If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances that irresistible kick of spice with the natural sweetness of fruit, this Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Juicy chicken bites marinated in a punchy mix of chili, honey, and lime mingle with caramelized pineapple chunks, creating skewers bursting with vibrant flavor and texture. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to impress guests at your next barbecue. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be on repeat all summer long!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers Recipe lies in its straightforward, fresh ingredients that each play a key role in flavor and balance. From the tangy citrus to the smoky spices, every component works together to make these skewers sing.
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even grilling and juicy bites.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps the marinade cling to the chicken perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons low sodium tamari or soy sauce: Brings that essential umami depth to the marinade without overpowering.
- 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce: Delivers a vibrant, spicy punch with a garlicky kick for warmth.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar: Provides a subtle acidity that brightens the whole dish.
- 3 tablespoons honey: Balances the heat with a natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
- 1 lime, juiced (about 2 tablespoons): Adds refreshing citrus tang that lifts the marinade.
- ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a subtle smoky flavor that complements grilled chicken wonderfully.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Seasoning that enhances all the flavors without taking over.
- 1 small pineapple, cut into approx. 1-inch cubes: Sweet, juicy fruit that caramelizes to perfection alongside the chicken.
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Whisk together the marinade
Begin by combining olive oil, tamari or soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, rice vinegar, honey, fresh lime juice, smoked paprika, and kosher salt in a large bowl. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, glossy marinade. This mix lays the foundation for those layers of sweet heat that make the skewers unforgettable.
Step 2: Marinate the chicken
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces into the marinade and toss everything until the chicken is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors soak in deeply — though if you can spare 1 to 2 hours, it’s even better. This step ensures the chicken will be bursting with flavor right through to the center.
Step 3: Prepare the grill and assemble the skewers
While your chicken marinates, preheat your grill to medium-high heat for a nice sear. Then thread the chicken pieces and pineapple cubes alternately onto skewers; this alternating pattern guarantees every bite has a perfect balance of sweet pineapple and spicy chicken.
Step 4: Grill until caramelized and cooked through
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally. This allows the chicken to cook evenly and the pineapple to caramelize, creating those beautiful charred edges that add complexity and texture to each bite.
Step 5: Rest and serve
Once off the grill, let the skewers rest for a few minutes. This brief pause lets the juices redistribute inside the chicken, ensuring every mouthful stays moist and flavorful.
How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro or green onions over the skewers for a burst of brightness and color. A scattering of toasted sesame seeds also adds a lovely nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken and juicy pineapple.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair wonderfully with simple sides like fragrant jasmine rice or a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the heat. For a heartier meal, serve alongside grilled corn on the cob or a zesty slaw for crunch and coolness.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, serve the skewers over a bed of fresh greens drizzled with a light lime vinaigrette. You can also offer small bowls of extra chili garlic sauce or a creamy yogurt dip on the side for guests to customize their own flavor punch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken and pineapple on the skewers to maintain moisture and ease of reheating.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers Recipe at a later time, freeze the cooked skewers wrapped tightly in foil and then placed in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently on a grill or under the broiler to revive that smoky char flavor, turning occasionally. Alternatively, microwave them covered on medium power to warm through without drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use wooden skewers for this recipe?
Yes, wooden skewers work great! Just be sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning on the grill.
What if I don’t have chili garlic sauce?
No worries! You can substitute with a mix of sriracha and minced garlic or even a chili paste you like. It just might shift the flavor slightly, but the results will still be delicious.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Opt for tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free, and double-check the chili garlic sauce ingredients if you’re sensitive to gluten.
How spicy is this recipe?
The recipe offers a mild to moderate heat level, thanks to the chili garlic sauce. You can adjust the amount to make it milder or spicier depending on your preference.
Can I grill these skewers indoors?
You can! Use a grill pan or broiler on high heat. Just make sure to watch them closely to achieve that perfect caramelization without burning.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers Recipe is such a joyful way to combine simple ingredients into a dish bursting with flavor, color, and texture. Whether for a casual dinner or your next backyard gathering, these skewers bring together that lovely balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy that everyone will love. Give it a try and get ready for some serious compliments at the grill!
Print
Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Fusion (Asian-inspired)
Description
These Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers combine tender, marinated chicken breast pieces with juicy pineapple chunks grilled to caramelized perfection. The marinade blends olive oil, tamari, chili garlic sauce, honey, lime juice, and smoked paprika for a flavorful balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes. Perfect for a quick, healthy summer meal, these skewers are easy to prepare and grill in just minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons low sodium tamari or soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 lime, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
- ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Skewers
- 1 small pineapple, cut into approximately 1-inch cubes
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, tamari (or soy sauce), chili garlic sauce, rice vinegar, honey, lime juice, smoked paprika, and kosher salt until well combined to form the flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade, tossing thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop; for best results, marinate for 1 to 2 hours.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces and pineapple cubes alternately onto skewers, distributing them evenly for consistent cooking.
- Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure the chicken is cooked through and the pineapple becomes caramelized and slightly charred for enhanced flavor.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, then serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Use low sodium tamari or soy sauce to control salt levels and maintain a balanced flavor.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of chili garlic sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
- These skewers pair well with a side of steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed within 2 days, or shredded for use in wraps or salads.
