Juicy grilled chicken and pineapple skewers glazed in smoky BBQ sauce—Hawaiian tropical flavor perfect for summer cookouts and family meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting With Sweet, Smoky, And Savory Tropical Flavors
- Quick And Easy—Perfect For Weeknights Or Meal Prep
- Naturally Gluten-Free (With GF BBQ Sauce And Soy Sauce)
- Colorful, Festive Presentation Great For Entertaining
- Customizable With Your Favorite Veggies Or Sauces
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 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 BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Chopped cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Preheat Grill: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes if using.
- Mix Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Marinate: Add chicken chunks to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
- Assemble Skewers: Thread marinated chicken, pineapple, red and green bell peppers, and red onion onto skewers in alternating order.
- Grill: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning every few minutes and brushing with remaining marinade, until chicken is fully cooked and has grill marks.
- Rest And Serve: Remove from grill, let rest for 2–3 minutes, and garnish with cilantro or green onions if desired. Serve hot.
Servings And Timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Calories Per Serving: ~310 kcal
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add sriracha or crushed red pepper to the marinade.
- Sweeter Glaze: Mix in a tablespoon of honey or pineapple juice with the BBQ sauce.
- Different Protein: Try using shrimp or tofu instead of chicken.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and use mushrooms, zucchini, and extra pineapple.
- Oven Broiling: If no grill is available, broil skewers on high for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, remove ingredients from skewers and warm in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Avoid overcooking to maintain moisture.
For freezing, store marinated uncooked chicken and veggies separately and assemble before cooking.
FAQs
Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead Of Fresh?
Yes, just make sure it’s packed in juice (not syrup) and drain it well to prevent excess moisture.
Can I Bake These Instead Of Grilling?
Absolutely. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway through.
Do I Have To Marinate The Chicken?
Marinating is highly recommended for flavor, but in a pinch, you can skip it and just brush with sauce while grilling.
Can I Make These Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prep the veggies up to a day in advance. Assemble skewers just before grilling.
What Kind Of BBQ Sauce Works Best?
A smoky, slightly sweet sauce complements the pineapple well, but any favorite BBQ sauce will do.
Are These Skewers Gluten-Free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free soy sauce and BBQ sauce.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely. Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms are great additions.
What If I Don’t Have Skewers?
Grill everything in a grill basket or on foil. You’ll still get great flavor without the skewers.
Can I Grill These Indoors?
Yes, a grill pan on the stovetop works well, or use a broiler for a charred finish.
How Do I Prevent Skewers From Burning?
Soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes before grilling or use metal skewers.
Conclusion
Hawaiian Tropical BBQ Chicken & Pineapple Skewers are a delightful way to bring a bit of island sunshine to your dinner table. With juicy grilled chicken, sweet pineapple, and vibrant veggies glazed in a smoky BBQ marinade, this recipe is a hit for both casual weeknight meals and festive gatherings. Easy, flavorful, and customizable—these skewers are bound to become a grill-season favorite.
More Island Flavor Ideas
- Craving more tropical goodness? Try the Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe for an easy, one-pan dish packed with island flavor.
- Lighten things up with the Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad Bowl—a fresh and nutritious side to balance your BBQ skewers.
- Add a spicy twist to your meal with Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta Shells—creamy, bold, and full of flavor.
- Bring seafood to the mix with Garlic Butter Prawns—a buttery, garlicky dish that’s perfect for surf-and-turf nights.
- Complete your BBQ spread with the creamy and refreshing Tangy Ranch Macaroni Salad—ideal for summer gatherings.
Hawaiian Tropical BBQ Chicken & Pineapple Skewers
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A Hawaiian-inspired grilled dish that combines juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and colorful vegetables, all glazed in smoky BBQ sauce—perfect for summer cookouts or a taste of the islands any time of year.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 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 BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Chopped cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
- In a large bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours).
- Thread the marinated chicken, pineapple, bell peppers, and red onion alternately onto skewers.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning every few minutes and basting with remaining marinade, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
- Remove from grill and let rest for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh pineapple for best results, but canned pineapple (drained) can work in a pinch.
- Adjust veggie combinations based on preference or availability.
- Leftover skewers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 85mg