Description
Foolproof grilled chicken skewers featuring juicy chicken thighs, caramelized pineapple chunks, and red onion, all coated in a sticky, tangy BBQ glaze.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large fresh pineapple, cored and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 medium red onion, cut into 1-inch squares
- 1 cup thick BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 8–10 wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes) or metal skewers
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes if using wood.
- Cut chicken thighs into uniform 1-inch cubes and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
- Reserve half of the glaze for basting; keep the other half for serving.
- Core pineapple and cut into 1-inch chunks; cut red onion into 1-inch squares.
- Thread ingredients onto skewers in the order: pineapple, chicken, onion, chicken, pineapple, leaving space between pieces.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F). Lightly brush chicken with olive oil.
- Place skewers on the grill, close lid, and cook for 4-5 minutes.
- Flip skewers, brush generously with reserved glaze, and cook for another 4-5 minutes.
- Flip again, brush with more glaze, and cook for 3-4 more minutes until chicken reaches 165°F and pineapple has char marks.
- Remove from grill and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving with remaining glaze.
Notes
Ensure chicken and pineapple pieces are uniform in size for even cooking. Do not glaze too early as the sugar in BBQ sauce burns quickly. For extra flavor, marinate chicken in half the glaze for 30 minutes before skewering. Avoid canned pineapple as it is too soft for grilling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 skewers
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 28
Keywords: grilled chicken, pineapple skewers, BBQ chicken, summer grilling, easy dinner, chicken thighs, outdoor cooking