Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers (Printable Version)

Tender chicken cubes marinated with tropical flavors and grilled alongside caramelized pineapple chunks.

# What You'll Need:

→ Poultry & Produce

01 - 1.5 lbs 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 certified
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 mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, smoked paprika, and black pepper until well combined.
02 - Add chicken cubes to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat all pieces. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor development.
03 - If using wooden skewers, submerge them in water for 30 minutes to prevent charring during grilling.
04 - Heat the grill to medium-high temperature, approximately 400°F, allowing adequate time for the grates to reach full heat.
05 - Thread marinated chicken pieces, pineapple chunks, bell pepper, and onion pieces onto skewers in alternating sequence, ensuring even distribution.
06 - Place skewers on the grill and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, rotating every 3 to 4 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and develops light charring at the edges.
07 - Remove skewers from the grill and allow to rest for 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve alongside lime wedges.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The chicken stays impossibly juicy because the pineapple juice in the marinade breaks down the fibers while adding subtle sweetness.
  • You get that restaurant-quality char without fussing—just flip every few minutes and let the grill do the work.
  • It's naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, so you're not sacrificing flavor or having to explain dietary choices to guests.
02 -
  • Reserve 2 tablespoons of marinade before adding the raw chicken—use it to brush over the skewers while they grill for an extra layer of flavor that tastes intentional.
  • Don't skip the resting step; those 2 minutes make the difference between juicy chicken and dry, because the fibers need time to reabsorb the moisture.
03 -
  • Metal skewers heat up and conduct temperature better than wood, keeping the chicken edges crisper and preventing the underside from steaming instead of charring.
  • Cut all your proteins and vegetables the same size so everything finishes at exactly the same moment—no overcooked chicken waiting for the onion to soften.
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