Save These vibrant skewers combine succulent chicken breast with sweet pineapple, red bell pepper, and red onion, all marinated in a homemade smoky BBQ sauce. The marinade blends BBQ sauce, olive oil, honey, soy sauce, and smoked paprika for that perfect balance of sweet and savory. After marinating for 30 minutes, thread everything onto skewers and grill for 12-15 minutes, brushing with extra sauce during the last few minutes for that caramelized finish. The result is tender, juicy chicken with slightly charred pineapple and vegetables, perfect for summer gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Summer grilling season changed forever when my neighbor Carol leaned over the fence with a plate of these sticky, sweet skewers. The pineapple caramelizes into something magical against the smoky chicken. Now every time fire meets grill, this recipe finds its way onto the menu.
Last summer I made these for my sister's birthday party and watched six grown adults practically hover over the grill. Something about food on sticks makes people giddy. The best part was seeing my nephew, who claims he hates pineapple, reach for seconds.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast: Cutting into uniform cubes ensures everything cooks at the same rate, preventing those dry overdone edges
- Fresh pineapple: Canned works in emergencies but fresh pineapple releases natural sugars that caramelize beautifully on the grill
- Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and a pop of color that makes these skewers photograph like a magazine cover
- Red onion: The onion softens and sweetens as it grills, becoming almost candy-like
- BBQ sauce: Your favorite brand works perfectly, but I reach for something with a hint of smoke
- Olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist and helps those gorgeous grill marks form properly
- Honey: This is the secret weapon that makes the glaze cling to everything and bubble into sticky perfection
- Soy sauce: Adds that savory depth that balances all the sweetness going on
- Smoked paprika: Double down on the smoky flavor even if you are cooking indoors
- Garlic powder: Distributed evenly throughout every bite without any burnt raw garlic bits
- Salt and pepper: Do not skip these basic seasonings even with all the bold flavors
Instructions
- Whisk together the marinade:
- Combine BBQ sauce, olive oil, honey, soy sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt in a large bowl until smooth and well blended
- Marinate the chicken:
- Add chicken cubes to the bowl and toss until completely coated, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours if you have time
- Prep your skewers:
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes while chicken marinates so they do not burn on the grill
- Thread the skewers:
- Alternate chicken, pineapple, bell pepper, and onion pieces onto each skewer, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking
- Get the grill ready:
- Heat your grill or grill pan to medium high and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking
- Grill to perfection:
- Cook skewers for 12 to 15 minutes, turning every 3 to 4 minutes and brushing with extra BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking
- Check for doneness:
- Chicken should reach 165F internally and vegetables should have nice charred edges
- Rest before serving:
- Let skewers sit for 2 minutes off the heat so the juices redistribute
Save These skewers have become our go to for impromptu backyard gatherings. There is something communal about eating off a stick that makes conversation flow easier and laughs come louder.
Making Ahead
The chicken can marinate overnight, which actually intensifies the flavor. I often thread all the skewers the night before and store them on a baking sheet covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator.
Indoor Alternative
When weather does not cooperate, a grill pan over medium high heat works surprisingly well. The ridges still give you those appealing grill marks and the oven broiler can finish them off with extra char in the last 2 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
A scoop of coconut rice soaks up all those delicious juices. Grilled corn on the cob with lime butter completes the summer vibes. For a lighter meal, serve over a crisp green salad with creamy avocado.
- Squeeze fresh lime over the skewers right before serving for brightness
- Chopped cilantro adds a fresh herbal contrast to the sweet glaze
- Extra BBQ sauce on the table is never a bad idea
Save These skewers always remind me that the best recipes are the ones that bring people together around the grill, sticky fingers and all.
Recipe FAQs
- → How long should I marinate the chicken?
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Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but you can refrigerate it for up to 2 hours for deeper flavor penetration. Don't exceed 2 hours as the acid in the marinade can affect the texture.
- → Can I use metal skewers instead of wooden ones?
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Yes, metal skewers work perfectly and don't require soaking. They also conduct heat, helping cook the food from the inside, but they get hot so handle with care when removing from the grill.
- → What temperature should the chicken reach?
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The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) to be safely cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest piece.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
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You can prep the ingredients and marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Thread the skewers just before grilling for best results.
- → What sides pair well with these skewers?
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Serve with steamed rice, grilled corn on the cob, roasted potatoes, or a fresh green salad. Coleslaw also makes a great crunchy side dish.
- → Can I bake these instead of grilling?
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Yes, bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway and brushing with extra BBQ sauce. Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for charred edges.
