Grilled Chicken Pineapple Skewers

Grilled chicken-pineapple skewers are my answer whenever summer parties or backyard gatherings are on the horizon Each bite combines tender grilled chicken with sweet caramelized pineapple plus plenty of peppers for color and crunch The layers of flavor and juicy char make these Hawaiian-inspired skewers a favorite for any grill night

My family asks for these skewers as soon as the grill gets uncovered for spring The tropical aroma always draws neighbors to our yard and nobody ever complains about having seconds

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: boneless and skinless cut into sturdy cubes Choose good quality chicken for best flavor and juiciness
• Soy sauce: provides a salty umami base Use gluten free soy sauce if you need to avoid gluten
• Pineapple juice: brings out that signature tropical sweetness Fresh pineapple juice makes a real difference if you can juice it yourself
• Brown sugar: helps the chicken and pineapple caramelize on the grill Look for soft dark brown sugar for deeper molasses notes
• Olive oil: coats the chicken for even grilling and moisture Stick with extra virgin olive oil for its clean taste
• Garlic: minced for aromatics Fresh garlic adds a sharper flavor than pre-minced types
• Fresh ginger: grated for zing Make sure to select plump and firm ginger with a smooth skin for less bitterness
• Black pepper: rounds out the marinade with gentle heat Use fresh cracked pepper when possible
• Pineapple: fresh peeled and cut into thick cubes The riper the pineapple the juicier and sweeter it will be
• Red bell pepper and green bell pepper: chunked for color and mild crunch Try to pick firm peppers with glossy skins
• Red onion: cut into wedges for sweetness and a nice char on the grill Pick onions with tight shiny skins for best texture
• Wooden or metal skewers: Wooden skewers need a soak to prevent burning for reliability

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Marinade:

In a large mixing bowl whisk together soy sauce pineapple juice brown sugar olive oil garlic ginger and black pepper until the sugar dissolves and everything is combined This mixture should smell fragrant and slightly sweet

Marinate the Chicken:

Add the cubed chicken to your marinade Toss thoroughly until every piece is coated Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for at least thirty minutes or up to four hours for a more pronounced flavor

Prep the Skewers:

If you are using wooden skewers submerge them in water for at least thirty minutes to help stop them burning on the grill If using metal skewers make sure they are clean and dry

Preheat the Grill:

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium high heat You want the cooking surface to hit about four hundred degrees Fahrenheit so the chicken chars without burning

Assemble the Skewers:

Thread the marinated chicken pineapple peppers and red onion onto your skewers Switch up the ingredients as you go for the best mix of flavor and color Make sure to leave a little space between each piece for even cooking

Grill the Skewers:

Brush the grill grates lightly with oil to prevent sticking Place the finished skewers on the grill Cook for about fifteen minutes rotating every three to four minutes so each side has a chance to develop nice grill marks and the chicken cooks through

Serve:

Transfer the hot skewers onto a serving platter Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onion if you like Serve immediately for the best texture and taste

Save This

My favorite part is the juicy burst of fresh pineapple when you bite into a piping hot skewer Every time I make these I remember my kids running through the backyard with sticky fingers and huge grins It is the kind of dish that makes summer feel endless

Storage Tips

Once cooled store leftover chicken pineapple skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days They reheat best in a hot oven or on a grill wrapped in foil to avoid drying out For longer storage you can freeze grilled skewers tightly wrapped They will keep their texture for about two months When ready to eat thaw overnight then reheat gently

Ingredient Substitutions

Boneless chicken thighs can be swapped in for a richer juicier bite For a vegetarian twist try chunks of firm tofu or portobello mushrooms instead of chicken If you want more heat add a finely chopped jalapeno or some chili flakes to the marinade Tamari or coconut aminos work instead of soy sauce for soy free diets

Save This

Serving Suggestions

These skewers are perfect over a fluffy bed of steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice They also pair well with grilled corn quinoa salad or even inside soft wraps with a tangy mayo drizzled on top For drinks crisp white wine or pineapple mojitos keep things festive

Cultural Context

Hawaiian style skewers celebrate a fusion of traditional Pacific Island ingredients and flavors brought by Asian immigrants to the islands The sweet and savory pairing comes straight from the classic Hawaiian plate lunch where grilled meats and tropical fruit go hand in hand Bringing these flavors to the backyard grill lets you travel without leaving home

Common Questions

→ How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, extend up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, swapping chicken thighs provides a juicier texture. Cut to similar size and marinate as directed.

→ Are metal or wooden skewers better?

Both work well. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning; metal skewers do not require soaking.

→ What sides go well with these skewers?

Pair with steamed rice, grilled corn, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce. Always check labels for allergens.

→ How can I add spice to the skewers?

Add ½ teaspoon chili flakes to the marinade for a spicier flavor profile.