Zesty Sweet-Spicy Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers Recipe

Summers sizzle with vibrant flavors that dance on the grill, especially when tangy grilled chicken and pineapple skewers hit the barbecue.

Tropical sweetness meets smoky char in this irresistible dish that promises to awaken every taste bud.

Juicy chicken pieces nestle between bright pineapple chunks, creating a perfect balance of savory and sweet.

Each skewer delivers a burst of Caribbean-inspired zest that transforms ordinary dinner into a celebration.

Marinades infuse the meat with depth and complexity, while caramelized fruit edges add a delightful crunch.

The combination of tender chicken and caramelized pineapple creates a meal that feels like an instant vacation.

You’ll want to fire up the grill and make these skewers the star of your next outdoor feast.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients For Sweet And Spicy Grilled Chicken And Pineapple Skewers Recipe

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that absorbs marinade flavors beautifully, choose fresh, high-quality cuts with minimal fat for best grilling results.
• Pineapple: Tropical fruit that adds sweetness and tenderizing enzymes, select ripe chunks with golden color and slight firmness.

• Honey: Natural sweetener providing caramelization and depth, choose raw or local varieties for enhanced flavor.
• Soy Sauce: Umami-rich seasoning that brings saltiness and complexity, opt for low-sodium versions if watching salt intake.
• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and prevents sticking, select extra virgin for best quality.
• Sriracha: Adds spicy kick and bright heat, adjust quantity based on personal heat tolerance.

• Garlic: Provides robust, earthy undertones, fresh cloves deliver more intense flavor than pre-minced versions.
• Ginger: Brings zingy, warm notes and aids digestion, fresh root gives more vibrant taste than powdered.
• Lime Juice: Introduces bright acidity and helps tenderize meat, freshly squeezed offers superior flavor.
• Black Pepper: Offers subtle heat and complexity, freshly ground provides more robust taste.

• Bell Peppers: Adds colorful crunch and sweetness, mix red, yellow, and green for visual appeal.
• Onion: Provides savory depth and caramelizes beautifully, red onions offer slightly sweeter profile.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb for garnishing, adds bright, herbaceous finish.
• Lime Wedges

Tools To Use For Sweet And Spicy Grilled Chicken And Pineapple Skewers Recipe

• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for whisking marinade ingredients and mixing chicken.
• Whisk: Essential for blending marinade smoothly and evenly.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for cutting chicken, pineapple, peppers, and onions into uniform chunks.
• Cutting Board: Provides safe surface for chopping ingredients.
• Resealable Plastic Bag or Marinating Container: Ideal for marinating chicken.
• Grill or Grill Pan: Crucial for cooking skewers and achieving caramelized edges.
• Metal Skewers or Wooden Skewers: Used for assembling and grilling ingredients.
• Basting Brush: Helps apply marinade while grilling for extra flavor.
• Tongs: Perfect for safely turning and handling skewers on the grill.

How To Grill Sweet And Spicy Chicken And Pineapple Skewers Recipe

Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

Whip up a zesty mixture by blending honey, soy sauce, olive oil, sriracha, garlic, ginger, lime juice, and black pepper. This awesome sauce will transform your grilled goodies into a taste explosion.

Soak the Chicken

Dunk chicken cubes into the marinade, making sure every piece gets coated with the delicious goodness. Let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 4 hours, allowing the flavors to dance and mingle.

Build Colorful Skewers

Thread chicken, pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and onions onto skewers. Mix and match for a vibrant, eye-catching presentation that promises a flavor party.

Fire Up the Grill

Heat the grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates. Toss the skewers on the grill, turning occasionally and brushing with leftover marinade. Cook until chicken reaches 165F/74C and pineapple gets those gorgeous caramelized marks.

Plate and Garnish

Pull the skewers off the grill and sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Add a squeeze of lime for extra zing. Serve immediately and watch everyone dive in with excitement.

Tips To Change Up Sweet And Spicy Chicken And Pineapple Skewers Recipe

• Marination Magic: Let chicken soak in marinade for maximum 4 hours to prevent meat from becoming mushy while developing deep, complex flavors.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh for vegetarian version. Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make gluten-free. Plant-based proteins absorb marinades wonderfully and provide similar texture.
• Perfect Skewer Assembly: Ensure ingredients are similarly sized for even cooking. Metal skewers conduct heat better than wooden ones, creating more consistent grilling results. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before use to prevent burning.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace honey with sugar-free maple syrup or monk fruit sweetener. Reduce pineapple quantity for lower carbohydrate content. Add extra bell peppers or zucchini chunks to maintain volume and nutrition.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust sriracha quantity based on heat preference. For mild version, use just a touch; for bold flavors, increase amount. Always taste marinade before adding to ensure desired spice intensity.

How To Serve Sweet And Spicy Chicken And Pineapple Skewers Recipe

• Island-Style Plating: Spread skewers over a bed of coconut rice, creating a tropical beach vibe with vibrant colors that pop against the white rice backdrop.
• Backyard BBQ Feast: Pair skewers with grilled corn on the cob, creamy coleslaw, and a zesty summer salad for a complete outdoor dining experience that celebrates fresh, bold flavors.
• Appetizer Party Style: Cut skewers into smaller bite-sized portions, serve on a large platter with toothpicks, and offer extra marinade as a dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing party starter that gets everyone excited.
• Build-Your-Own Station: Set up a DIY skewer bar with various toppings like chopped nuts, extra cilantro, and different hot sauces, allowing guests to customize their grilled masterpiece with personal flair.

Storage And Planning For Sweet And Spicy Chicken And Pineapple Skewers Recipe

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover skewers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for maximum 3-4 days to maintain optimal taste and food safety.
• Quick Meal Prep Hack: Assemble skewers in advance and store uncooked in sealed containers. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before grilling to streamline weeknight dinner preparation.
• Freezing Friendly Option: Wrap uncooked marinated chicken skewers tightly in freezer-safe wrap or bag. Freeze for up to 1 month, ensuring perfect future meal planning with minimal effort.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm leftover skewers gently in oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwave to prevent chicken from becoming tough or losing delicious caramelized edges. Add fresh cilantro after reheating to restore vibrant flavor profile.

Tangy Grilled Chicken And Pineapple Skewers

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Grilled chicken and pineapple skewers blend sweet Mexican marinade with fiery jalapeño spice. Juicy meat and caramelized fruit create a perfect summer grilling experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
• 2 bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 red onion, cut into chunks
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ⅓ cup honey
• 3 tbsps soy sauce
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tbsp sriracha
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 8–10 wooden or metal skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if wooden)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Marinade Creation: Whisk honey, soy sauce, olive oil, sriracha, minced garlic, grated ginger, lime juice, and black pepper into a robust flavor foundation.
2. Protein Marination: Immerse chicken cubes in the marinade, coating thoroughly. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours, allowing flavor infusion.
3. Skewer Preparation: Soak wooden skewers in water. Artfully thread marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and onions in an alternating, visually appealing pattern.
4. Grilling Setup: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil grates to prevent sticking and facilitate smooth skewer release.
5. Cooking Process: Grill skewers, rotating periodically to achieve uniform caramelization. Baste with reserved marinade to intensify flavor and maintain moisture. Monitor chicken’s internal temperature, ensuring it reaches 165F/74C while developing appetizing char marks on pineapple and vegetables.
6. Finishing Touch: Remove skewers from heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro and squeeze lime wedges over the top for a vibrant, zesty finale. Serve immediately to savor peak flavors.

Notes

• Prevent Skewer Burning: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading to avoid charring and potential flame flare-ups during grilling.
• Maximize Marinade Flavor: Reserve a portion of the marinade before adding raw chicken for later basting, ensuring food safety while enhancing taste without cross-contamination.
• Temperature Control Technique: Maintain medium-high grill heat around 375-400°F to achieve perfect caramelization without burning protein or vegetables, creating beautiful char marks.
• Protein Tenderness Trick: Allow marinated chicken to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before grilling, promoting even cooking and preventing tough, dry meat texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 75mg