BBQ Chicken Pineapple Skewers Recipe

Alright, let’s talk about something that makes summer taste better — bbq pineapple chicken skewers. You know, those little bundles of joy on a stick that are sticky, sweet, a little smoky, and just plain awesome?

I mean, what’s not to love? Grilled chicken? Check. Sweet pineapple? Check. Smoky bbq sauce? Double check. Throw in some peppers and onions and you’ve got yourself a flavor party.

I’ve made these a few times now, and every time — and I mean every time — someone asks me for the recipe. It’s not complicated. It’s not fussy. It’s just… really, really good.

A Simple Marinade That Packs a Punch

Okay, so the marinade? It’s not fancy, but it’s the heart of the flavor here. You mix up some bbq sauce, teriyaki sauce, garlic, and ginger. That combo gives you sweet, smoky, a little kick, and a touch of umami.

You’ll marinate the chicken in that mix for a few hours (or overnight if you’ve got time). And here’s the cool part — you save a bit of that sauce to brush on later. That’s where the sticky, caramelized goodness comes from.

What You’ll Need (and Why It’s There)

Let’s break down the ingredients real quick — just so you know what you’re grabbing at the store and why:

• BBQ sauce – smoky, sweet base
• Teriyaki sauce – adds depth and saltiness
• Garlic & ginger – bold flavor boosters
• Chicken breasts – lean and tender when grilled right
• Pineapple chunks – natural sweetness + enzymes that help tenderize
• Bell pepper & onion – color, crunch, and balance
• Canola oil – keeps the chicken from sticking
• Salt & pepper – duh, it’s seasoning!

Chicken Breasts vs Chicken Thighs – Which is Better?

So, this recipe uses chicken breasts. I like them because they’re lean and cook fast. But if you like your chicken juicier and don’t mind a little more fat, go with thighs.

Thighs hold up better on the grill too — less chance of drying out. But either way, make sure to cut them into even 1-inch cubes so they cook evenly.

Grilling or Pan-Cooking – You Decide

Ideally, you’ll throw these on the grill. The smoky char from the grill just makes them taste like summer. But hey, if it’s raining or you don’t have a grill — no worries.

You can cook them in a skillet on the stove or even under the broiler in your oven. Just keep turning them so they cook through and get that nice browned outside.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Pineapple Skewers

Alright, let’s get into it. Here’s how to make this thing happen.

Step 1: Make the Marinade

Grab a bowl. Toss in the bbq sauce, teriyaki sauce, garlic, and ginger. Mix it up. Set aside ½ cup of that sauce for later — trust me, that’s the good stuff you’ll brush on before serving.

Now, take your chicken chunks and toss them in the rest of the marinade. Put it all in a ziplock bag or bowl. Cover it and stick it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 2 hours, but if you can swing 6–8 hours, that’s even better.

Step 2: Prep the Veggies & Pineapple

While the chicken is marinating, chop up your pineapple, bell pepper, and onion into bite-sized pieces. Make sure they’re all about the same size as the chicken so they cook evenly.

Step 3: Skewer Time

Now, thread the chicken, pineapple, pepper, and onion onto skewers. Alternate them so you get a little of everything in each bite. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes first so they don’t burn.

Brush everything lightly with canola oil and season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Grill It Up

Fire up the grill. Medium heat is your friend here. Cook the skewers, turning them every few minutes so they don’t burn. You’re looking for that golden char and fully cooked chicken.

Use a meat thermometer if you’ve got one — chicken should hit 165°F. Once they’re almost done, brush on that reserved sauce. Let them cook for another 1–2 minutes so that sauce sticks and gets all sticky.

What to Serve With This?

Honestly, these skewers are pretty much a full meal on their own. But if you want to round it out, try:

• Grilled corn
• Coleslaw
• Rice pilaf
• Garlic bread
• A cold beer or iced tea

They’re great for backyard hangouts, weeknight dinners, or even meal prep for the week.