Best Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers for Summer BBQ
Grilled pineapple chicken skewers are the perfect tropical treat for your summer BBQ. After making these many times, I’ve discovered the trick to juicy, tender chicken every time. The sweet and tangy marinade creates a crispy, caramelized crust that’s irresistible. Try them with my refreshing frosted lemonade for a perfect summer meal. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Refreshing Frosted Lemonade Recipe and Fluffy Bisquick Banana Muffins.
Why This Best Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers for Summer BBQ Is Pure Comfort
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Juicy, tender chicken every time
- Sweet and tangy tropical flavor
- Better than takeout and perfect for summer cookouts
What You'll Need for Best Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers for Summer BBQ
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Fresh pineapple
- Red bell pepper
- Red onion
- Soy sauce
- Pineapple juice
- Honey
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Red pepper flakes
- Salt
- Pepper
- Optional: Fresh cilantro
- Optional: Lime wedges
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Chicken breasts: Cut into 1-inch chunks
- Pineapple: Cut into 1-inch chunks
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Meat thermometer — Ensures perfectly cooked chicken → See on Amazon
- Sharp kitchen knife — Makes cutting chicken and pineapple easy → See on Amazon
How to Make Best Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers for Summer BBQ
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the chicken: Add chicken chunks to the marinade, toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Assemble the skewers: Thread chicken, pineapple, bell pepper, and onion onto skewers.
- Grill the skewers: Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and skewers are slightly charred.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Best Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers for Summer BBQ
- Common mistake and fix: Overcooking the chicken can make it tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Pro tip: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
- Pro tip: For a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes or serve with your favorite hot sauce.
Storing & Reheating Best Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers for Summer BBQ
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead.
Freezing Best Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers for Summer BBQ
Freeze uncooked skewers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before grilling.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a quicker version, use store-bought BBQ sauce instead of making the marinade from scratch.
- Best substitution: Substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for even more tender results.
- Make-ahead: Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the chicken sticks to the grill, make sure your grill is well-oiled before cooking.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality grill brush — Ensures a clean, non-stick grilling surface → Check price on Amazon
Best Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers for Summer BBQ
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Fresh pineapple
- Red bell pepper
- Red onion
Seasonings
- Soy sauce
- Pineapple juice
- Honey
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Red pepper flakes
- Salt
- Pepper
Optional Toppings
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the chicken: Add chicken chunks to the marinade, toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Assemble the skewers: Thread chicken, pineapple, bell pepper, and onion onto skewers.
- Grill the skewers: Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and skewers are slightly charred.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a quicker version, use store-bought BBQ sauce instead of making the marinade from scratch.
- Best substitution: Substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for even more tender results.
- Make-ahead: Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the chicken sticks to the grill, make sure your grill is well-oiled before cooking.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked skewers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before grilling.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Make ahead: Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbs: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sat. Fat: 1.5g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Best Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers for Summer BBQ FAQs
Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead. Assemble the skewers just before grilling.
Overcooking the chicken can make it dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) but not much more.
Yes, freeze uncooked skewers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before grilling.
Yes, cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until chicken is cooked through.
Serve with my refreshing frosted lemonade and fluffy Bisquick banana muffins for a perfect summer meal.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Best Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers for Summer BBQ and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
