If you’re craving a vibrant, grilled dish that’s equal parts tropical, tangy, and satisfying, look no further than these Grilled Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Pineapple Skewers. They’re juicy, smoky, sweet, and refreshing all at once—everything you want from a summer grilling recipe.
Featuring tender honey lime-marinated chicken, grilled pineapple, creamy avocado, and sweet bell peppers, these skewers are perfect for BBQs, family dinners, or quick weeknight meals that feel like a vacation.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
- 3 tbsp honey
- Zest + juice of 2 limes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro (optional)
For the Skewers:
- 1 large avocado, firm and diced
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)
Garnish:
- Lime wedges
- Extra chopped cilantro
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, whisk together honey, lime zest and juice, olive oil, garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
📝 Pro Tip: If using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water while the chicken marinates to avoid burning on the grill.
2. Prep the Skewers
Once marinated, thread the chicken, pineapple chunks, avocado cubes, and bell pepper pieces onto skewers in an alternating pattern. Don’t overcrowd each skewer—leave a little space between pieces for even cooking.
🥑 Note: Use a firm but ripe avocado. Too soft and it will fall apart; too hard and it won’t grill well.
3. Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates. Place skewers on the grill and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning every few minutes until the chicken is cooked through and has a beautiful char.
4. Serve and Garnish
Remove skewers from the grill and let rest for 2 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges for a final zesty kick.
💥 Why You’ll Love These Skewers
- Full of bright flavor: Honey and lime give a sweet-tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
- Grill-season approved: Fresh pineapple and avocado scream summer.
- Healthy & balanced: Protein from chicken, healthy fats from avocado, and natural sugars from pineapple.
- Beautiful on the plate: The vibrant colors make this dish as stunning as it is tasty.
🍍 Recipe Tips & Variations
- Don’t over-marinate: 30 minutes is enough! Too long and the citrus can start breaking down the chicken texture.
- Add red onion or zucchini: Want more veggies? Add them to your skewer lineup.
- Go spicy: Mix in a dash of cayenne or hot sauce to the marinade for a sweet heat twist.
- Use metal skewers: If you grill often, metal skewers are reusable and sturdier.
- Make it a bowl: Skip the skewers and serve everything over cilantro lime rice or quinoa.
🌿 Suggested Sides
These skewers pair wonderfully with:
- Cilantro lime rice
- Coconut jasmine rice
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Mango salsa
- Simple cucumber-tomato salad
❤️ Final Thoughts
These Grilled Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Pineapple Skewers are a tropical dream on a stick. The juicy marinated chicken, charred pineapple, creamy avocado, and bright citrus flavors make every bite pop. It’s a colorful, nutritious, and downright fun dish for warm weather meals—and a guaranteed hit at cookouts or BBQs.
Make it once and it’ll be your go-to for grilling season. Serve with a squeeze of lime and maybe a chilled agua fresca or margarita on the side—you’ve got yourself a full summer feast. ☀️🔥
Print
Grilled Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Pineapple Skewers
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
-
1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
-
3 tbsp honey
-
Zest + juice of 2 limes
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tsp chili powder
-
Salt & pepper to taste
-
1 tbsp chopped cilantro (optional)
For the Skewers:
-
1 large avocado, firm and diced
-
1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
-
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
-
Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)
Garnish:
-
Lime wedges
-
Extra chopped cilantro
Instructions
In a large bowl, whisk together honey, lime zest and juice, olive oil, garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
📝 Pro Tip: If using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water while the chicken marinates to avoid burning on the grill.
Once marinated, thread the chicken, pineapple chunks, avocado cubes, and bell pepper pieces onto skewers in an alternating pattern. Don’t overcrowd each skewer—leave a little space between pieces for even cooking.
🥑 Note: Use a firm but ripe avocado. Too soft and it will fall apart; too hard and it won’t grill well.
Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates. Place skewers on the grill and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning every few minutes until the chicken is cooked through and has a beautiful char.
Remove skewers from the grill and let rest for 2 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges for a final zesty kick.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Makes about 8–10 skewers (serves 4–5 people)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sodium: 13g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook these without a grill?
Yes! Use a grill pan on the stovetop or broil the skewers in your oven on high for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through.
Can I prep these ahead of time?
You can marinate the chicken and cut all other ingredients in advance. For best texture, assemble the skewers right before grilling, especially since avocado can brown.
Can I substitute the chicken?
Absolutely. Shrimp or firm tofu also work well with this marinade. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
What if I don’t have fresh pineapple?
Canned pineapple chunks work in a pinch—just drain and pat dry before skewering and grilling.
How do I keep avocado from falling apart on the grill?
Use firm avocado and thread gently. You can also grill the skewers without avocado and add diced avocado on top afterward if you prefer.