Pin it These skewers combine marinated chicken cubes with fresh pineapple chunks, red bell pepper, and red onion for a vibrant summer meal. The tangy BBQ marinade infuses smoky, sweet, and savory notes throughout while grilling creates beautiful char marks. After a quick 30-minute marination, simply thread onto soaked skewers and grill for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with extra sauce. Perfect for outdoor gatherings or weeknight dinners, these skewers pair wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or fresh salad. Adjust the spice level with chili flakes or swap chicken for shrimp and tofu to suit your preferences.
The smell of BBQ skewers hitting a hot grill always pulls me back to a backyard party where my neighbor Jim refused to use metal skewers because wood gives better flavor. We debated this for twenty minutes while chicken sizzled away.
My daughter helped me make these last summer and accidentally threaded all the pineapple pieces together on one skewer. It actually turned out brilliant because we could control how much each ingredient got charred.
Ingredients
- Boneless chicken breasts: Cut into even cubes so everything cooks at the same speed and nobody ends up with raw chicken
- Fresh pineapple: The natural sugars create those gorgeous caramelized spots that make grilled food taste like summer
- Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and color that looks beautiful against the golden pineapple
- Red onion: Gets sweet and mild on the grill while adding a pretty purple contrast to your skewers
- BBQ sauce: The base of your marinade so pick one you actually like eating straight from the bottle
- Soy sauce: Adds that savory depth that balances all the sweetness going on
- Honey: Helps the marinade stick to everything and promotes better charring
- Smoked paprika: Gives you that smoky flavor even if you are cooking on a basic grill pan
Instructions
- Whisk together your marinade:
- Combine olive oil, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, honey, garlic, smoked paprika, salt and pepper until completely smooth in a large bowl.
- Marinate the chicken:
- Add chicken cubes and toss until every piece is coated then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Soak your skewers:
- Put wooden skewers in water while chicken marinates so they do not turn into charcoal on the grill.
- Thread the skewers:
- Alternate chicken, pineapple, bell pepper and onion leaving tiny gaps between pieces for heat circulation.
- Get the grill ready:
- Heat your grill or grill pan to medium high and give the grates a quick oil rub.
- Grill to perfection:
- Cook for 12 to 15 minutes turning every few minutes and brushing with extra marinade until chicken is cooked through with nice char.
- Finish and serve:
- Transfer to a platter and sprinkle with fresh cilantro alongside lime wedges for squeezing.
Pin it These became my go to bring to potlucks after three different people asked for the recipe at the same Fourth of July party. Something about food on sticks makes people happy.
Make Ahead Magic
I often marinate the chicken the night before and keep it in a sealed container in the fridge. The flavors develop so much better and it makes actual cooking day feel almost effortless.
Grill Pan Options
When I am too lazy to fire up the outdoor grill a cast iron grill pan works beautifully. Just open a window because these get smoky and delicious in the best way possible.
Serving Ideas
These skewers are surprisingly versatile and work with whatever you have on hand. I have served them alongside everything from simple steamed rice to loaded baked potatoes.
- Thread extra vegetables like zucchini or cherry tomatoes if you need more servings
- Double the marinade and use half as a dipping sauce on the side
- Serve with coconut rice for a tropical twist that everyone will love
Pin it There is something genuinely satisfying about pulling a perfect skewer off the grill. Happy cooking and enjoy every bite of summer.
Recipe FAQs
- → How long should I marinate the chicken?
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Marinate the chicken cubes for at least 30 minutes to absorb flavors. For deeper taste, refrigerate up to 2 hours before threading onto skewers.
- → Can I use metal skewers instead of wooden?
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Metal skewers work perfectly and don't require soaking. Wooden skewers need 30 minutes in water to prevent burning during grilling.
- → What temperature should I grill at?
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Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures proper charring while cooking the chicken through without drying it out.
- → How do I know when the skewers are done?
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The chicken should reach 165°F internally and show nice char marks after 12-15 minutes of grilling, turning every 3-4 minutes.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
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Prepare and marinate chicken up to 2 hours ahead. Thread onto skewers just before grilling for best texture and presentation.
- → What sides pair well with these skewers?
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Serve with steamed jasmine rice, fluffy quinoa, grilled corn, or a crisp green salad. Lime wedges add fresh brightness to each bite.
