Honey BBQ chicken skewers with pineapple are the ultimate summer grilling recipe. Tender, juicy chicken is coated in a sweet and tangy homemade honey barbecue sauce and grilled to perfection alongside fresh pineapple chunks. This easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish is sure to become a new backyard barbecue favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Honey BBQ Chicken Skewers with Pineapple
These honey BBQ chicken skewers with pineapple are a flavor explosion in every bite. The combination of the sweet and smoky barbecue sauce, the tender and juicy chicken, and the bright, refreshing pineapple is simply irresistible. The skewers are also incredibly easy to make, with minimal prep work and a quick cooking time, making them the perfect choice for weeknight dinners or backyard gatherings. Plus, the vibrant colors and flavors make this dish a real showstopper that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
The key ingredients for these honey BBQ chicken skewers with pineapple are boneless, skinless chicken thighs, pineapple chunks, and a simple homemade barbecue sauce that comes together in just a few minutes. You’ll also need some skewers, olive oil, and a few basic seasonings.
- 1 lb – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup – Pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup – Honey
- 1/2 cup – Barbecue sauce
- 2 tbsp – Soy sauce
- 2 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp – Smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp – Chili powder
- 1/4 tsp – Cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 tbsp – Olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (the cooking time may be slightly shorter)
- Fresh Pineapple: Canned pineapple chunks or rings (for convenience)
How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Skewers with Pineapple
The process for making these honey BBQ chicken skewers with pineapple is simple and straightforward, with just a few easy steps to follow.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by cutting the chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes and threading them onto skewers, alternating with the pineapple chunks. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and spices to make the honey BBQ sauce.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the chicken and pineapple skewers with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill the skewers for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the pineapple is lightly charred.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, brush the skewers generously with the honey BBQ sauce, turning to coat all sides. Remove the skewers from the grill and serve immediately, with any remaining sauce drizzled over the top.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spicy Twist: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the honey BBQ sauce for a spicier kick.
- Fruit Swap: Try using different types of fruit, such as mango or peach, in place of the pineapple.
- Marinating: For even more flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes to an hour before grilling.
- Oven Baking: Bake the honey BBQ chicken skewers with pineapple in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, turning and brushing with the sauce halfway through.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Grilled veggies, a fresh salad, or a creamy coleslaw.
Storage: Leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the skewers in the oven or on the grill until heated through.
Make-Ahead: The honey BBQ sauce can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Information
These honey BBQ chicken skewers with pineapple are a lean and protein-packed meal that’s also full of vitamins and antioxidants from the pineapple. Each serving contains approximately 240 calories, 27g of protein, and 8g of carbohydrates.
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Protein: 27 g
- Carbs: 8 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Sodium: 510 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can absolutely use chicken breasts in place of thighs. The cooking time may be slightly shorter, so keep a close eye on the chicken to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can use a digital meat thermometer to check the temperature.
Can I make the honey BBQ sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply warm it up before brushing it onto the skewers during the last few minutes of grilling.
How do I prevent the pineapple from falling off the skewers?
To keep the pineapple securely on the skewers, thread the chunks onto the skewers first, followed by the chicken pieces. You can also soak the wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before assembling to help prevent them from breaking.
Can I bake these skewers in the oven instead of grilling?
Yes, you can bake the honey BBQ chicken skewers with pineapple in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the skewers for 20-25 minutes, turning and brushing with the sauce halfway through.
Try These Next
- Maple Glazed Bbq Chicken Skewers With Pineapple
- Maple Bourbon Bbq Glazed Chicken Skewers
- Spicy Korean Bbq Chicken Tacos With Zesty Slaw
Honey BBQ Chicken Skewers with Pineapple
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🔥 BBQ, Grilling & Smokehouse
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Succulent chicken skewers marinated in a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce, paired perfectly with juicy pineapple chunks. Perfect for grilling season!
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Skewers (soaked in water if using wooden skewers)
Instructions
1. In a bowl, mix honey, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. Thread the marinated chicken and pineapple chunks onto skewers, alternating between chicken and pineapple.
5. Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has grill marks.
6. Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For additional flavor, add bell peppers or onions to the skewers.
These skewers can be served with rice or a fresh salad.
Adjust the level of BBQ sauce according to your taste preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken skewers, BBQ, grilling, honey BBQ, pineapple