Grilled Chicken Pineapple Skewers

These grilled chicken pineapple skewers come together with juicy marinated chicken and sweet caramelized pineapple along with a rainbow of peppers. Every bite balances savory and sweet making these skewers just right for BBQs or any outdoor weekend feast.

This recipe became a summer tradition the year I first fired up my grill on Memorial Day. The aroma of pineapple caramelizing next to the chicken is what brings all my friends to the table.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: make for tender pieces that soak up flavor and stay juicy on the grill so look for fresh meat from a trusted butcher
• Soy sauce: brings salt and umami using gluten free tamari keeps this dish friendly for most
• Pineapple juice: gives every bite a tropical sweetness and helps the chicken stay moist so pick juice that is 100 percent fruit
• Brown sugar: adds caramel notes and balances the marinade you want soft brown sugar for easy mixing
• Olive oil: makes the marinade richer and helps prevent sticking look for extra virgin if possible
• Fresh garlic and ginger: bring a pop of flavor use aromatic cloves and juicy ginger root
• Black pepper: seasons the meat with a savory note
• Fresh pineapple: adds sweetness and caramelizes so well on the grill go for fragrant golden fruit that yields slightly when pressed
• Bell peppers in red and green: add crunch and color you want them firm and glossy
• Red onion: gives savory sharpness and grills up sweeter seek out a heavy onion with no soft spots
• Wooden or metal skewers: hold everything together soak wood ones in water so they do not burn

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Marinade:

In a large bowl mix soy sauce pineapple juice brown sugar olive oil minced garlic grated ginger and black pepper until the sugar is dissolved and everything is well blended

Marinate the Chicken:

Add chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat every side let them sit covered in the fridge for at least thirty minutes up to four hours for extra flavor

Prep the Skewers:

If using wooden skewers soak them in water for at least thirty minutes to stop them from burning on the grill

Heat the Grill:

Set your grill to medium high about four hundred degrees Fahrenheit or two hundred degrees Celsius give it time to preheat fully

Assemble the Skewers:

Thread marinated chicken pineapple chunks bell peppers and onion onto the skewers alternate pieces for lots of color and flavor with each bite

Grill the Skewers:

Oil the grates lightly to keep food from sticking arrange skewers in a single layer and cook for twelve to fifteen minutes turning every three or four minutes until chicken is golden and cooked through with charred edges

Serve and Garnish:

Serve the skewers while hot sprinkle chopped cilantro or sliced green onions on top for a fresh finish if you like

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A personal favorite ingredient here is the pineapple I always choose fruit that smells fragrant at the end for the sweetest flavor My kids love assembling the skewers and I still remember the first backyard cookout when they took charge of adding the colorful veggies

Storage Tips

Any leftover skewers can be cooled and kept in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days I like to remove meat and veggies from the skewers before storing They also freeze well for up to two months Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn and thaw overnight before reheating

Ingredient Substitutions

If you like a juicier texture chicken thighs work beautifully instead of breast For soy allergies try coconut aminos as your marinade base For a fun change swap pineapple for ripe mango chunks or add zucchini for another veggie

Serving Suggestions

These skewers pair perfectly with a side of steamed jasmine rice coconut rice or even a fresh green salad For backyard parties I sometimes set the skewers over a big platter of herbed grains and grilled corn

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Cultural and Historical Context

Hawaiian inspired chicken pineapple skewers bring together global influences from Japanese style yakitori to traditional Polynesian grilled meats Pineapple is a Hawaiian icon and grilling it turns it into something fragrant smoky and instantly summery

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs add more juiciness and flavor, making them a great alternative for these skewers.

→ How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning?

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.

→ What sides go well with this dish?

Steamed rice, grilled corn, or a fresh salad are excellent accompaniments to these skewers.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

It is gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce. Always check labels to be sure.

→ Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the marinade up to one day in advance and keep it refrigerated.

→ How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken should be cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).