Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers (Print Version)

Tender grilled chicken paired with sweet caramelized pineapple and a zesty marinade, perfect for summer gatherings.

# Ingredient List:

→ Poultry & Produce

01 - 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
02 - 1 medium fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1.5-inch chunks
03 - 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
04 - 1 red onion, cut into 1.5-inch pieces

→ Marinade

05 - 1/3 cup soy sauce, gluten-free certified
06 - 1/4 cup pineapple juice
07 - 2 tablespoons honey
08 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
09 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
11 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ Garnish

13 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
14 - Lime wedges for serving

# Steps:

01 - In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, smoked paprika, and black pepper until thoroughly combined.
02 - Add chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor development.
03 - If using wooden skewers, submerge them in water and soak for 30 minutes to prevent charring during grilling.
04 - Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, targeting approximately 400°F.
05 - Thread marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, bell pepper, and onion alternately onto prepared skewers, distributing ingredients evenly.
06 - Place skewers on the grill and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, rotating every 3 to 4 minutes, until chicken reaches internal doneness and develops light charring at the edges.
07 - Remove skewers from heat and allow to rest for 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and accompany with lime wedges.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The chicken stays impossibly juicy because the pineapple juice in the marinade acts as a natural tenderizer.
  • You get caramelized fruit sweetness playing against savory soy and ginger, which feels like an elegant trick but requires zero special technique.
  • These skewers disappear fast at parties, leaving you looking like a culinary genius while you're actually just tending a grill.
02 -
  • Don't skip soaking wooden skewers or they'll burn before your chicken even cooks through, leaving charred wood flavor behind.
  • Reserve 2 tablespoons of raw marinade before adding the chicken, then brush it onto the skewers during the last few minutes of grilling for an extra gloss and flavor punch that makes people notice.
03 -
  • Pat the chicken dry before marinating so it browns better on the grill instead of steaming in its own moisture.
  • Always turn the skewers on a clean section of grate and let them sit undisturbed for at least three minutes per side to develop proper char without drying out the centers.
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