Description
These Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers are a delicious and colorful grilled dish featuring marinated chicken cubes, fresh pineapple, bell peppers, and red onion. The skewers are basted with a tangy barbecue and pineapple juice marinade, delivering a perfect balance of sweetness and savory flavors. Ideal for summer cookouts, this recipe serves four and is quick to prepare and grill.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Marinade and Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Skewers
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- Prepare Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
- Make Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic powder, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Marinate Chicken: Reserve 1/2 cup of the marinade for basting later. Add the chicken cubes to the remaining marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, in the refrigerator to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high heat, aiming for about 400°F (200°C) to ensure proper cooking and grill marks.
- Assemble Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, red and green bell peppers, and red onion onto the skewers, alternating pieces to create a colorful and flavorful combination.
- Grill Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally to cook evenly. During the last few minutes, baste the skewers with the reserved marinade to add extra flavor and moisture.
- Serve: Once the chicken is fully cooked and has attractive grill marks, remove the skewers from the grill. Serve warm with extra barbecue sauce on the side if desired.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers in water prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Marinating the chicken for longer enhances the flavor but at least 30 minutes is sufficient.
- Use metal skewers if you prefer quicker assembly and no soaking.
- Adjust the heat of the grill to avoid burning the marinade’s sugars.
- Serve with a side of fresh salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
