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
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
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.
