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Juicy grilled pineapple chicken skewers with charred marks, served on a white plate with herbs.

Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers – The Ultimate Tropical BBQ Recipe

These Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers are the perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. Juicy marinated chicken is paired with caramelized pineapple for a tropical twist that’s ideal for summer BBQs, parties, or weeknight dinners. Ready in under 30 minutes of cook time, this easy recipe will impress your guests and become a family favorite. Fire up your grill and try these irresistible skewers today!

  • Total Time: 1h25mins
  • Yield: 6 skewers (approx. 3–4 servings)

Ingredients

Scale

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

  • 23 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

  1. 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.

  2. 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).

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  • Author: SOFIA
  • Prep Time: 1h15mins
  • Cook Time: 12mins
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American, Tropical BBQ