Name: Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup barbecue sauce; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes; 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks; 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces; 1 large red onion, cut into wedges; Wooden or metal skewers

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If you’re looking for a dish that tastes like a sunny summer party in every bite, Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers are exactly what you need. These skewers balance sweet, smoky, and savory flavors, thanks to juicy pineapple chunks tucked between tender marinated chicken, crisp bell peppers, and charred onions. The easy homemade marinade, kissed with barbecue sauce and a hint of soy, turns a handful of simple ingredients into an irresistible main course you’ll crave all year long. Fire up the grill, gather your friends, and get ready for some serious flavor magic!

Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s always amazing how a few fresh, colorful ingredients can come together to create something so memorable. Every single element in these Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers earns its place, adding either juicy bursts of sweetness, deeply savory notes, or that irresistible BBQ char.

Chicken breast: Boneless, skinless, and cut into generous cubes—this is the protein that absorbs the marinade for maximum flavor.
Fresh pineapple chunks: Their natural sweetness caramelizes on the grill, creating juicy pops of flavor.
Red bell pepper: Adds color, crunch, and a subtle vegetal sweetness that pairs perfectly with pineapple.
Red onion: Grills up tender with a hint of smokiness, bringing balance and a bit of bite.
Barbecue sauce: The backbone of the marinade—choose your favorite for a signature flavor!
Soy sauce: Gives the marinade a boost of umami and helps tenderize the chicken.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps everything stay juicy as it grills.
Garlic: Freshly minced for real depth and aromatic appeal.
Smoked paprika: Lends subtle heat and a whisper of smoky goodness.
Black pepper: For gentle spice and complexity.
Salt: Essential for making all the other flavors pop.
Wooden or metal skewers: Get grilling! If using wood, be sure to soak them beforehand.

How to Make Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Prep Your Skewers

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading. This trick helps prevent them from scorching or catching fire on the grill and makes handling a breeze.

Step 2: Whip Up the Marinade

In a roomy bowl, whisk together your barbecue sauce, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. This savory-sweet blend is what gives Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers their signature flavor—bold, tangy, and just a little smoky.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Toss your chicken cubes into the marinade, turning to coat each piece thoroughly. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours if time allows). The longer the chicken marinates, the more vibrant and tasty it will become.

Step 4: Thread the Skewers

Preheat your grill to medium-high. Alternate chicken, pineapple chunks, red bell pepper pieces, and red onion wedges onto each skewer. Think of this step as creating edible rainbows—play with the pattern and load each skewer generously for best results.

Step 5: Fire Up the Grill

Place the finished Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with extra marinade. They’re done when the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred (165°F internal temperature). Don’t rush—those grill marks are flavor!

Step 6: Serve Hot Off the Grill

Remove the skewers and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This short pause helps the juices redistribute so you get maximum flavor and tenderness in every single bite.

How to Serve Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, or a light dusting of extra smoked paprika will brighten up each skewer and pack in even more flavor. Don’t be shy—they look gorgeous with fresh herbs scattered over the top!

Side Dishes

Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers love good company. Pair them with fluffy coconut rice, a crisp green salad, or charred corn on the cob for a true summer feast. Even a simple potato salad or grilled veggies will round out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, stand the skewers upright in a pineapple half for a tropical centerpiece. For casual gatherings, lay out a platter lined with banana leaves and let everyone grab their own. These skewers are fantastic for picnics, potlucks, and all kinds of backyard celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any remaining skewers cool to room temperature before storing. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making them a great option for meal prep or quick lunches.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers for up to 2 months. Simply remove everything from the skewers, place in a freezer-safe bag or container, and label with the date. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy again.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the skewers (or just the meat and veggies) in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave if you’re in a hurry, though the oven helps preserve that satisfying grilled texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully here and stay extra juicy on the grill. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces, and adjust the grilling time if needed.

Is fresh pineapple necessary for Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers?

While fresh pineapple delivers unbeatable sweetness and texture, you can definitely use canned pineapple chunks in a pinch. Just drain them well to prevent excess moisture on the grill.

How do I prevent my wooden skewers from burning?

Soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading them is the key. If you’re grilling often, consider switching to reusable metal skewers for convenience.

What’s the best way to make this recipe spicier?

For a kick of heat, add a teaspoon of chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade. You can adjust this to suit your spiciness preference!

Can I cook these Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers in the oven?

Yes! Arrange the skewers on a lined baking sheet and broil them in the oven, turning halfway through. Keep an eye out—they cook quickly and you’ll still get beautiful caramelization.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend these Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers enough—they’re the kind of recipe that brings smiles, sunshine, and empty plates! Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just spicing up your weeknight dinner routine, this dish is sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, get that grill sizzling, and let these vibrant, flavorful skewers steal the show!

Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 32 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers are a perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors. Grilled to perfection, they make a delicious and colorful addition to any summer barbecue.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Marinade:

1 cup barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Skewers:

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
1 large red onion, cut into wedges
Wooden or metal skewers

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine barbecue sauce, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, paprika, pepper, and salt. Add chicken cubes, coat well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes.
Assemble Skewers: Thread marinated chicken, pineapple, bell pepper, and onion onto skewers alternately.
Grill the Skewers: Grill for 10–12 minutes, turning and basting with extra marinade until chicken reaches 165°F internally.
Serve: Remove from grill and serve hot.