Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kabobs – Juicy, Sweet, and Perfectly Grilled

First, thank you for stopping by — because these Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kabobs are pure sunshine on a skewer. Sweet pineapple, juicy chicken, and colorful veggies get marinated in a tangy-sweet glaze, then grilled to perfection for that irresistible charred flavor.

This recipe is one of my summer go-tos because it’s quick to prep, endlessly customizable, and the smell when they hit the grill? Absolutely mouthwatering!

Why You’ll Love Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kabobs

• Tropical flavor in every bite – sweet pineapple, savory chicken, and tangy marinade.
• Perfect for entertaining – they’re colorful and fun to eat.
• Healthy and fresh – loaded with lean protein and veggies.
• Quick cooking time – just minutes on the grill.

What Do They Taste Like?

These kabobs have the perfect sweet-and-savory balance: the pineapple caramelizes as it grills, the chicken stays juicy from the marinade, and the veggies soak up all those tropical notes. The glaze is a mix of soy, garlic, brown sugar, and pineapple juice — sticky, shiny, and deeply flavorful.

Benefits of Making Them at Home

• No mystery sauces — you control the sweetness and saltiness.
• Easily scaled for a crowd or small family dinner.
• Works for outdoor grilling or indoor grill pans.
• Naturally gluten-free with a simple soy sauce swap.

Ingredients for Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kabobs

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 ½-inch chunks
• 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
• 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces
• 1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces
• 1 red onion, cut into wedges

For the Marinade/Glaze:

• ½ cup pineapple juice
• ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

Tools You’ll Need

• Grill or grill pan
• Skewers (metal or soaked wooden)
• Mixing bowl and whisk
• Basting brush

Ingredient Swaps and Additions

• Use chicken thighs for even juicier results.
• Swap pineapple for mango or peach for a twist.
• Add zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for more veggie variety.
• For extra heat, stir in a teaspoon of chili flakes or sriracha to the marinade.

How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kabobs

1. Make the marinade In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, garlic, and ginger. Reserve ½ cup for glazing.
2. Marinate chicken Add chicken chunks to the remaining marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours).
3. Prep skewers Thread chicken, pineapple, peppers, and onion alternately onto skewers.
4. Preheat grill Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high. Lightly oil the grates.
5. Grill kabobs Cook kabobs for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
6. Make the glaze Pour reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook over medium heat until thickened.
7. Baste and serve Brush kabobs with glaze during the last minute of grilling. Serve hot.

What to Serve with Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kabobs

• Coconut rice or jasmine rice
• Macaroni salad (Hawaiian-style)
• Grilled corn on the cob
• Fresh fruit salad

Storage Instructions

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in the oven or on the grill to keep chicken juicy.
• Not ideal for freezing once assembled (pineapple gets mushy), but you can freeze marinated chicken separately.

Final Thoughts

These Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kabobs are the definition of a happy meal — colorful, flavorful, and so easy to make. They’re perfect for summer BBQs, but honestly, I make them year-round on my grill pan when I need a tropical pick-me-up.

If you enjoyed this, try my Teriyaki Salmon Skewers or Grilled Veggie Platter with Pineapple Glaze next.

📌 Don’t forget to share your kabob creations on Pinterest — I can’t wait to see your versions sizzling away!

Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving, based on 6 servings)

• Calories: 230
• Protein: 24g
• Carbs: 20g
• Fat: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 530mg