Let me tell you something straight—I love food that’s simple but feels special. One evening, I wanted something sweet, smoky, and a little different from the usual grilled chicken. I looked at a fresh pineapple sitting on my counter, and that’s when the idea hit me. Why not mix pineapple with chicken on the grill?
I tried it, and wow—it turned out amazing. The chicken was juicy, the pineapple was sweet and caramelized, and together they made every bite unforgettable. Since then, this has become one of my go-to recipes, and I know you’ll love it too. Let me walk you through everything so you can make the best grilled pineapple chicken skewers in just 1 hour and 25 minutes.
Why Pineapple and Chicken Are the Perfect Match
Pineapple and chicken might sound unusual at first, but trust me, they’re like best friends when grilled together. The pineapple brings a natural sweetness and a little tang that balances the smoky, savory flavor of chicken. When the pineapple hits the heat, its sugars caramelize, turning golden and slightly sticky. The chicken, after marinating, soaks up flavor and stays tender.
The result? Juicy bites of chicken with bursts of sweet pineapple. It’s not just food—it’s an experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need (Simple and Easy)
You don’t need anything fancy to make this dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken breasts or thighs – boneless, skinless, cut into cubes
- Fresh pineapple – cut into chunks
- Soy sauce – adds savory depth
- Garlic – minced for flavor
- Ginger – freshly grated for a warm kick
- Honey or brown sugar – for sweetness and caramelization
- Olive oil – helps coat the chicken
- Salt and black pepper – classic seasoning
- Wooden or metal skewers
Tip: If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling so they don’t burn.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken (30 Minutes)
The marinade is the heart of this recipe. Without it, the chicken would be plain and boring.
How to make the marinade:
- In a large bowl, mix soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), minced garlic, grated ginger, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken cubes and stir until all pieces are well-coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate for up to an hour for even more flavor.
During this time, the chicken soaks up all the sweet, salty, garlicky goodness, making it tender and flavorful once grilled.
Step 2: Prep the Pineapple (10 Minutes)
While the chicken is marinating, get your pineapple ready.
- Cut the fresh pineapple into bite-sized chunks (around the same size as your chicken pieces).
- Pat them dry with a paper towel so they don’t drip too much juice on the grill.
Fresh pineapple is best because it caramelizes beautifully on the grill. Canned pineapple can work in a pinch, but it won’t taste the same.
Step 3: Build the Skewers (10–15 Minutes)
This part is fun and easy.
- Take your skewers and thread chicken and pineapple chunks one after another, creating a nice pattern.
- Don’t pack them too tightly—leave little spaces so the heat can reach every side of the chicken.
- Each skewer should have a mix of chicken and pineapple so every bite is balanced.
By the end, you’ll have colorful skewers ready to hit the grill.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection (30–35 Minutes)
Now comes the best part—grilling.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 15–18 minutes, turning them every few minutes so all sides cook evenly.
- Brush extra marinade on the skewers while grilling for more flavor (but never use marinade that raw chicken sat in unless you boil it first).
- Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C)—that’s when you know it’s safe and juicy.
As the skewers cook, you’ll smell the sweet pineapple caramelizing and see the chicken getting those beautiful grill marks. That’s when you know it’s going to be good.
Step 5: Rest and Serve (5 Minutes)
Once the skewers are cooked, take them off the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices settle inside the chicken.
Then serve them hot. These skewers go great with:
- Steamed rice
- Grilled vegetables
- A fresh green salad
- Even just on their own for a quick snack
Honestly, they taste so good you might not even need a side dish.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
I’ve tried many grilled recipes, but this one always hits the spot. Here’s why:
- Balanced flavors: Sweet pineapple, savory chicken, smoky grill—everything in harmony.
- Simple ingredients: Nothing complicated or expensive.
- Quick to make: 1 hour 25 minutes from start to finish.
- Family-friendly: Kids love the sweetness, adults love the smoky flavor.
- Versatile: Works for summer BBQs, weeknight dinners, or even meal prep.
It’s one of those recipes you’ll make once and keep making again.
Tips to Make It Even Better
If you want to take your skewers up a notch, try these tips:
- Add veggies: Bell peppers, red onions, or zucchini add color and extra flavor.
- Spice it up: Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the marinade if you like heat.
- Use chicken thighs: They stay juicier than chicken breast.
- Glaze at the end: Brush on a little honey or teriyaki sauce during the last 2 minutes of grilling for a glossy finish.
Variations You Can Try
The beauty of this recipe is how flexible it is. Here are some fun twists:
- Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Skewers: Use teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce.
- Hawaiian Style: Add ham chunks along with pineapple and chicken.
- Spicy Pineapple Chicken: Mix in sriracha or chili paste for extra kick.
- Baked Version: No grill? Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Nutrition Breakdown (Per Skewer, Approx.)
- Calories: 180–220
- Protein: 20–22g
- Carbs: 12–15g (mostly from pineapple and honey)
- Fat: 6–8g
- Fiber: 1–2g
This makes it a healthy, protein-packed meal that doesn’t feel heavy.
FAQs About Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers
Q1: Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Yes, but fresh pineapple caramelizes better and gives more flavor.
Q2: Can I bake instead of grilling?
Definitely. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through.
Q3: Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken overnight and even assemble the skewers in advance. Just keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to grill.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven for best results.
Q5: What can I serve with these skewers?
Rice, grilled veggies, potato salad, or even flatbread. They go with almost anything.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it—the best grilled pineapple chicken skewers you can make in 1 hour 25 minutes. It’s simple, delicious, and something that will impress your family and friends.
The next time you fire up your grill, try this recipe. Trust me, once you taste that smoky chicken with caramelized pineapple, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner.