Name: Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes; 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; 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; Wooden or metal skewers

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Sweet and tangy pineapple BBQ chicken skewers bring together juicy grilled chicken paired with chunks of fresh pineapple and colorful vegetables, all brushed with a smoky-sweet barbecue glaze. These vibrant skewers deliver the perfect balance of flavors and make an impressive presentation for any occasion, from casual backyard gatherings to family dinners.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These pineapple BBQ chicken skewers will quickly become a favorite in your cooking repertoire for many good reasons:

The sweet-savory flavor combination of pineapple and BBQ sauce creates an irresistible taste profile
Easy preparation with minimal ingredients makes this ideal for weeknight dinners
Versatile enough to serve as an appetizer or main course
Naturally colorful presentation requires no additional garnishing
Healthy protein option that satisfies without weighing you down
Perfect for outdoor grilling but can be adapted for indoor cooking
Customizable based on your favorite vegetables or protein preferences
Make-ahead friendly for stress-free entertaining
Kid-friendly while still appealing to sophisticated adult palates
Excellent for meal prep as leftovers maintain their flavor and texture

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide the lean protein foundation for these skewers. They absorb the marinade beautifully and cook quickly and evenly on the grill. For best results, cut the chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure consistent cooking.

Fresh pineapple chunks bring natural sweetness and a tropical flair to these skewers. The natural enzymes in pineapple help tenderize the chicken while grilling intensifies the fruit's natural sugars, creating delicious caramelization. If fresh isn't available, drained canned pineapple will work in a pinch.

Red and green bell peppers add vibrant color, crunch, and nutritional value. The mild sweetness of the peppers complements both the chicken and pineapple perfectly, and they hold up well to the high heat of grilling.

Red onion provides aromatic flavor and develops wonderful sweetness when grilled. The purple-red color also enhances the visual appeal of the finished skewers. If red onions are too strong for your taste, try soaking the cut pieces in cold water for 10 minutes before skewering.

Barbecue sauce forms the base of the marinade and basting liquid. Choose your favorite style—whether sweet, spicy, smoky, or tangy—to put your personal stamp on this recipe.

Pineapple juice intensifies the tropical flavor and helps tenderize the chicken. It also adds natural sweetness to the marinade without additional sugar.

Soy sauce brings umami depth and balances the sweetness with its savory quality. It also helps the chicken develop a beautiful color when grilled.

Garlic powder provides consistent flavor throughout the marinade without the risk of burning that comes with fresh garlic on the grill.

Olive oil helps prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill and aids in even browning and flavor distribution.

Salt and pepper are essential seasoning elements that enhance all the other flavors. Be careful not to over-salt as the soy sauce and barbecue sauce already contain sodium.

Directions

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
In a medium bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic powder, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Reserve ½ cup of the marinade for basting. Add chicken cubes to the remaining marinade and let sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) in the refrigerator.
Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C).
Thread marinated chicken, pineapple, peppers, and red onion onto skewers, alternating pieces for color and flavor variety.
Grill skewers for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with the reserved marinade during the last few minutes, until chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks.
Serve warm with extra barbecue sauce on the side if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 4 servings, making it perfect for a family dinner. Each serving contains approximately 310 calories, offering a satisfying yet reasonable meal option.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes to 4 hours for marinating)
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes (plus marinating time)

The recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings or halved for a smaller meal. For serving larger crowds, consider preparing the skewers ahead of time and grilling in batches as needed.

Variations

Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken with shrimp, firm tofu, or turkey breast cubes for different protein options. Adjust cooking times accordingly—shrimp will cook much faster than chicken.

Tropical Twist: Add mango chunks alongside or instead of pineapple for an extra tropical flavor profile.

Spicy Version: Add a diced jalapeño to the marinade or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the skewers before grilling for a heat kick.

Teriyaki Style: Replace the BBQ sauce with teriyaki sauce for an Asian-inspired variation.

Mediterranean Flair: Use chunks of zucchini, yellow squash, and cherry tomatoes in place of bell peppers. Substitute the BBQ marinade with a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and Mediterranean herbs.

Buffalo Chicken Skewers: Substitute the BBQ sauce with buffalo sauce and serve with blue cheese dipping sauce.

Honey Lime Variation: Add 2 tablespoons of honey and the juice of one lime to the marinade for a sweet-tangy twist.

Kebab Bowls: Serve the grilled ingredients over rice or quinoa instead of on skewers for a hearty bowl meal.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover cooked skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, remove the cooked ingredients from the skewers before storing.

Freezing: These skewers can be frozen both before or after cooking.

For raw prepared skewers: Freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. They'll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before grilling.
For cooked skewers: Cool completely, remove from skewers, and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating Options:

Microwave: Remove ingredients from skewers and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Oven: Place skewers on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or until heated through.
Grill: For the best flavor revival, place leftover skewers on a medium-heat grill for 2-3 minutes per side just until warmed through.
Stovetop: For a quick option, sauté the removed ingredients in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes.

Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the skewers up to 24 hours in advance and keep covered in the refrigerator until ready to grill. You can also make the marinade up to 3 days ahead and store it separately from the chicken.

FAQs

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don't have a meat thermometer, cut into the largest piece of chicken—the meat should be completely white with no pink areas and the juices should run clear.

Can I make these skewers in the oven?

Yes! Bake the assembled skewers on a rimmed baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through and basting with the reserved marinade during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

What's the best barbecue sauce to use for this recipe?

This recipe works with any barbecue sauce you enjoy. Sweet and smoky varieties complement the pineapple particularly well, but feel free to use your favorite or even a homemade version.

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Drain canned pineapple chunks well before using. Choose pineapple packed in juice rather than syrup for the most natural flavor.

Why do I need to reserve some marinade for basting?

Reserving part of the marinade before adding raw chicken ensures food safety. Never reuse marinade that has been in contact with raw meat unless it's boiled first to kill bacteria.

How can I prevent my wooden skewers from burning?

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) before use. Alternatively, wrap the exposed ends with aluminum foil or use metal skewers instead.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It depends on your barbecue sauce and soy sauce choices. Look for gluten-free barbecue sauce and use tamari instead of regular soy sauce to make this recipe completely gluten-free.

Can I prepare these skewers the day before grilling?

Yes, you can assemble the skewers and store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before grilling. This makes them perfect for entertaining or meal prep.

What side dishes pair well with these skewers?

These skewers pair beautifully with coconut rice, grilled corn, a simple green salad, coleslaw, or potato salad. For a complete tropical-themed meal, serve with a side of black beans and fried plantains.

Can I use this marinade for other meats?

This versatile marinade works wonderfully with beef, firm white fish, or shrimp. Adjust marinating times accordingly—shrimp and fish need only 15-30 minutes, while beef can marinate for up to 8 hours.

Conclusion

Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers offer the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in one colorful, convenient package. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special, these skewers deliver impressive results with minimal effort.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility—swap ingredients based on what you have on hand, adjust the spice level to suit your preferences, or change the cooking method to accommodate your kitchen setup. The core combination of juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and smoky barbecue sauce creates a winning flavor profile that appeals to nearly everyone.

By mastering this simple yet impressive dish, you'll add a reliable crowd-pleaser to your cooking repertoire that's suitable for everything from casual family dinners to special celebrations. These skewers exemplify how thoughtful ingredient combinations and simple cooking techniques can transform everyday ingredients into something truly memorable.