Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers (Printable version)

Tender grilled chicken and caramelized pineapple combine for a vibrant, flavorful summer dish.

# What you need:

→ Poultry & Produce

01 - 1.5 pounds 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 if needed
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, garlic, ginger, smoked paprika, and black pepper until well combined.
02 - Add chicken cubes to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat all pieces. 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 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
04 - Heat the grill to medium-high temperature, approximately 400 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing adequate time for even heat distribution.
05 - Thread marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, bell pepper, and red onion alternately onto prepared skewers, ensuring even spacing between ingredients.
06 - Place skewers on the grill and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, rotating every 3 to 4 minutes, until chicken reaches full doneness with light char marks on the edges.
07 - Remove skewers from heat and allow to rest for 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately with lime wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 35 minutes (plus marinating time), making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings
  • Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, accommodating various dietary needs
  • The sweet and savory marinade creates incredible depth of flavor with minimal effort
  • Colorful presentation makes it a stunning centerpiece for any table
  • Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and adjustable spice levels
  • Perfect for meal prep—marinate in advance and grill when ready
02 -
  • Don't skip the marinating time—at least 30 minutes is essential for flavor, but 2 hours is ideal
  • Pat the chicken dry before marinating to help the marinade adhere better
  • Use metal skewers for easy flipping and reusability, or soak wooden ones thoroughly to prevent charring
  • Keep a spray bottle of water nearby to manage any flare-ups on the grill
  • Test doneness by cutting into the thickest piece of chicken—it should reach 165°F internally
  • Let the skewers rest for a couple of minutes after grilling to allow juices to redistribute
  • Fresh pineapple is key; canned pineapple will be too soft and won't caramelize properly
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