Chicken and Pineapple BBQ Skewers (Printable)
Tender chicken and fresh pineapple grilled with smoky BBQ glaze
# What You'll Need:
→ Meat & Protein
01 - 1.1 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes
→ Fruit & Vegetables
02 - 1 medium fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1 inch chunks
03 - 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
04 - 1 large red onion, cut into 1 inch pieces
→ Marinade & Sauce
05 - ½ cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
06 - 2 tbsp olive oil
07 - 1 tbsp soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
08 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
10 - ½ tsp black pepper
11 - ½ tsp salt
→ Garnish (optional)
12 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
13 - Lime wedges, to serve
# How-To Steps:
01 - In a large bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt to make the marinade.
02 - Add chicken cubes to the marinade, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours).
03 - Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning.
04 - Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F) or prepare a grill pan.
05 - Thread marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, bell pepper, and onion alternately onto the skewers, ending with a piece of chicken or pineapple.
06 - Grill skewers for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with extra BBQ sauce halfway through, until chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
07 - Remove from grill. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley and serve with lime wedges.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The balance of sweet pineapple and savory chicken creates those perfect restaurant-quality charred edges at home
- Everything cooks on skewers which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor
02 -
- Soaking wooden skewers is absolutely necessary or they will burn on the grill
- Leaving space between pieces on the skewers helps heat circulate and cook everything evenly
03 -
- Preheat your grill properly and oil the grates to prevent sticking
- Let the skewers rest for a few minutes after grilling to keep the juices inside