Ingredients
For the Marinade:
½ cup olive oil (or vegetable oil)
½ cup low sodium soy sauce
¼ cup rice wine vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
¼ cup honey
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon salt
2 cloves garlic, minced
2–3 drops toasted sesame seed oil (optional)
For the Skewers:
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2″ chunks
1 whole fresh pineapple, cut into 2″ chunks
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, vinegar, honey, red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, salt, and minced garlic. Add toasted sesame oil if desired for a richer aroma.Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken chunks in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over, reserving ¼ cup for basting later. Seal and refrigerate for 1 hour (or up to 4 hours).Prepare Skewers:
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread chicken and pineapple chunks alternately onto the skewers.Preheat the Grill:
Set your grill to medium-high heat (400°F / 200°C). Oil the grill grates or use a grill spray to prevent sticking.Grill the Skewers:
Cook skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes. Brush with the reserved marinade halfway through. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.Rest & Serve:
Remove skewers from the grill and let them rest for 3–5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use Fresh Pineapple: Fresh pineapple caramelizes better than canned and adds a vibrant tropical flavor.
Marination is Key: At least 1 hour of marination is essential, but 2–4 hours will deepen the flavor. Avoid overnight marination as the vinegar can break down the chicken texture.
Uniform Chunks: Cut chicken and pineapple into even 2″ pieces for even cooking.
Alternative Cooking: No grill? Use a grill pan or bake skewers at 425°F (220°C) for 18–20 minutes, broiling the last 2 minutes for a charred finish.
Add Veggies: Bell peppers, onions, or zucchini can be added to the skewers for extra color and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 1h15mins
- Cook Time: 12mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American, Tropical BBQ