Name: Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs with Teriyaki Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 4 large Chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized chunks); to taste Kosher salt; to taste Cracked black pepper; 1 cup Teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1/4 cup Pineapple juice; 1 Pineapple (peeled, cored, and cut into bite-sized chunks); 2 Bell peppers (red, orange, or yellow, cut into bite-sized chunks); 1 bunch Scallions (green parts only, cut into 1-inch pieces); to taste Sesame seeds (for garnish); to taste Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to fire up your grill and experience the sweet, juicy, and savory combination that is Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs with Teriyaki Sauce! If you’ve never tried juicy pineapple caramelizing alongside perfectly grilled chicken, you’re in for a treat. This recipe is a family favorite at any summer gathering, often stealing the spotlight from classic burgers and hot dogs. Fun fact: grilling pineapple not only intensifies its natural sweetness but also makes it the ultimate crowd-pleaser. What’s even better? These kabobs come together quickly with minimal prep and even less cleanup. Unlike some complicated grill recipes that take hours, this dish can be on your table in under 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. If you loved my Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers, you’ll adore these kabobs. Let’s dive into this perfect blend of tropical flair and hearty comfort—your dinner just got a whole lot more exciting!

What is Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs With Teriyaki Sauce?

Ever wondered what happens when tender chunks of chicken and golden pineapple meet the irresistible charm of teriyaki sauce? You get Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs with Teriyaki Sauce—a mouthful to say and an even bigger delight to eat! Maybe you’re thinking, “Do pineapples really belong on the grill with chicken?” As they say, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and these kabobs prove it. The sweet-and-savory combo makes you question why you haven’t tried it sooner. So, why not grab some skewers and give this recipe a whirl? It’s bound to become your next grilling obsession.

Why You’ll Love This

The real star of these kabobs is the bold contrast: the juicy chicken soaks up the sticky teriyaki glaze while the pineapple caramelizes to golden perfection. Making them at home not only saves you a trip to pricey restaurants, but you get full control—you can load up the skewers just how your family likes. The rainbow of bell peppers and punchy scallions add crunch, brightness, and extra nutritional value, while a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh herbs finishes everything off. If you’re a fan of our Hawaiian Chicken Bowls, you’ll see why these kabobs are a must-try. Ready to fire up your grill and taste the magic? Let’s get cooking!

How to Make

Quick Overview

This recipe comes together in a flash and is bursting with tropical flavor. With bite-sized chicken, sweet pineapple, colorful peppers, and a glossy, garlicky teriyaki sauce, it’s practically guaranteed to wow your crowd. You’ll spend around 15 minutes prepping and another 15-20 minutes grilling, so dinner can be served in less than 45 minutes. Even beginners can master these easy steps and enjoy a meal that tastes like a backyard vacation!

Ingredients

4 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
Kosher salt and cracked black pepper
1 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1/4 cup pineapple juice
1 pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into bite-sized chunks
2 bell peppers (red, orange, or yellow), cut into bite-sized chunks
1 bunch of scallions, green parts only, cut into 1-inch pieces
Sesame seeds, for garnish
Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish

Step-by-Step

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, season the chicken chunks with salt and cracked black pepper. Add 3/4 cup teriyaki sauce and pineapple juice. Toss well to coat, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
Prep the Skewers: While the chicken is marinating, soak wooden skewers in water for 20-30 minutes if using to prevent burning. Prep your pineapple, bell peppers, and scallions.
Assemble the Kabobs: Alternate threading marinated chicken, pineapple, bell peppers, and scallions onto the skewers. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.
Grill the Kabobs: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the kabobs on the grill and cook for about 12-15 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred. During the last few minutes, brush with remaining teriyaki sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Remove kabobs from grill and let rest for a couple of minutes. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped herbs. Serve hot and enjoy!

What to Serve Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs With

To make this meal truly unforgettable, pair your Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs with some fluffy steamed rice or coconut-lime jasmine rice to soak up all that extra sauce. For even more crunch and color, a side of Asian slaw or a simple mixed greens salad balances out the savory-sweet flavors. For a more festive meal, set out a bowl of tangy cucumber salad or some grilled corn on the cob. Don’t forget an icy glass of pineapple-limeade or your favorite summer mocktail for the perfect finishing touch.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Ingredient Swaps: You can easily swap chicken with boneless thigh meat for extra juiciness or change up the veggies based on what’s fresh (zucchini and red onion work beautifully).
Don’t Overcrowd: Give ingredients a bit of space on the skewers and grill to avoid steaming instead of searing.
Monitor Grilling Time: Keep an eye on your kabobs as sugar-heavy sauces can burn quickly. Turn frequently and brush with extra sauce only toward the end.
Prep Ahead: Marinate your chicken the night before to maximize flavor and save even more time at dinner.
Avoid Dry Chicken: Don’t overcook your chicken—remove from the grill as soon as it hits 165°F for that perfect juicy bite.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, let the kabobs cool to room temperature and remove from skewers. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place chicken and veggies in a single layer on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through (about 10 minutes). You can also reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce. For longer storage, freeze the cooked kabobs in zip-top bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the chicken tough and the veggies soggy.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Yes! Just be sure to drain it well and cut into chunks. Fresh pineapple will caramelize better on the grill, but canned works in a pinch.

Can I bake these kabobs instead of grilling?
Absolutely. Preheat your oven to 425°F and bake the assembled kabobs on a lined sheet pan for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway, until chicken is cooked through.

What type of teriyaki sauce should I use?
Any good-quality store-bought teriyaki sauce works, but feel free to use homemade if you prefer a lower-sugar or gluten-free option.

Can I make these kabobs ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble the kabobs up to a day in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill.

How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning?
Soak wooden skewers in water for 20-30 minutes before threading. Alternatively, use metal skewers for convenience.

Conclusion

If you’re searching for a vibrant, family-friendly dish that brings big flavors with minimal fuss, these Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs with Teriyaki Sauce are your new go-to. With juicy chicken, caramelized pineapple, and a glossy, sweet-savory glaze, they’ll have everyone at the table reaching for seconds. Thanks to their quick prep and easy grilling instructions, this is a recipe you’ll make again and again—perfect for weeknights or weekend cookouts. Don’t forget to check out some of our other grilling favorites for more delicious inspiration. Happy cooking and even happier eating!