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • The chicken stays tender while the pineapple caramelizes into something almost dessert-like, creating this perfect sweet-savory moment on your tongue.
  • It feels fancy enough to impress guests but honest enough that even a weeknight dinner feels special.
02 -
  • If you cut your chicken pieces too small, they'll dry out by the time everything else finishes cooking; 1½ inches is exactly right and worth measuring the first time you make this.
  • Reserving 2 tablespoons of marinade before adding the chicken and brushing it onto the skewers during the last few minutes transforms them from good to glossy and restaurant-worthy.
03 -
  • Soak wooden skewers fully submerged for the entire 30 minutes, not just a quick dunk, so they absorb water deep enough to resist burning.
  • If your pineapple is particularly juicy, pat the chunks dry with a paper towel before threading to prevent excess liquid that can create steam instead of char.
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