Chicken and Pineapple BBQ Skewers (Print View)
Tender chicken and sweet pineapple grilled with colorful vegetables and smoky BBQ glaze for a perfect summer dish.
# What You'll Need:
→ Protein & Produce
01 - 1.1 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks
03 - 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
04 - 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch chunks
→ Marinade & Sauce
05 - ⅓ cup plus 1 tablespoon BBQ sauce (gluten-free if needed), plus extra for brushing
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
07 - 1 tablespoon honey
08 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
09 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
11 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 - ½ teaspoon salt
# How to Make:
01 - Whisk together BBQ sauce, olive oil, honey, soy sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt in a large bowl until fully combined.
02 - Add chicken cubes to the marinade, toss thoroughly to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.
03 - If using wooden skewers, soak in water for at least 20 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
04 - Thread marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, bell pepper, and red onion alternately onto skewers, distributing ingredients evenly.
05 - Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
06 - Place skewers on the grill and cook for 12–15 minutes, turning every 3–4 minutes for even cooking. Brush with additional BBQ sauce during the final 5 minutes.
07 - Grill until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F and vegetables and pineapple show slight char. Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- Everything cooks on one skewer meaning less cleanup and more time with guests
- The marinade does double duty as a basting sauce for that caramelized exterior
02 -
- Overcrowding the skewers prevents even cooking so leave tiny gaps between pieces
- Brushing with sauce too early causes burning so save that step for the final minutes
03 -
- Room temperature chicken grills more evenly so let the marinated pieces sit out for 15 minutes before cooking
- Use two skewers parallel to each other for easier turning if the pieces feel unstable