Description
Juicy, tangy, and smoky chicken skewers marinated in a sweet BBQ sauce and grilled with caramelized pineapple chunks. This easy summer appetizer is perfect for parties and crowds.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (sweet-and-smoky style)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Crushed peanuts or sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and place in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and vegetable oil until smooth.
- Pour marinade over the chicken, toss to coat evenly, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
- While chicken marinates, prepare pineapple by peeling, coring, and cutting into 1-inch chunks. If using canned pineapple, drain and pat dry thoroughly.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes if using wood; metal skewers can be used directly.
- Thread chicken and pineapple onto skewers, alternating pieces. Leave small spaces between ingredients for even cooking.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400°F / 200°C) and oil the grates.
- Grill skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning occasionally and basting with extra marinade, until chicken reaches 165°F and pineapple is caramelized.
- Remove from grill and let rest for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and crushed peanuts.
Notes
Do not marinate chicken with pineapple for more than 4 hours as the enzymes can make the meat mushy. Ensure wooden skewers are soaked to prevent burning. Keep marinade separate from raw chicken if using as a dipping sauce; boil it first if intended for consumption.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers per servin
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 32
Keywords: grilled pineapple, BBQ chicken skewers, summer appetizer, party food, easy grilling, chicken breast recipes, pineapple marinade