Grilled Chicken Pineapple Kabobs (Printable)

Juicy grilled chicken paired with sweet pineapple and bell peppers, marinated for bold, fresh summer flavors.

# What You Need:

→ Meat & Protein

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes

→ Produce

02 - 1 medium pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1.5-inch chunks
03 - 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
04 - 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
05 - 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
06 - 1 medium red onion, cut into 1.5-inch pieces

→ Marinade

07 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
08 - 2 tablespoons low-sodium gluten-free soy sauce
09 - 2 tablespoons honey
10 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
11 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
12 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
14 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

# How-To Steps:

01 - In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, paprika, black pepper, and salt until well combined.
02 - Add chicken cubes to the marinade, toss to coat evenly, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor development.
03 - If using wooden skewers, submerge them in water for a minimum of 30 minutes to prevent charring during grilling.
04 - Thread marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, bell pepper pieces, and onion alternately onto skewers, distributing ingredients evenly.
05 - Heat grill to medium-high temperature, approximately 400°F, allowing 10 minutes for proper preheating.
06 - Lightly brush oil onto grill grates using tongs and a folded paper towel to prevent sticking.
07 - Place assembled kabobs on grill and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, rotating every 3 to 4 minutes until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F and vegetables display light char marks.
08 - Remove kabobs from grill and allow to rest for 2 minutes before plating to retain juices.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Sweet pineapple caramelizes on the grill while the marinade keeps chicken impossibly tender and juicy.
  • Comes together in under an hour, making weeknight dinners feel special without the stress.
  • Rainbow peppers make it naturally photogenic, so your backyard cookout suddenly looks Instagram-worthy.
02 -
  • Reserve a small amount of plain marinade before adding raw chicken, then brush it on during grilling for an extra layer of flavor and glossy finish.
  • Wooden skewers need that full thirty-minute soak—I learned this the hard way when mine started smoking and gave the kabobs a slightly burnt taste.
03 -
  • Turn your kabobs every three to four minutes for even cooking and those caramelized char marks that make everything taste better.
  • If you have time, reserve a bit of marinade before adding raw chicken, then brush it on during grilling for a professional-looking glossy finish and deeper flavor.
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