Can I make pineapple chicken kabobs ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the marinade and cut all ingredients up to 2 days ahead. Marinate the chicken overnight, and assemble the skewers up to 4 hours before grilling, keeping them refrigerated until cooking time.

Will frozen pineapple work for these kabobs?

While fresh pineapple is ideal, thawed frozen pineapple chunks can work in a pinch. Be sure to drain them well and pat dry before threading onto skewers to prevent excess moisture.

How can I prevent my wooden skewers from burning?

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the refrigerator) before threading. For extra protection, wrap the exposed ends in foil before grilling.

Can I use this same marinade for other proteins?

Absolutely! This marinade works beautifully with shrimp (marinate for only 30 minutes), pork, or even firm tofu. The pineapple enzymes help tenderize whatever protein you choose.

Are pineapple chicken kabobs keto-friendly?

Traditional pineapple chicken kabobs aren’t keto due to the fruit’s sugar content and the honey/brown sugar in the marinade. For a keto version, replace pineapple with low-carb vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini, and use a sugar-free sweetener in the marinade.

Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe That Will Wow Your Taste Buds 2025

Name: Juicy Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-487710H20M31S
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: For the marinade:; ⅓ cup soy sauce (low-sodium); ¼ cup pineapple juice; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger; 1 tablespoon lime juice; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; For the kabobs:; 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch chunks; 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch chunks; 8–10 wooden or metal skewers

Juicy Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Print Recipe

These Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are bursting with tropical flavor – juicy chicken, sweet caramelized pineapple, and colorful veggies grilled to perfection. Perfect for summer grilling or a taste of the tropics year-round!

Author: Harmony
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours (with marinating)
Yield: 4 servings (8 kabobs) 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Hawaiian

Ingredients

Scale

For the marinade:
⅓ cup soy sauce (low-sodium)
¼ cup pineapple juice
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons brown sugar
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1 tablespoon lime juice
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
For the kabobs:
1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch chunks
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 red onion, cut into 1-inch chunks
8–10 wooden or metal skewers

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients until well combined. Reserve ¼ cup for basting.
Add chicken cubes to a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour in marinade and coat thoroughly. Marinate for 2–8 hours in the fridge.
Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes, if using.
Thread chicken, pineapple, peppers, and onion onto skewers, leaving small gaps for even cooking.
Preheat grill to medium-high (375–400°F) and oil grates.
Grill kabobs for 12–15 minutes, turning every 3–4 minutes and basting during the final minutes with reserved marinade. Chicken is done at 165°F internal temperature.
Oven method: Bake at 425°F for 15–18 minutes, turning once and basting. Broil for 2 minutes at the end for charred edges.

Notes

Swap soy sauce for coconut aminos to make it gluten-free. Use tofu or shrimp for protein variations (adjust marinating time). Drain pineapple well to avoid soggy kabobs. Can be made ahead for meal prep or entertaining.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 kabobs
Calories: 310
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 7.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 29g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: pineapple chicken kabobs, grilled chicken skewers, tropical kabobs, Hawaiian chicken recipe, Harmony Meal kabobs

Find it online: https://harmonymeal.com/pineapple-chicken-kabobs/