BBQ Chicken Pineapple Skewers

BBQ Chicken Pineapple Skewers are a delightful and vibrant dish perfect for outdoor gatherings, family barbecues, or a cozy dinner at home. These skewers combine juicy chicken with the sweetness of pineapple, bringing together an exciting mix of flavors that everyone will love. The ease of preparation and grilling makes this recipe a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of marinated chicken and grilled pineapple creates a mouthwatering taste that’s hard to resist.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have these skewers ready in no time.
• Versatile Option: Perfect as a main course or as an appetizer for parties, making it suitable for various occasions.
• Healthy Choice: Packed with protein and fresh veggies, these skewers make for a nutritious meal without sacrificing flavor.
• Kid-Friendly: The sweet and savory mix appeals to kids and adults alike, ensuring everyone enjoys the meal.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect BBQ Chicken Pineapple Skewers, having the right tools will streamline your cooking process. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skewers (metal or wooden)
• Grill (pellet grill or regular)
• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Gallon-size resealable bag or shallow dish

Importance of Each Tool

• Skewers: Essential for threading your ingredients together, making grilling easier and more fun.
• Grill: Provides the necessary heat to achieve that perfect char on your skewers.
• Medium bowl: Ideal for mixing your marinade evenly to coat the chicken thoroughly.

Ingredients

For the Marinade

• 2/3 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon garlic, finely minced (or 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder)
• 1/2 teaspoon sweet or smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse, kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Skewers

• 1 1/2 to 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 medium pineapple
• 2 medium bell peppers, any color
• 1 medium red onion

How to Make BBQ Chicken Pineapple Skewers

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together the ketchup, honey, rice vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, paprika, salt, chili powder, and black pepper until well combined.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken pieces in a gallon-size resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.

Step 3: Preheat Your Grill

Preheat your pellet grill or regular grill to medium to medium-high heat while you prepare your vegetables.

Step 4: Cut Your Vegetables

Cut the pineapple into bite-sized chunks along with the bell peppers and red onion into similar-sized pieces (about 1 to 1½ inches).

Step 5: Assemble Skewers

Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers along with pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and onions. A good order is onion first followed by pepper, then pineapple, then chicken; repeat until all ingredients are used. If needed, fold long pieces of chicken in half before threading.

Step 6: Grill Your Skewers

Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill them for about 4 to 5 minutes per side for chicken breasts or about 6 to 7 minutes per side for chicken thighs until fully cooked. Serve immediately for best flavor.

Now you’re ready to delight your guests with BBQ Chicken Pineapple Skewers that are not only tasty but also easy to make! Enjoy!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Pineapple Skewers

Serving BBQ Chicken Pineapple Skewers can elevate any meal. They are versatile and can be paired with various sides or sauces to enhance their flavor.

With Fresh Salad

• A light green salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette complements the sweetness of the skewers.

With Rice or Quinoa

• Fluffy rice or quinoa acts as a great base to soak up any excess marinade, adding texture and heartiness to your meal.

With Grilled Veggies

• Grilled vegetables like zucchini and asparagus add color and nutrition, making your plate visually appealing and healthy.

With Dipping Sauces

• Offer a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch, sweet chili, or additional BBQ sauce for guests to customize their bites.

For a Picnic

• Pack the skewers in a cooler along with some fresh fruit for a delightful picnic spread that everyone will enjoy.

How to Perfect BBQ Chicken Pineapple Skewers

Creating perfect BBQ Chicken Pineapple Skewers can be easy with a few helpful tips. Follow these suggestions for the best results.

• Marinate longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 24 hours enhances flavor and tenderness.
• Use even-sized pieces: Cutting chicken and veggies into uniform sizes ensures even cooking on the grill.
• Pre-soak wooden skewers: Soaking wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes prevents them from burning during grilling.
• Don’t crowd the skewers: Leave space between each piece on the skewer for better heat circulation, promoting even cooking.
• Watch the grill temperature: Maintaining a medium heat allows for perfectly cooked chicken without charring the veggies.
• Let them rest: Allowing skewers to rest for a few minutes after grilling helps retain juices, making each bite more flavorful.

Best Side Dishes for BBQ Chicken Pineapple Skewers

Pairing side dishes with your BBQ Chicken Pineapple Skewers can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Coleslaw: This crunchy dish provides a refreshing contrast to the warm skewers.
2. Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn adds sweetness and is perfect for summer gatherings.
3. Baked Beans: A hearty side packed with flavor that complements the smokiness of grilled chicken.
4. Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad balances out the flavors on your plate while being filling.
5. Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread is always a hit; it’s great for soaking up any extra sauce.
6. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can cleanse the palate between bites of savory skewers.
7. Cucumber Salad: This crisp salad offers coolness and crunch, making it an ideal pairing.
8. Macaroni Salad: A creamy macaroni salad can add comfort food vibes alongside your skewers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making BBQ Chicken Pineapple Skewers, avoiding common mistakes can enhance your grilling experience. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the Marinade Time: Not letting the chicken marinate can lead to bland skewers. Aim for at least 2 hours, but overnight is best for flavor.
• Using Unevenly Cut Ingredients: If your pieces are different sizes, they will cook unevenly. Make sure to cut chicken, pineapple, and veggies into similar sizes for consistent cooking.
• Overcrowding the Skewers: Packing too much on one skewer prevents even cooking. Leave space between each piece to allow heat circulation.
• Not Preheating the Grill: Grilling on a cold surface can lead to sticking and uneven cooking. Always preheat your grill to medium-high heat before placing the skewers on it.
• Ignoring Internal Temperature: Relying solely on time can result in undercooked chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover BBQ Chicken Pineapple Skewers in an airtight container.
• They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Freezing BBQ Chicken Pineapple Skewers

• Wrap skewers tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer bag.
• These skewers can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating BBQ Chicken Pineapple Skewers

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place skewers on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place skewers on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in short intervals until hot, about 1-2 minutes.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil and cook the skewers for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients are needed for BBQ Chicken Pineapple Skewers?

You will need chicken breasts or thighs, pineapple, bell peppers, and red onion along with ketchup, honey, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, paprika, salt, chili powder, and black pepper.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For best results with BBQ Chicken Pineapple Skewers, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.

Can I use other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your BBQ Chicken Pineapple Skewers by adding zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes.

What type of grill is best for these skewers?

Both pellet grills and regular grills work well. Just ensure they are preheated properly before grilling.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s safely cooked.

Can I make these skewers ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare them in advance by marinating and assembling before storing them in the fridge or freezer.

Final Thoughts

BBQ Chicken Pineapple Skewers are not only delicious but also versatile and perfect for summer gatherings or weeknight dinners. Feel free to customize them with your favorite vegetables or adjust spices according to your taste preferences. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors!