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
Scale
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.
