Tropical Grilled Chicken Skewers

This tropical-inspired pineapple chicken skewer recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a flavor-packed meal that brings island vibes to your dinner table. The sweet and tangy marinade infuses the chicken with pineapple and Asian flavors while the grilling process caramelizes everything to perfection.

I first made these skewers for a backyard gathering when friends unexpectedly stopped by. The combination of juicy grilled pineapple and tender chicken had everyone asking for the recipe, and it's become my go-to summer entertaining dish ever since.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: about 2 pounds cut into chunks that thread easily onto skewers while staying juicy when grilled
• Fresh pineapple: adds natural sweetness and caramelizes beautifully on the grill
• Olive oil: helps prevent sticking and promotes browning
• Salt and black pepper: enhances all the flavors

For the Pineapple Marinade

• Pineapple juice: tenderizes the chicken while adding natural sweetness
• Soy sauce: provides umami depth and saltiness to balance the sweet elements
• Brown sugar: creates caramelization on the grill
• Honey: adds stickiness that helps the marinade cling to the chicken
• Minced garlic cloves: provides aromatic pungency that mellows when grilled
• Fresh grated ginger: adds zingy warmth that pairs perfectly with pineapple
• Lime juice: brightens everything with acidity
• Lime zest: contributes intense citrus flavor without additional moisture
• Red pepper flakes: brings gentle heat that complements the sweet components
• Fresh chopped cilantro: adds herbaceous freshness that cuts through the richness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Marinade

Combine all marinade ingredients in a large bowl and whisk until the sugar and honey are completely dissolved.

The marinade should have a glossy appearance and slightly thick consistency. Reserve about ¼ cup of marinade for basting before adding the chicken.

Marinate the Chicken

Cut chicken breasts into 1½-inch cubes and place in a resealable plastic bag or glass container.

Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken, making sure all pieces are well coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or ideally overnight. The longer marinating time allows the pineapple enzymes to tenderize the meat while the flavors fully penetrate.

Prepare for Grilling

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat approximately 375-400°F.

While the grill heats, remove chicken from marinade and thread onto skewers alternating with pineapple chunks. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning.

Grill to Perfection

Place skewers on oiled grill grates and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, turning once.

Brush with reserved marinade several times during cooking to build up a delicious glaze. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has nice grill marks.

Grill the Pineapple

If using pineapple rings instead of chunks, grill them separately for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop caramelized grill marks.

The natural sugars in the pineapple will concentrate and create a delicious sweet-smoky flavor.

Rest and Serve

Transfer skewers to a clean plate and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat for maximum juiciness. Serve hot with additional grilled pineapple and perhaps a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

Bookmark

The fresh ginger in this recipe completely transforms the marinade. I discovered its importance when I once had to substitute dried ginger powder in a pinch. While still tasty, it lacked that vibrant zing that fresh ginger provides. My family could immediately tell the difference and now I always keep fresh ginger in my freezer for easy grating.

Make-Ahead Tips

The marinade can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Chicken can marinate overnight for maximum flavor development without becoming mushy. For quickest dinner prep, cube the chicken and prepare the pineapple ahead of time, then simply assemble and grill when ready to eat.

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe welcomes creative adaptations based on what you have available. Boneless chicken thighs can replace breasts for even juicier results. Canned pineapple chunks work when fresh isn't available just drain well before grilling. For a different flavor profile, try adding a tablespoon of sriracha to the marinade for heat or substitute coconut aminos for soy sauce to make it gluten-free. Bell peppers and red onions make excellent additions to the skewers for color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These pineapple chicken skewers pair wonderfully with coconut rice which soaks up the delicious juices. A simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet-savory skewers. For a complete tropical meal, serve with black beans seasoned with lime and cilantro. These skewers also make excellent appetizers for parties when made with smaller chicken pieces on cocktail skewers.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes! While fresh pineapple provides the best flavor and texture, canned pineapple chunks (drained well) can be used as a convenient substitute. Just be sure to choose pineapple packed in juice rather than syrup for the best results.

→ How do I prevent the chicken from drying out on the grill?

To keep the chicken juicy, marinate it for at least 2 hours, don't overcook it (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C is perfect), baste frequently with the reserved marinade during grilling, and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

→ Can I make these skewers in the oven?

Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the skewers on a lined baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally. You can finish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to get some char.

→ What sides pair well with these skewers?

These skewers pair beautifully with coconut rice, a simple green salad, grilled vegetables, or a tropical fruit salsa. For a complete Hawaiian-inspired meal, serve with traditional sides like macaroni salad or steamed rice.

→ Can I prepare these skewers ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. You can also assemble the skewers a few hours before cooking and keep them refrigerated. For best results, bring them to room temperature for about 20 minutes before grilling.

→ How spicy is this dish?

With only ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (which are optional), these skewers are mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by omitting the red pepper flakes entirely for a non-spicy version, or increasing them for more heat.