If you’re craving a burst of tropical sweetness paired with tangy, smoky barbecue flavor, this Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe is absolutely the way to go. Each juicy bite of marinated chicken, grilled to perfection alongside vibrant pineapple chunks and crisp bell peppers, delivers an unforgettable summer vibe on a stick. It’s colorful, packed with flavor, and surprisingly simple to make, ensuring you’ll want to fire up the grill again and again. Whether for a family dinner or casual get-together, these skewers turn ordinary ingredients into a feast that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but incredibly important for achieving the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky that defines the Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe. Each component adds a unique touch, from tender chicken to vibrant veggies and that luscious barbecue glaze.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into 1-inch cubes for juicy, bite-sized pieces that cook evenly.
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks: Adds sweet, tropical juiciness that complements the smoky chicken beautifully.
- 1 red bell pepper: Offers crunch and a touch of sweetness with a vivid pop of color.
- 1 green bell pepper: Brings a fresh, slightly bitter contrast to balance the dish.
- 1 red onion: Its mild sharpness caramelizes nicely on the grill for added flavor depth.
- 1 cup barbecue sauce: The star of the marinade, infusing the skewers with tangy, smoky goodness.
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice: Enhances the tropical notes and helps tenderize the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds umami complexity and a slight saltiness to enrich the taste.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings aromatic savoriness without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps keep everything moist and assists the marinade in coating the ingredients evenly.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to bring out the natural flavors of all ingredients.
- Wooden or metal skewers: Make sure to soak wooden skewers before grilling to prevent burning.
How to Make Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes first. This little step helps keep the skewers from catching fire or cracking on the grill, making your cooking process much smoother and safer.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Marinade
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic powder, olive oil, plus salt and pepper. This marinade sets the flavor tone for your Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe by blending the perfect mix of tangy, sweet, and savory elements.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Reserve half a cup of your marinade for later basting. Add the chicken cubes to the remaining marinade, making sure they are fully coated. Refrigerate and let them soak up all those delicious flavors for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours if you can plan ahead—it’s totally worth it!
Step 4: Preheat the Grill
Set your grill to medium-high heat, roughly 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures your chicken cooks through without drying out while getting those irresistible grill marks that add smoky appeal and texture.
Step 5: Thread the Ingredients onto Skewers
Alternate threading the chicken, pineapple chunks, red and green bell peppers, and red onion onto each skewer. This not only looks stunning with all those vibrant colors but also allows every bite to deliver a fantastic mix of flavor and texture.
Step 6: Grill and Baste
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10 to 15 minutes. Rotate them every few minutes for even cooking, and during the last few minutes, brush the reserved marinade generously over the skewers to enhance that glossy, flavorful finish.
Step 7: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once the chicken is fully cooked and beautifully charred, remove the skewers from the grill. Serve them warm, with extra barbecue sauce on the side if you like things saucy and extra delicious.
How to Serve Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or green onions adds a fresh and vibrant finish. If you like a bit of heat, scatter some red pepper flakes or thinly sliced jalapeños on top for a spicy kick that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the pineapple.
Side Dishes
These skewers shine alongside light, summery sides. Think fluffy coconut rice, a crisp garden salad, or even grilled corn on the cob. Each of these complements the flavors and keeps the meal feeling fresh and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Imagine serving these Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe on a wooden platter lined with banana leaves for a tropical touch. You can also slice the chicken off the skewers and pile it onto a big platter with lime wedges and fresh herbs for family-style dining that invites everyone to dig in together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool them to room temperature first to keep everything fresh and flavorful.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked skewers by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, perfect for quick meals down the line.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in an oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible to preserve the texture and avoid drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative since they tend to be juicier and remain tender even when grilled, which can make your Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe even more flavorful.
Do I have to use fresh pineapple, or can I use canned?
Fresh pineapple is recommended because it offers the best texture and sweetness, but canned pineapple chunks can be used in a pinch. Just be sure to drain them well to avoid making the skewers soggy.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Ideally, you’ll marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld nicely, but if you have more time, up to 4 hours in the fridge will really deepen the taste.
Can these skewers be made in the oven if I don’t have a grill?
Definitely! Arrange the skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil and broil them on high for about 10-15 minutes, turning once. Keep a close eye to prevent burning, but it’s a good indoor alternative.
What’s the best way to prevent the skewers from sticking to the grill?
Make sure your grill grates are clean and lightly oiled before cooking. Also, brushing the skewers with a bit of olive oil before placing them on the grill helps keep everything from sticking.
Final Thoughts
This Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe is one of those dishes that instantly transports you to a sunny backyard barbecue with friends and family. Its perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors makes it an all-time favorite that is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this recipe is so cherished — delicious, colorful, and simply fun to eat. So grab those skewers, gather your ingredients, and enjoy making this unforgettable meal that everyone will love.
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Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers combine tender, marinated chicken breast with fresh pineapple chunks, colorful bell peppers, and red onion, all grilled to perfection. The sweet and tangy barbecue sauce infused with pineapple juice and soy sauce creates a flavorful glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. Perfect for a summer cookout or a quick weeknight dinner, these skewers deliver a delightful balance of smoky, savory, and fruity flavors in every bite.
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
Other
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for at least 30 minutes before use)
Instructions
- Prepare Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
- Make Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic powder, olive oil, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
- Marinate Chicken: Reserve 1/2 cup of the marinade for basting later. Add the chicken cubes to the remaining marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 4 hours to allow flavors to infuse.
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F (200°C), to ensure proper cooking and nice grill marks.
- Assemble Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, red and green bell peppers, and red onion onto the skewers, alternating ingredients to create a colorful and flavorful combination.
- Grill Skewers: Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally to cook the chicken evenly. During the last few minutes, baste the skewers with the reserved marinade to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Serve: Once the chicken is fully cooked with a slightly charred exterior and the vegetables are tender, remove from grill. Serve warm with extra barbecue sauce on the side if desired.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes for best flavor; however, marinating up to 4 hours is recommended for deeper taste.
- Use fresh pineapple for optimal sweetness and texture.
- Adjust grilling time depending on the size of chicken cubes to ensure they are cooked through.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade.
- If a grill is not available, these skewers can be cooked under a broiler or on a grill pan on the stovetop.
