Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers: A Juicy Summer BBQ Favourite

Looking for the perfect balance of sweet and savoury for your summer grill? Grilled pineapple chicken skewers are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Combining juicy, marinated chicken with caramelised pineapple, these skewers are ideal for garden parties, weeknight dinners, or even meal prepping. Whether you’re firing up the BBQ or using a grill pan indoors, this tropical-inspired dish will impress.

In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know—from selecting the right ingredients and preparing the skewers to grilling tips and serving ideas. Let’s dive into this sizzling summer recipe.

Why You’ll Love Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers

These skewers are:

• Flavour-packed – with a tangy-sweet marinade that caramelises beautifully.
• Healthy – lean chicken breast, fresh pineapple, and colourful veg.
• Simple to make – easy prep and even easier cooking.
• Versatile – suitable for BBQs, indoor grills, or even oven roasting.
• Family-friendly – both kids and adults love the tropical flavour combo.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

To make grilled pineapple chicken skewers, you’ll need:

For the Skewers:

• 500g chicken breast (cut into 2.5cm chunks)
• 1 medium fresh pineapple (peeled, cored, and chopped)
• 1 red bell pepper (deseeded and chopped)
• 1 yellow bell pepper (deseeded and chopped)
• 1 red onion (peeled and chopped into chunks)
• Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)

For the Marinade:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, garlic, ginger, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour—ideally 2–4 hours for maximum flavour.

2. Prepare the Pineapple and Vegetables

While the chicken marinates, chop your pineapple, peppers, and onion into similar-sized pieces. This helps everything cook evenly on the grill.

3. Assemble the Skewers

Alternate the chicken, pineapple, peppers, and onion on each skewer. Try to keep about 1cm of space between items so they grill nicely without overcrowding.

4. Grill to Perfection

Preheat your BBQ or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grate or pan. Grill the skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning every 3–4 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp: 75°C) and the pineapple is lightly charred.

5. Optional Glaze

For an extra glossy finish, brush leftover marinade (boiled for safety) onto the skewers in the last 2 minutes of grilling.

Serving Suggestions

Grilled pineapple chicken skewers pair well with:

• Coconut rice or jasmine rice
• Chilli lime corn on the cob
• Grilled courgette or aubergine slices
• Simple green salad with a citrus dressing
• Flatbreads and a yoghurt dip for a more Mediterranean-style meal

You can also slide the contents off the skewers and serve in a wrap or pita pocket for a fun lunchbox alternative.

Make It Your Own: Variations

🔥 Spicy Kick

Add a teaspoon of chilli flakes or a dash of sriracha to the marinade for some heat.

🍍 Tropical Twist

Try marinating the chicken in pineapple juice instead of lime for a sweeter tone.

🥬 Vegetarian Version

Swap chicken for firm tofu or halloumi. Marinate and grill the same way.

🍖 Oven Option

No BBQ? No problem. Bake the skewers at 200°C (fan 180°C) for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through. Finish under the grill for 2–3 minutes to caramelise.

Top Tips for Perfect Grilled Skewers

• Uniform size: Cut your chicken and vegetables into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Soak wooden skewers: This prevents them from burning on the grill.
• Don’t over-marinate: Chicken left too long in acidic marinades (like lime juice) can go mushy.
• Preheat your grill: Ensure high heat before placing the skewers down to get a good sear.
• Rest before serving: Let skewers rest for 3–5 minutes off the heat to keep the juices in.

Meal Prep and Storage

Prep ahead: You can marinate the chicken and chop the veg a day in advance. Store everything in separate containers in the fridge.

Freezer-friendly: Assemble uncooked skewers and freeze. Defrost overnight in the fridge before grilling.

Leftovers: Store cooked skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re great cold in salads or wraps!

Why Use Fresh Pineapple?

While tinned pineapple works in a pinch, fresh pineapple has better texture and caramelises more beautifully on the grill. The natural sugars in fresh fruit give that delicious smoky-sweet charred edge you just can’t replicate with tinned varieties.

Plus, pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that tenderises meat—another reason this pairing works so well.

Nutrition at a Glance (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 30g
• Carbs: 25g
• Fat: 12g
• Fibre: 4g

A light, protein-rich dish that doesn’t skimp on flavour.

Final Thoughts

Grilled pineapple chicken skewers are the essence of easy summer cooking—vibrant, juicy, and quick to whip up. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or prepping a simple midweek dinner, these tropical skewers bring a refreshing twist to your plate. The combination of smoky chicken and sweet pineapple is always a winner.

So grab your skewers, fire up the grill, and bring a bit of sunshine to your table—whatever the British weather decides to do!