Chicken Pineapple Kabobs

These Chicken Pineapple Kabobs are a flavorful and colorful recipe perfect for BBQs, parties, and even casual nights in!

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I come from a large blended family, which means the holidays can get pretty crazy. My parents typically host, and the guest list can easily exceed 50 people once we account for cousins, significant others, and beloved family friends. Not only are we a big crowd, we come from lots of different backgrounds! I’m Italian, but my blended and extended family is made up of Mexican, Hawaiian, Irish, and Filipino cultures, too.

To honor and celebrate all of our holiday traditions, each year, we build our Christmas celebrations around a different culture. From a feast of fish one year to handmade tamales the next, we make sure everyone feels included, celebrated, and full of their favorite foods! This year, we’re doing Hawaiian Christmas, floral shirts and all. And with this many people to feed, we rely on tasty and easy recipes like my dad’s chicken pineapple kabobs.

Interestingly, pineapple chicken has become a popular dish in the Philippines, so we’re honoring multiple branches of our family tree with these chicken pineapple kabobs. My grandfather is Filipino, so he was excited to hear about our Christmas menu (which also includes his all-time favorite food, Steamed Rice).

Chicken pineapple kabobs are perfect for parties like this because they have a ton of flavor, they’re festive and colorful, and my dad can easily throw them on the grill while he enjoys socializing with guests. They’re made with juicy pineapple, fresh veggies like bell peppers and onions, and sweet, tender chicken. Trust me, they’re a crowd-pleaser all year round!

Are Chicken Pineapple Kabobs Healthy?

Chicken pineapple kabobs bring together lean protein and nutrient-rich vegetables, making them a balanced option for meals or gatherings. Chicken provides a high-quality source of protein, while bell peppers and onions contribute fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Pineapple adds natural sweetness along with a boost of essential nutrients like vitamin C and manganese. These kabobs are a simple way to include a variety of food groups in one dish, making them both satisfying and versatile.

The History Of Pineapples In Hawaiian Culture

While pineapples are often associated with Hawaii, they are not native to the islands. Pineapples originated in South America and were introduced to Hawaii in the early 19th century. Their role in Hawaiian culture grew significantly when large-scale pineapple plantations were established in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, making Hawaii a global hub for pineapple production.

In Hawaiian culture, pineapples have come to symbolize hospitality and the “aloha spirit,” reflecting warmth, welcome, and generosity. This symbolism has likely been influenced by broader Western traditions where pineapples are a sign of welcome and friendship. In Hawaii, it’s not uncommon for pineapples to be used as a gesture of goodwill, such as a gift for visitors, housewarmings, or celebrations.

Beyond their symbolic meaning, pineapples play a practical role in Hawaiian cuisine and daily life. They are used in a variety of dishes, from savory meals like teriyaki and huli huli chicken to desserts and beverages. Fresh pineapple is also enjoyed on its own as a naturally sweet and refreshing snack, especially in Hawaii’s tropical climate.

INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup pineapple juice
3 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
1 large red onion, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
2 1/4 cups fresh pineapple, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
Kosher salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Metal or wooden skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling)
Fresh green onions, chopped (for garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS

Marinate

Mix marinade and soak chicken.

Assemble

Thread chicken and veggies on skewers.

Grill

Cook on grill until done. Garnish with green onions.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How To Make Ahead And Store

You can prepare your kabobs ahead of time by cutting up your veggies and storing them separately, and preparing your chicken to marinate. When you’re ready to cook the kabobs, assemble them on prepared skewers. You can store leftover cooked kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

How Long Do I Marinate The Chicken?

Marinate your chicken for at least an hour. The longer the better, as allowing your chicken to soak will deepen the flavor and tenderness of the meat. I always like to let my chicken marinate for at least 8 hours, or overnight. Make sure you discard the used marinade after draining the chicken.

Try Other Proteins And Add-Ons

Chicken pineapple kabobs are delicious, but you can just as easily modify this dish to include steak, pork, or shrimp. You can even go full vegetarian by loading your kabobs with more produce, like eggplant or jalapeño.

Serving Suggestions

My family and I enjoy these chicken pineapple kabobs alongside other island-inspired dishes like Hawaiian Macaroni Salad, Hawaiian Fried Rice, and Spam Musubi. Even out of theme, these make an excellent addition to your meals. Try chicken pineapple kabobs with your favorite salad, like this refreshing Mediterranean Cucumber Salad, or a side of veggies like Grilled Brussels Sprouts.