The Best Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken & Pineapple Skewers Recipe

Culinary adventures often spark unexpected sweet and spicy grilled chicken and pineapple skewers magic in home kitchens.

Tropical flavors dance together, creating a vibrant blend that awakens your taste buds.

Summer barbecues need something extraordinary and memorable.

Juicy chicken pieces combined with caramelized pineapple chunks bring excitement to every bite.

Marinades infused with bold spices make this dish irresistible.

These skewers promise a delightful balance between heat and sweetness that will impress everyone at the table.

Fire up the grill and get ready to experience a mouthwatering journey of flavor.

Why Sweet And Spicy Grilled Chicken And Pineapple Skewers Recipe Brings The Heat

• Boost Flavor Fast: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a tantalizing meal with a quick marinade that packs a punch of sweet and spicy goodness. The combination of honey, sriracha, and lime creates a mouthwatering glaze that elevates ordinary chicken to something extraordinary.
• Grill Master Made Easy: Perfect for backyard cookouts or weeknight dinners, these skewers require minimal prep and cooking skills. Anyone can become a grilling pro with this foolproof method that ensures juicy chicken and caramelized pineapple every single time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Colorful Feast: The vibrant mix of chicken, pineapple, bell peppers, and onions creates a visually stunning dish that's sure to impress. Guests will love the beautiful presentation and bold flavor combinations that make this recipe a total crowd-pleaser.
• Customize with Ease: Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences, these skewers can be modified with various proteins or vegetables. Swap ingredients, adjust spice levels, or add your favorite herbs to make this recipe uniquely yours.

Everything You’ll Need For Sweet And Spicy Grilled Chicken And Pineapple Skewers Recipe

• Honey: Natural sweetener for balanced flavor, choose raw or local honey for best taste.
• Soy Sauce: Provides saltiness and depth, low-sodium options work well.
• Olive Oil: Helps blend marinade and adds richness, extra virgin recommended.
• Sriracha: Adds spicy kick, adjust amount for heat preference.
• Garlic: Provides intense flavor, fresh cloves preferred over pre-minced.
• Ginger: Brings warmth and complexity, fresh root is more aromatic.
• Lime Juice: Adds brightness and tenderizes chicken, fresh squeezed is best.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and depth.

• Chicken: Lean protein for main dish, boneless and skinless recommended.
• Pineapple Chunks: Adds sweetness and caramelizes beautifully, fresh preferred over canned.
• Bell Peppers: Provides color and crunch, mix colors for visual appeal.
• Onion: Adds savory undertones and texture.

• Cilantro: Fresh herb for bright finish, optional for those who enjoy.
• Lime Wedges: Provides extra citrus punch, serves as decorative element.

How To Grill Sweet And Spicy Chicken And Pineapple Skewers Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Magic Marinade

• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Olive oil
• Sriracha sauce
• Minced garlic
• Grated fresh ginger
• Fresh lime juice
• Cracked black pepper

Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes a smooth, glossy sauce that looks like liquid gold.

Step 2: Bathe the Chicken in Flavor

Take your chicken cubes and drop them into a large ziplock bag or wide container. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, saving the other half for later grilling magic. Seal the bag or cover the container and let the chicken chill in the refrigerator. Give it at least 30 minutes to soak up all those incredible flavors, but if you can wait up to 4 hours, the taste will be even more mind-blowing.

Step 3: Create Skewer Masterpieces

• Marinated chicken chunks
• Fresh pineapple pieces
• Bright bell pepper slices
• Chunky onion sections

Alternate the ingredients to create a beautiful, appetizing pattern that looks like a tropical celebration.

Step 4: Fire Up the Grill

Heat your grill to medium-high temperature. Lightly oil the grates to prevent any sticky situations. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes. Turn them occasionally and brush with the reserved marinade. You’ll know they’re perfect when the chicken reaches 165F/74C and the pineapple gets those gorgeous caramelized edges.

Step 5: Serve with Flair

Carefully remove the skewers from the grill. Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top and add some zesty lime wedges on the side. These skewers are ready to transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise!

Tips To Nail Sweet And Spicy Grilled Chicken And Pineapple Skewers Recipe

• Maximize Marinade Magic: Let chicken soak in the flavorful mixture for up to 4 hours to intensify taste and tenderness, ensuring every bite bursts with sweet and spicy goodness.
• Prevent Skewer Sticking: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading ingredients to stop them from burning and breaking during grilling.
• Grill Temperature Control: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve perfect caramelization on pineapple and chicken without charring, creating a delightful balance of smoky and sweet flavors.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust sriracha quantity to match your heat preference, from mild to fiery, making the dish adaptable for different taste buds.
• Protein Swap Option: Replace chicken with tofu or shrimp for a versatile recipe that caters to various dietary needs and protein choices.

Best Storage For Sweet And Spicy Grilled Chicken And Pineapple Skewers Recipe

• Refrigerate leftover skewers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Cool the skewers completely before storing to maintain their texture and prevent soggy ingredients.
• Separate chicken and pineapple pieces from wooden skewers to ensure easier storage and better preservation.
• When reheating, use the oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispy edges and prevent drying out the chicken.
• Avoid microwaving, which can make the chicken tough and rubbery.
• Freeze cooked skewers for maximum 1 month by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and placing in a freezer-safe container.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
• Always check the chicken's temperature and appearance before consuming stored or reheated skewers to ensure food safety.

Pairing Ideas For Sweet And Spicy Grilled Chicken And Pineapple Skewers Recipe

• Craft a Tropical Cocktail Companion: Pair these sweet and spicy skewers with a refreshing mojito blending pineapple juice, white rum, mint leaves, and a splash of lime for a zesty tropical experience that complements the grilled flavors.
• Match with Cooling Side Salad: Whip up a cucumber and mint salad dressed with a light yogurt dressing to balance the skewers' heat and provide a crisp, cooling contrast to the grilled chicken's intensity.
• Serve Alongside Coconut Rice: Prepare fragrant coconut rice that absorbs the marinade's flavors and provides a creamy, smooth base that enhances the sweet and spicy notes of the grilled skewers.
• Select a Crisp White Wine: Choose a chilled Riesling or Gewürztraminer with slight sweetness to cut through the dish's spiciness and harmonize with the pineapple's tropical undertones.

Fun Variations Of Sweet And Spicy Grilled Chicken And Pineapple Skewers Recipe

• Tropical Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: Swap sriracha for teriyaki sauce, adding a sweeter Japanese-inspired flavor profile with sesame seeds sprinkled on top for extra crunch.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Skewers: Replace honey with Greek yogurt, incorporate oregano, rosemary, and mint into the marinade for a Mediterranean-style herbaceous twist, using zucchini instead of bell peppers.
• Coconut Curry Chicken Skewers: Blend coconut milk, mild curry powder, and a touch of turmeric into the marinade, adding mango chunks alongside pineapple for a rich, creamy Caribbean-inspired version.
• Korean Gochujang Chicken Skewers: Substitute sriracha with gochujang sauce, mix in a bit of brown sugar, and finish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a bold Korean-style interpretation.

FAQs About Sweet And Spicy Grilled Chicken And Pineapple Skewers Recipe

• Why use honey in the marinade?

Honey adds a natural sweetness that helps caramelize the chicken and pineapple, creating a beautiful golden color and rich flavor while also helping to balance the spicy sriracha.

• Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Absolutely! Simply reduce the amount of sriracha or replace it with a milder hot sauce. You can also completely omit it if you prefer a completely mild version of the dish.

• What if I don't have a grill?

No problem! You can cook these skewers on a grill pan indoors or even in the oven. For oven cooking, set it to 425F and roast the skewers for about 15-18 minutes, turning once halfway through.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, replace the traditional soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Sweet And Spicy Grilled Chicken And Pineapple Skewers Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sizzling Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers blend Hawaiian flavors with zesty spices for an unforgettable summer meal. Juicy chicken and caramelized pineapple chunks create a perfect balance that will transport you to a tropical paradise with each delicious bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes

Fruits and Vegetables:

• 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
• 2 bell peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces (red, yellow, or green)
• 1 red onion, cut into chunks
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Marinade and Seasonings:

• ⅓ cup honey
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sriracha
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Skewers and Garnish:

• 8–10 wooden or metal skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if wooden)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking honey, soy sauce, olive oil, sriracha, minced garlic, grated ginger, freshly squeezed lime juice, and cracked black pepper into a harmonious blend.
2. Submerge chicken cubes in the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the protein.
3. Prepare wooden skewers by soaking them in water to prevent burning during grilling. Carefully thread marinated chicken, juicy pineapple chunks, colorful bell peppers, and sliced onions onto the skewers, creating an attractive alternating pattern.
4. Heat the grill to medium-high temperature. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking and ensure smooth skewer release.
5. Position skewers on the grill, rotating periodically to achieve even caramelization. Brush with reserved marinade during cooking to enhance flavor and moisture.
6. Monitor chicken’s internal temperature, cooking until it reaches 165F/74C. Simultaneously, watch for gorgeous char marks on pineapple and vegetables.
7. Remove skewers from heat and let rest momentarily. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and squeeze lime wedges over the top for a bright, zesty finish.
8. Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy immediately while flavors are at their peak.

Notes

• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender, juicy meat that absorbs marinade flavors quickly.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing sriracha sauce to suit different heat preferences and dietary needs.
• For vegetarian option, swap chicken with firm tofu or plant-based protein cubes, maintaining the same marinating and grilling technique.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg