Pineapple-Glazed Chicken Kebabs (Dinner Recipe)
Nothing says summer like the sizzle of kebabs on the grill — especially when they’re coated in a sticky-sweet pineapple glaze that caramelizes beautifully over flame. These Pineapple-Glazed Chicken Kebabs are a tropical twist on classic grilled chicken, combining the sweetness of pineapple, the tang of lime, and the smoky char of the grill for a flavor-packed bite that tastes like sunshine.
Perfect for cookouts, weeknight dinners, or backyard parties, these kebabs are easy to prep, fun to assemble, and guaranteed to impress.
Why Pineapple Glaze Makes Grilled Chicken Irresistible
The secret to these juicy, flavorful kebabs lies in the balance between sweet, savory, and smoky. Pineapple juice acts as both a marinade and glaze base, helping to tenderize the chicken thanks to natural enzymes called bromelain.
As the kebabs grill, the sugars from the pineapple caramelize, forming a glossy, golden crust that locks in moisture and adds incredible depth. Combined with soy sauce, garlic, and brown sugar, the glaze delivers that perfect sticky-sweet coating every grilled chicken deserves.
Ingredients List
For the Chicken Kebabs:
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1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1½-inch cubes
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1 ½ cups fresh pineapple chunks
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1 red bell pepper, cut into 1½-inch pieces
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1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1½-inch pieces
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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8–10 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
For the Pineapple Glaze:
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1 cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
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3 tablespoons soy sauce
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2 tablespoons brown sugar
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1 tablespoon honey
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
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1 tablespoon lime juice
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1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)
Optional Garnish:
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Chopped cilantro or green onions
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Extra lime wedges
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Pineapple Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, and lime juice. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl, then pour it into the simmering glaze. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy (about 2–3 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Pro Tip:
Set aside ¼ cup of glaze for brushing during grilling — never reuse marinade that’s touched raw chicken.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, toss chicken cubes with 2 tablespoons of the cooled pineapple glaze, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
The short marination time lets the enzymes from pineapple begin tenderizing the meat without breaking it down too much.
Step 3: Assemble the Kebabs
If using wooden skewers, make sure they’re soaked to prevent burning. Thread the ingredients in alternating order: chicken, pineapple, red pepper, yellow pepper, and repeat until the skewer is filled, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking.
Each kebab should look colorful and balanced — like a mini rainbow of tropical flavor.
Step 4: Preheat and Prepare the Gas Grill
Preheat your gas grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 204°C). Clean and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
For the best grill marks and even cooking, close the lid during cooking and turn occasionally. You want the outside caramelized but the inside perfectly juicy.
Step 5: Grill the Kebabs
Place the kebabs on the preheated grill. Cook for 10–12 minutes total, turning every 2–3 minutes. During the last 5 minutes, brush the kebabs with the reserved pineapple glaze after each turn.
You’ll see the glaze bubble and caramelize, creating a beautiful golden-brown coating that locks in flavor.
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Grilling Tip:
Avoid brushing glaze too early — it can burn before the chicken is cooked through. Apply it in the final stage for perfect color and flavor.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Transfer the kebabs to a platter and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions, and serve with extra glaze or a side of coconut rice, grilled vegetables, or fresh salad.
For a tropical touch, squeeze fresh lime juice over the top right before serving.
Flavor Variations
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Spicy Pineapple Glaze: Add ½ teaspoon chili flakes or 1 tablespoon sriracha for a sweet-heat kick.
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Teriyaki Style: Replace soy sauce with teriyaki sauce and top with sesame seeds.
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Coconut Twist: Stir ¼ cup coconut milk into the glaze for a creamy island flavor.
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Garlic-Lime Boost: Add extra minced garlic and a touch more lime zest for a tangy punch.
Storage & Reheating Tips
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Refrigeration: Store leftover kebabs in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Reheating: Warm gently in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10 minutes or reheat on a skillet over medium heat until hot.
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Freezing: You can freeze the marinated uncooked chicken (without glaze) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before grilling.
Avoid microwaving, as it can toughen the chicken and make the glaze lose its shine.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
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Overcrowding the skewers: Leave space between pieces for even cooking.
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Skipping skewer soaking: Wooden skewers can burn quickly without soaking.
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Glazing too early: Sugar burns fast — always glaze in the last few minutes.
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Uneven cutting: Keep chicken cubes uniform for consistent grill times.
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High heat only: Too-hot flames can char the glaze before the chicken cooks through.
Why This Recipe Works
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Pineapple glaze adds natural sweetness and caramelized flavor.
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Balanced acidity keeps chicken juicy and tender.
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Gas grill ensures fast, even cooking without smoke overpowering the fruitiness.
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Vibrant mix of colors and textures makes it visually appealing and appetizing.
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Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and crowd-pleasing flavor.
Final Thoughts
These Pineapple-Glazed Chicken Kebabs are the definition of easy summer grilling — bright, bold, and bursting with flavor. The glaze alone is a reason to fire up your gas grill, transforming simple chicken into a tropical treat that’s sweet, savory, and perfectly charred.
Whether you’re hosting a weekend barbecue or craving a quick tropical-inspired dinner, these kebabs deliver that irresistible balance of caramelized glaze and smoky perfection every time.
Serve them fresh off the grill with a chilled drink, and you’ve got a dinner that tastes like vacation on a stick.
