Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers

Featured in: Warm Family Dinners

Enjoy succulent chicken combined with sweet pineapple, smoky peppers, and red onion grilled to juicy perfection. The marinade, made from soy sauce, olive oil, honey, lime juice, garlic, and ginger, infuses deep flavor, while grilling adds just the right amount of char. Thread the ingredients onto skewers, baste them as they cook, and finish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. This dish bursts with tropical notes and is perfect for outdoor gatherings. It’s gluten-free and pairs wonderfully with coconut rice or a green salad.

Updated on Mon, 16 Mar 2026 11:12:00 GMT
Juicy grilled chicken and sweet pineapple skewers with colorful bell peppers and red onion, perfect for summer BBQs. Save
Juicy grilled chicken and sweet pineapple skewers with colorful bell peppers and red onion, perfect for summer BBQs. | birchplate.com

Ingredients

  • Cutting chicken into uniform pieces helps it cook evenly, and marinating transforms it from bland to flavor-packed.
  • Choose a ripe pineapple for maximum sweetness, and use a sharp knife to cut clean, juicy chunks.
  • Adds a pop of color and crunch; don’t forget to remove the seeds before slicing.
  • When grilled, it turns sweet and smoky, complementing the other flavors.
  • Gives the marinade deep umami; gluten-free tamari works perfectly if you need it.
  • Helps the chicken stay moist and prevents sticking on the grill.
  • Brings out the pineapple’s sweetness and adds caramelization.
  • Brightens the marinade with a zesty punch—fresh is best.
  • Minced garlic ensures a mellow and aromatic flavor throughout.
  • Adds a subtle warmth that balances the sweet and savory.
  • A touch of spice to elevate and tie together the flavors.
  • Sprinkle as a garnish for an herby finish.
  • Serve on the side for a burst of tang right at the table.

What's for Dinner Tonight? 🤔

Stop stressing. Get 10 fast recipes that actually work on busy nights.

Free. No spam. Just easy meals.

Instructions

Save
| birchplate.com

Tired of Takeout? 🥡

Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.

One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Grilling Beyond Basics

Personalizing Your Skewers

Last Minute Essentials

Still Scrolling? You'll Love This 👇

Our best 20-minute dinners in one free pack — tried and tested by thousands.

Trusted by 10,000+ home cooks.

Tropical-inspired grilled pineapple chicken skewers featuring tender chicken, caramelized pineapple, and vibrant vegetables on wooden sticks. Save
Tropical-inspired grilled pineapple chicken skewers featuring tender chicken, caramelized pineapple, and vibrant vegetables on wooden sticks. | birchplate.com

Recipe Questions & Answers

What can I serve alongside skewers?

Coconut rice or a fresh green salad pairs well, complementing tropical flavors.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate for at least 15 minutes; up to 2 hours enhances the flavor further.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Yes, thighs add extra juiciness and work beautifully in this dish.

What vegetables work as substitutes?

Zucchini makes a great addition; you can also use mushrooms or extra peppers.

How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning?

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading ingredients.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to ensure the meal is gluten-free.

20-Minute Dinner Pack — Free Download 📥

10 recipes, 1 shopping list. Everything you need for a week of easy dinners.

Instant access. No signup hassle.

Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers

Juicy chicken and pineapple grilled with peppers and onion for a vibrant, flavorful summer dish.

Prep Duration
20 minutes
Time to Cook
15 minutes
Overall Time
35 minutes
Created by Elena Hart


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Servings produced 4 Serving Size

Diet Details No Dairy, Wheat-Free

What You'll Need

Protein & Produce

01 1 1/2 lbs 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

01 1/4 cup soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
02 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 2 tablespoons honey
04 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
05 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 1 teaspoon ground ginger
07 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish

01 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
02 Lime wedges, for serving

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Prepare Marinade: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, ground ginger, and black pepper until well combined.

Step 02

Marinate Chicken: Place chicken breast pieces in a large zip-top bag or shallow container. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, reserving the remainder for basting. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.

Step 03

Preheat Grill: Set grill to medium-high heat and allow it to preheat thoroughly before cooking.

Step 04

Assemble Skewers: Thread chicken, pineapple, bell pepper, and red onion pieces alternately onto skewers, ensuring an even distribution.

Step 05

Grill Skewers: Arrange skewers on the grill. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, turning every 3 to 4 minutes while basting with the reserved marinade after each turn, until the chicken is fully cooked and has slight charring.

Step 06

Serve: Remove skewers from grill. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

You Just Made Something Great 👏

Want more like this? Get my best easy recipes — free, straight to your inbox.

Join 10,000+ home cooks. No spam.

Tools Needed

  • Grill (gas or charcoal)
  • Skewers (metal or wooden)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Basting brush
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy Details

Review all components to spot allergies and check with a doctor if you're unsure.
  • Contains soy due to the soy sauce.
  • For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
  • Double-check all packaged ingredient labels if sensitive to allergens.

Nutrition Breakdown (each serving)

Nutritional info is for reference. Please consult your doctor for specifics.
  • Energy (Calories): 315
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Proteins: 34 g

Cooking Shouldn't Be Hard ❤️

Get a free recipe pack that makes weeknight dinners effortless. Real food, real fast.

Free forever. Unsubscribe anytime.