Pineapple Chicken Kebabs: A Juicy, Irresistible Summer Favorite!

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If you’ve been dreaming of a dinner that screams “sunshine on a plate,” look no further than these Pineapple Chicken Kebabs! Bursting with tropical flavor and a sweet-savory marinade that’ll make your taste buds dance, this recipe is your answer to “What should I grill this weekend?” Perfect for busy moms, weekend BBQ warriors, and anyone needing a quick ticket to flavor town.

Trust me, this one is worth firing up the grill for!

Why You’ll Love These Pineapple Chicken Kebabs

Pineapple Chicken Kebabs aren’t just pretty to look at (although, hello, tropical vibes!). They’re juicy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to throw together, even on your busiest days. Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or wrangling a hungry family after soccer practice, these kebabs check all the boxes: simple, satisfying, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Plus, who can resist that golden char on juicy chicken and sweet pineapple chunks?

Ingredients You’ll Need

3.5 – 4 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 fresh pineapple

For the Marinade:

1 cup pineapple juice (canned or jarred is perfect)
1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
6 garlic cloves, pressed
1 small onion, sliced
2 tbsp white wine vinegar
2 tbsp brown sugar

Step-by-Step: How to Make Pineapple Chicken Kebabs

1. Prepping the Pineapple:

Lay your pineapple on its side and chop off the top and bottom (about 1/2 inch each).
Stand it up and trim off the thick skin with a sharp knife.
Slice it down the middle, then quarter each half. Cut off that tough core.
Finally, chop the pineapple into bite-sized, 1-inch chunks. Pop them in a lidded container in the fridge until you’re ready.

2. Marinating the Chicken:

In a bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, vinegar, pressed garlic, sliced onion, and brown sugar.
Cut each chicken thigh in half and toss them into a large zip-lock bag.
Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal it up, and lay it flat on a plate.
Let it marinate overnight if possible — or at least for 2 hours if you’re short on time (we’ve all been there!).

3. Grilling Your Chicken and Pineapple Kabobs:

Fire up those coals or preheat your grill.
Take the chicken out of the marinade but save the extra liquid!
Thread skewers: two pieces of chicken, one piece of pineapple, and repeat. Tip: Roll or fold each piece of chicken for maximum juiciness.
Give the skewers a light spray with cooking oil.
Grill, turning every 4-5 minutes, until beautifully charred and the internal temp hits 165°F.

4. Making the Sauce:

While the kebabs cook, simmer the leftover marinade (either on the grill in a metal pot or stovetop) until it’s reduced by half.
Once the kebabs are cooked, brush them generously with the thickened sauce.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken and Pineapple Kabobs

Wood or Metal Skewers? If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning. (Trust me, nobody wants “campfire flavor” unless it’s s’mores.)
Cut Even Pieces: Keeping your chicken and pineapple chunks uniform means everything cooks evenly.
Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Overnight is best, but even a few hours makes a big difference!
Save That Marinade: Cooking it down into a glaze takes these chicken and pineapple kabobs over the top.
A Little Story From My Kitchen

The first time I made these Pineapple Chicken Kebabs, my kids declared them “the best chicken on a stick ever.” Now they think every grilled dinner needs pineapple! It’s become our little summer tradition — sticky fingers, messy smiles, and all.

FAQs About Pineapple Chicken Kebabs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes! But chicken thighs stay juicier and are a little more forgiving if you get distracted (ahem, like when chasing toddlers around).

How do I store leftovers?

Pop any extras into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently so the chicken doesn’t dry out!

Can I bake these instead of grilling?

Absolutely. Preheat your oven to 425°F, place the skewers on a lined baking sheet, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through.

Can I prep ahead?

You bet! Marinate the chicken and chop the pineapple the day before. Assembly is a breeze when everything’s ready to go.

Can you put pineapple on chicken skewers?

Definitely! Pineapple adds a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with savory grilled chicken, making every bite juicy and flavorful.

What does soaking chicken in pineapple juice do?

Pineapple juice contains bromelain, an enzyme that tenderizes meat. Marinating chicken in pineapple juice helps make it extra juicy and flavorful!

Does chicken go with pineapple?

Absolutely! The sweet-tart flavor of pineapple beautifully complements the savory, tender chicken. It’s a classic tropical match made in heaven.

What goes with Hawaiian chicken kabobs?

You can’t go wrong with sides like coconut rice, grilled veggies, macaroni salad, or a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.

Conclusion

Ready to bring a taste of the tropics to your table? These Pineapple Chicken Kebabs are a vibrant, mouthwatering answer to “what’s for dinner?” and will quickly become your new summer grilling obsession. Happy cooking, friends — and don’t forget your extra napkins!

More Delicious Recipes to Try

If you loved these juicy kebabs, check out these tropical and flavor-packed dishes:

Happy cooking adventures!