If you’re craving a vibrant, juicy dish that bursts with sweet and smoky flavors, you’ll absolutely love this Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe. Picture tender, marinated chicken mingling with caramelized pineapple chunks and colorful bell peppers, all grilled to perfection. This dish is a fun and flavorful way to elevate your barbecue game, impress friends at your next cookout, or simply enjoy a delightful weeknight dinner that feels like a special occasion. The combination of tangy barbecue sauce and tropical pineapple juice creates an irresistible glaze that’s both refreshing and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward making your Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe truly shine. Each component plays a unique role, whether it’s adding juicy sweetness, vibrant color, or smoky depth to the dish.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that soaks up the flavorful marinade beautifully.
- Fresh pineapple chunks: Provide juicy sweetness and a tropical zing that balances the smoky barbecue flavors.
- Red and green bell peppers: Bring a crisp texture and vibrant color contrast to every bite.
- Red onion: Offers a mellow sweetness and slight crunch when grilled.
- Barbecue sauce: The heart of the marinade, adding tang and that classic smoky flavor we all crave.
- Pineapple juice: Enhances the tropical notes and helps tenderize the chicken.
- Soy sauce: Adds a salty depth that rounds out the marinade perfectly.
- Garlic powder: Gives a subtle warmth and aromatic kick.
- Olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist and aids in grilling.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
- Wooden or metal skewers: Essential for threading all the tasty pieces together for grilling.
How to Make Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t skip this important step! Soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This simple trick prevents the skewers from burning or catching fire, so your cooking experience stays safe and enjoyable.
Step 2: Mix the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic powder, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This marinade is the flavor bomb your chicken is about to dive into—combining the sweet, salty, and smoky elements that make this Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Reserve half a cup of the marinade for basting later, then add your cubed chicken to the remaining mixture. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to soak in all those delicious flavors. If you have time, marinating for up to 4 hours makes the chicken even more tender and tasty.
Step 4: Preheat Your Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for around 400°F or 200°C. Getting the grill nice and hot is key to achieving those beautiful grill marks and caramelizing the pineapple and veggies to perfection.
Step 5: Assemble the Skewers
Thread your marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, alternating with pieces of pineapple, red and green bell peppers, and red onion. This colorful pattern doesn’t just make the skewers look inviting—it ensures every bite delivers a fantastic mix of textures and flavors.
Step 6: Grill to Perfection
Place the assembled skewers on the grill and cook for 10 to 15 minutes. Turn them occasionally and brush with the reserved marinade during the last few minutes. This keeps everything juicy and intensifies the glaze, resulting in tender, smoky chicken with caramelized edges and perfectly cooked veggies.
Step 7: Serve Warm and Enjoy!
Once grilled, serve these skewers warm. Feel free to add extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping—it’s all about layering the flavor and enjoying every bite of this irresistible Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe.
How to Serve Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your presentation with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions sprinkled on top. These garnishes add a fresh pop of color and a subtle herbal note that complements the smoky, sweet flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your skewers with a crisp green salad or a serving of coconut rice for a tropical flair. Grilled corn on the cob or a tangy coleslaw also make fantastic accompaniments, balancing the richness of the barbecue chicken with fresh, crunchy textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the skewers over a bed of mixed greens or alongside grilled flatbreads to create handheld sandwiches. You can also use large lettuce leaves to wrap the grilled chicken and veggies, turning this into a fresh, low-carb meal option packed with vibrant flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover skewers, pop them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually marry well overnight, making for an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
Raw, marinated chicken skewers can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just arrange them on a baking sheet first, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to cook, thaw them overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place the skewers on a grill or under the broiler for a few minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the chicken juicy and the veggies crisp.
FAQs
Can I use different types of meat for this Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken breast works great, you can substitute with chicken thighs, pork, or even firm tofu. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through and delicious.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out on the grill?
Marinating the chicken and basting it with reserved marinade during grilling helps retain moisture. Also, avoid overcooking by keeping an eye on the grill and turning the skewers regularly for even cooking.
Can I make this recipe indoors?
Definitely! If you don’t have access to a grill, use a grill pan or broiler in your oven. Just be sure to watch closely to avoid burning, and flip the skewers periodically for even charring.
Is it necessary to soak wooden skewers?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water prevents them from burning on the grill and ensures safer, easier cooking. If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this step.
What kind of barbecue sauce works best?
Use your favorite barbecue sauce for this recipe, whether it’s sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy. Each variation will slightly change the flavor profile, so feel free to experiment and find your perfect match!
Final Thoughts
This Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe is such a joyous way to bring sunshine to your plate any time of year. It’s approachable, bursting with vibrant flavors, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. So fire up that grill and get ready to impress yourself with a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Trust me, once you try these skewers, they’ll become a staple you reach for again and again!
Print
Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers are a perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors, featuring juicy marinated chicken breast pieces grilled alongside fresh pineapple, colorful bell peppers, and red onion. Ideal for summer grilling, this easy recipe delivers a deliciously charred and flavorful meal in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables and Fruit
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
Additional
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- Soak Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
- Prepare Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic powder, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Marinate Chicken: Reserve 1/2 cup of the marinade for basting later, then add the chicken cubes to the remaining marinade. Mix well and let it sit for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator to absorb flavors.
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high, approximately 400°F (200°C), ensuring it is ready for grilling.
- Assemble Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, red and green bell peppers, and red onion onto the skewers, alternating pieces to create a colorful and flavorful combination.
- Grill Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. During the last few minutes, baste the skewers with the reserved marinade to enhance flavor and moisture. Grill until chicken is fully cooked with clear juices and nice grill marks.
- Serve: Remove skewers from the grill and serve warm. Offer extra barbecue sauce on the side if desired for dipping or additional flavor.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour or overnight to deepen the flavors.
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety.
- Substitute soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option.
- These skewers can also be cooked under a broiler or on a grill pan if an outdoor grill is not available.
