Made with marinated jerk chicken, fresh pineapple, peppers, and onions, these Chicken Pineapple Kabobs are sweet, spicy, and filled with tropical flavors.
Looking for more recipes inspired by the tropics? Try Baked Coconut Shrimp and Grilled Teriyaki Chicken or spice up dinner with Homemade Jerk Seasoning.
Chicken Kabobs Inspired by the Tropics
During my travels, I have had the privilege of taking cooking classes from resident chefs in both Jamaica and St. Lucia. Both chefs stressed that the secret to flavorful meals came down to bold flavors and fresh produce. And to illustrate this purpose, both shared variations on jerk marinades.
I took the lessons I learned to create this recipe for Chicken Pineapple Kabobs. Made fresh produce and a flavorful marinade, these Chicken Kabobs strike just the right blend of sweet and spicy and take me right back to my tropical vacations, without the need for my passport.
How to Make Chicken Pineapple Kabobs
The following tips are provided to help you achieve perfect results. You will find the detailed instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Soak Wooden Skewers
If you have metal skewers for kabobs, skip this step. Otherwise, it is really important to soak wooden skewers prior to grilling to prevent them from catching on fire.
Blend Marinade for Chicken
This marinade is reminiscent of a jerk marinade, made with easy to find ingredients. Because it is made with whole peppers, herbs, garlic gloves, and gingerroot, it needs to be blended together to create a wet marinade that will work to not just flavor the chicken, but tenderize it as well.
Marinate Chicken No Longer than 4 Hours
The cubed chicken needs to sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes to become flavorful, but don't be tempted to marinate the chicken overnight. Due to acid in the marinade, the chicken will begin to break down and become mushy if left to marinate longer than 4 hours.
Assemble Kabobs
After marinating the chicken, thread it onto the metal or soaked wooden skewers, along with chunks of bell peppers, onions, and pineapple.
Grill Kabobs
Grill the chicken kabobs on a preheated grill that has been brushed with olive oil for 4-6 minutes per side, or chicken has browned and reached 165 degrees F.
Serving Suggestions
- Tame the spice of these Jerk Chicken Pineapple Kabobs by pairing them with a refreshing Pina Colada Smoothie or Tropical Kale Smoothie.
- Serve Chicken Pineapple Kabobs with a side of Pineapple Rice or Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice for a delicious, hearty meal.
- Prepare Grilled Corn on the Cob or Grilled Vegetable Kabobs alongside the chicken kabobs for an all-in-one grilled dinner recipe.
More Flavorful Chicken Recipes
- Grilled BBQ Chicken Breasts
- Chicken and Green Beans Skillet
- Baked Pesto Chicken
- Chicken Katsu
- Chicken Piccata
- Chicken Shawarma Wraps
- Honey Lime Chicken Fajitas
If you enjoyed these Chicken Pineapple Kabobs, I would love for you to leave a review and comment below.
Chicken Pineapple Kabobs
Ingredients
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 large lime zested and juiced
- 2 medium habaneros or jalapeno peppers cut into large chunks, unseeded
- 1 inch fresh ginger root peeled and thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic peeled
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon dried allspice
- 1-½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1" chunks
- 1 large red bell pepper seeded and cut into 1" chunks
- 1 large green bell pepper seeded and cut into 1" chunks
- 1 large Vidalia or sweet onion cut into 1” chunks
- ½ large fresh pineapple peeled, cored and diced into 1" wedges
- wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- Place ¼ cup of oil, zest and juice of one lime, 2 jalapeno peppers, 1-inch peeled ginger root, 3 cloves garlic,1 tablespoon honey,1 teaspoon thyme, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, allspice, and 1 teaspoon salt into a blender or small food processor. Blend until smooth and the garlic, ginger, and jalapeno peppers are fully broken down.
- Place the chicken into a large storage bag or shallow container and pour the marinade over the chicken. Toss to coat and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 4 hours.
- While the chicken is marinating, if you are using wooden skewers, place them in a shallow dish and cover with water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes. There is no need to soak metal skewers.
- When ready to grill the chicken, preheat to medium heat.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the peppers and onions with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and ½ teaspoon kosher salt.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Thread the chicken with the seasoned peppers and onions and fresh pineapple onto skewers in an alternating pattern.
- Brush the grill grates with olive oil and transfer the chicken skewers to the grill. Cook for 6 minutes, flip, and continue to cook for 4-6 minutes, or until the chicken has browned and reached 165 degrees F.
- Remove from the grill, let rest for 5-10 minutes and then enjoy!
Rina
Everybody loved the summery theme of this kabob recipe! It's so easy, savory and fun to eat!
Ellie Grove
We loved these kabobs! The chicken was so tender and perfectly cooked.
Kristen Chidsey
I absolutely love hearing this, Ellie! Thanks for sharing.
Beth
So smart to pull back on the heat with jalapeno instead of habanero and to use chicken instead of shrimp. Great tips and modifications to the recipe.
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks Beth, so glad you found these modifications to work for you.
Britni
My husband will be so excited for me to cook this recipe. thank you
Kristen Chidsey
You bet! You enjoy!
CJ Huang
Grilled pineapple is the best! I imagine it brings out some wonderful flavors when combined with jerk chicken too.
Kat Clayton
Kristin these look delicious! I love anything with pineapple that's sweet and spicy! Definitely want to try these! Found your post through Ladybug Blessings link party!
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks Kat. I hope you love them...they hit every flavor profile
Beverly
This looks so yummy! My favorite meal usually has chicken in it and with our pineapples almost ready to harvest, this will be great.
Thanks for the recipe,
Bev
Kristen Chidsey
Bev,
It is so good and with the freshest of pineapple from your harvest---oh my!! It will be over the top!!!