Chicken and Pineapple BBQ Skewers

Last summer my neighbor invited me over for an impromptu barbecue and brought out these skewers. The way the sweet pineapple caramelized against the smoky chicken completely changed how I think about grilled fruit. Now I make them whenever the weather turns warm and friends start dropping by unexpectedly.

I forgot to soak my wooden skewers once and watched them turn to ash on the grill while my dinner guests pretended not to notice. Now I keep metal skewers in the drawer or remember to drop the wooden ones in water first thing. That one mistake taught me more about grill safety than any cooking class ever could.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: Cutting them into uniform cubes ensures everything cooks at the same speed so you dont end up with dry chicken and raw peppers
• Fresh pineapple: The natural sugars create those beautiful charred marks and caramelize into something completely different from canned fruit
• Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and color while holding its shape on the grill unlike some vegetables that turn to mush
• Red onion: Gets sweet and smoky when grilled and provides a nice contrast to the juicy pineapple
• BBQ sauce: Use your favorite brand but check the ingredients because some contain unexpected sugar or additives
• Soy sauce: Adds that salty umami depth that balances the sweet honey and tangy BBQ sauce
• Honey: Helps the marinade cling to the chicken and promotes better caramelization on the grill
• Smoked paprika: Even without a real smoker this ingredient gives everything that authentic BBQ flavor

Instructions

Whisk together your marinade:

Combine olive oil BBQ sauce soy sauce honey minced garlic smoked paprika salt and pepper in a large bowl until completely smooth

Marinate the chicken:

Toss the chicken cubes in the marinade until well coated then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours if you have time

Prepare your skewers:

Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes while the chicken marinates so they do not burn on the grill

Thread your skewers:

Alternate chicken pineapple bell pepper and red onion pieces leaving small gaps between each item for even heat circulation

Get the grill ready:

Preheat 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 few minutes and brushing with reserved marinade until chicken is cooked through and nicely charred

Finish and serve:

Transfer skewers to a platter sprinkle with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the top

Save

These skewers have become my go to for summer potlucks because they travel well and reheat beautifully on a grill the next day. Something about food on a stick makes people gather around and linger longer at the table.

Making Ahead

You can thread the skewers the night before and keep them covered in the refrigerator which makes party day so much less stressful. Just give them 15 minutes at room temperature before they hit the grill.

Grilling Tips

Keep a spray bottle of water nearby for flare ups because the honey in the marinade can cause sudden flames. Direct medium heat works better than high heat which burns the outside before the inside cooks through.

Serving Suggestions

These skewers need something to soak up all those delicious juices so I always serve them over fluffy white rice or wrapped in warm tortillas. The contrast between hot skewers and cool sides makes the meal feel complete.

• Cilantro lime rice adds brightness that cuts through the sweet BBQ glaze
• A simple cucumber salad with vinegar provides necessary acid
• Corn on the cob brushed with butter rounds out the summer dinner perfectly

Save

There is something deeply satisfying about food cooked on sticks that brings out the kid in everyone. These skewers always disappear faster than I expect leaving nothing behind but empty plates and happy neighbors.

Recipe FAQs

→ How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but you can refrigerate it for up to 2 hours for deeper flavor penetration and more tender meat.

→ Can I use metal skewers instead of wooden?

Yes, metal skewers work perfectly and don't require soaking. They also conduct heat which helps cook the ingredients from the inside.

→ What temperature should the grill be?

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F (190-200°C), to achieve proper char while cooking the chicken through.

→ Can I make these in the oven?

Absolutely. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through and broiling for the last 2-3 minutes for charred edges.

→ How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken is safe when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) or when the meat is opaque throughout and juices run clear.