If you’re hunting for the ultimate summer crowd-pleaser, look no further than these Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers. Juicy chicken, succulent pineapple, and a rainbow of veggies get bathed in a zippy marinade and grilled to juicy, caramelized perfection. Every bite hits that addictive spot between sweet, tangy, fiery, and savory, making this dish an irresistible addition to backyard cookouts, quick weeknight dinners, or anytime you want to wow your taste buds with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Great recipes start with standout ingredients, and these are simple, vibrant, and absolutely essential for flavor-packed Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers. Each one plays a key role, whether it’s for tenderness, punchy contrast, or a pop of color.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: These stay tender and juicy on the grill, holding onto every drop of flavorful marinade.
- Fresh pineapple chunks: Sweet, tangy, and caramelizes beautifully over the flames—use fresh for the juiciest results.
- Red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces: Adds crunch and a gorgeous burst of color to every skewer.
- Red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces: Brings a gentle bite and a subtle sweetness when charred.
- Olive oil: Helps the marinade cling to everything and keeps the chicken moist during grilling.
- Honey: For that glaze-like sweetness and perfect caramelization on the grill.
- Soy sauce: Lends deep umami flavor and a touch of saltiness for balance.
- Sriracha: Brings the fiery kick—add more or less to fit your spicy cravings.
- Lime juice: Adds brightness and zing to the marinade, making all the flavors pop.
- Garlic, minced: For irresistible savory depth and a little bite.
- Ground ginger: Warm, aromatic, and just the right amount of complexity.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for pulling it all together—season boldly!
- Wooden or metal skewers: Wooden skewers should be soaked; metal skewers are reusable and sturdy.
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers
Step 1: Whip Up the Marinade
Start by grabbing a medium bowl and whisking together the olive oil, honey, soy sauce, sriracha, lime juice, garlic, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. This simple yet powerful mixture is the secret sauce that makes Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers utterly addictive. You’ll notice the aroma alone will make you hungry!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the bite-sized chicken thighs to the bowl, tossing them to coat each piece fully in that irresistible marinade. Cover the bowl and let the chicken rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This is your window to clean up, prep your grill, or simply savor how amazing dinner will taste. Don’t skip the marinating time—it’s when all that mouthwatering flavor gets soaked in.
Step 3: Prep the Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, now’s the time to soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill. Meanwhile, chop your pineapple, bell pepper, and red onion into hearty, even chunks (about 1 to 1.5 inches each), so they’ll cook evenly alongside the chicken. This step ensures every bite of Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers is just right.
Step 4: Thread the Skewers
Once everything is prepped, it’s time for the fun part: threading! Alternate marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, red bell pepper, and red onion onto your skewers for a gorgeous, colorful lineup. Mixing the ingredients keeps every skewer balanced, and the variety means there’s something delicious in every bite.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high. Lay the skewers down and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning them occasionally. Brush with extra marinade during cooking if you like even more flavor and shine. You’re looking for grill marks, tender veggies, and chicken cooked through—let your senses guide you and watch the magic happen. When finished, serve up the Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers while they’re piping hot.
How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers
Garnishes
A final flourish of chopped fresh cilantro, a extra squeeze of lime, or a sprinkling of sesame seeds takes these skewers from tasty to totally irresistible. The freshness and crunch wake up every bite of Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers, making them as beautiful as they are flavorful.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, pair the skewers with fluffy jasmine rice, nutty quinoa, or a tangy Asian-style slaw. The versatility of Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers means they complement just about anything, whether you’re keeping it simple or want something a little more special for a festive gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t limit yourself to the standard platter! Lay your skewers over a big bed of greens for a centerpiece salad, tuck the chicken and veggies into warm flatbreads for a handheld feast, or pile the ingredients into lettuce cups with an extra drizzle of marinade. The sky’s the limit when it comes to presenting your Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers in fresh and fun ways.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers left (trust me, it doesn’t happen often!), just slide the chicken and veggies off the skewers and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to three days and make lunch meal-prep a breeze.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and veggies, though pineapple texture can change slightly after freezing. Let everything cool, transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To revive the flavors and keep everything juicy, gently reheat Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers in a hot skillet, covered, or warm in the oven at 350°F until just heated through. A quick zap in the microwave also works for a speedy lunch, but go slow to prevent the chicken from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast is a leaner option if you prefer, though chicken thighs offer more moisture and flavor. If you use breast, don’t overcook it—watch it closely so each bite stays juicy.
How spicy are these skewers?
The level of heat is totally adjustable. With the one tablespoon of sriracha, you’ll get a moderate kick. For milder pallets, cut the sriracha in half or swap for sweet chili sauce. If you love heat, add a little more or sprinkle on some chili flakes at the end.
Can I make Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers without a grill?
Yes! A grill pan on the stovetop or even a hot broiler can be used to get those gorgeous charred edges. Just watch the skewers and flip them to cook evenly.
What vegetables can I swap in?
This recipe is very adaptable. You can use green or yellow bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or even cherry tomatoes—just cut everything to similar sizes so they cook together evenly.
Are Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers gluten-free?
They can be! Just use a certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and you’re good to go—no other ingredient needs to change.
Final Thoughts
Give these Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers a try and watch them disappear right off the platter. They’re my go-to for instant summertime joy and easy entertaining—or just a fun weeknight burst of flavor. Don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds!
Print
Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers are a perfect combination of flavors that are ideal for summer grilling. Tender chicken marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce, threaded onto skewers with fresh pineapple, bell peppers, and onions, then grilled to perfection. A simple yet delicious dish that is sure to be a hit at any barbecue.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
Skewers:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, soy sauce, sriracha, lime juice, garlic, ground ginger, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate Chicken: Add chicken pieces to the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- Prep Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Assemble Skewers: Thread marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, bell pepper, and red onion onto the skewers, alternating ingredients.
- Grill: Grill skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. Brush with reserved marinade during grilling, if desired.
- Serve: Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner option, but thighs stay juicier on the grill.
- Adjust the sriracha to your heat preference or swap for chili garlic sauce.
- These pair well with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
