There’s something magical about the scent of smoky barbecue wafting through the air on a summer afternoon. For me, it brings back memories of family cookouts, laughter in the backyard, and simple meals that somehow tasted better outdoors. One of the dishes that always made an appearance—and disappeared just as fast—was grilled chicken skewers with juicy pineapple and a sticky, sweet-and-savory glaze.
These Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers with Smoky Honey Glaze are a delicious fusion of tropical sweetness and deep smoky flavor. The combination of tender chicken, caramelized pineapple, and a bold honey glaze creates a dish that’s both comforting and adventurous. They’re perfect for summer grilling, cozy weeknight dinners, or even as a festive party appetizer.
Best of all, these skewers are surprisingly easy to prepare and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re using an outdoor grill, stovetop grill pan, or oven broiler, they always turn out juicy and full of flavor.
Ingredients
For the chicken skewers:
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – 600 g (about 1.3 lbs)
Fresh pineapple – 1 medium, peeled and cut into chunks
Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
Salt – 1 teaspoon
Black pepper – 1/2 teaspoon
Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon
Smoked paprika – 1 teaspoon
Onion powder – 1/2 teaspoon
Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
For the smoky honey glaze:
Honey – 3 tablespoons
BBQ sauce – 3 tablespoons (your favorite kind)
Apple cider vinegar – 1 tablespoon
Smoked paprika – 1/2 teaspoon
Chipotle powder or cayenne pepper – optional, to taste
Butter – 1 tablespoon (optional, for added richness)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the chicken
Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks (about 2.5 cm / 1 inch). Place them in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Toss to coat evenly. Let marinate while you prepare the glaze.
Step 2: Make the smoky honey glaze
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey, BBQ sauce, vinegar, and smoked paprika. Add chipotle powder if you want extra heat. Stir until warm and well blended. Optional: Stir in butter for a silkier glaze. Set aside to slightly cool.
Step 3: Assemble the skewers
Thread the marinated chicken and pineapple chunks alternately onto skewers. Start and end with chicken if you prefer crispier meat edges. Each skewer should have 4–5 pieces of chicken and 3–4 chunks of pineapple.
Step 4: Grill the skewers
Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat. Brush the grates lightly with oil.
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10–12 minutes total, turning every few minutes. During the last 5 minutes, brush generously with the smoky honey glaze. Watch carefully—because of the sugar content, the glaze can caramelize (and burn) quickly.
If using an oven: Preheat broiler and place skewers on a foil-lined baking tray. Broil 10–12 minutes, flipping once and glazing in the last few minutes.
Step 5: Serve
Transfer to a serving dish, brush with any leftover glaze, and sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro for freshness. Serve warm.
Why This Recipe Works
This dish brings together an irresistible balance of flavors: the natural sweetness of pineapple, the savory spice of marinated chicken, and the rich depth of the smoky honey glaze. Cooking over a flame or high heat also gives the skewers those perfect char marks that amplify the flavor.
The honey and BBQ glaze clings beautifully to the chicken, enhancing caramelization. Meanwhile, the pineapple becomes lightly charred and even sweeter—making each bite juicy, tender, and full of tropical tang.
Variations & Customizations
1. Veggie-friendly version:
Substitute chicken with marinated tofu or halloumi cheese. Add bell peppers or zucchini between the pineapple chunks.
2. Spicy lovers:
Add more chipotle, cayenne, or a splash of hot sauce to the glaze for extra heat.
3. Teriyaki twist:
Swap the BBQ sauce for teriyaki and reduce the honey. Add a touch of grated ginger and sesame oil to the marinade.
4. Mediterranean style:
Use lemon juice and oregano in the marinade. Replace the glaze with garlic yogurt sauce or tzatziki on the side.
Cooking Tips
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Use fresh pineapple if possible—its natural sugars caramelize better than canned.
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Cut all chicken pieces to a similar size for even cooking.
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Don’t over-glaze early on—sugar burns fast. Brush glaze on only in the final minutes of grilling.
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Soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes to avoid burning.
Serving Suggestions
These skewers are incredibly versatile and pair well with:
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Coconut rice or jasmine rice
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Grilled vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, corn)
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Coleslaw with apple cider vinaigrette
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A fresh green salad with lime dressing
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Garlic bread or warm flatbreads for a handheld meal
Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Let skewers cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes, or microwave gently. Avoid overcooking to prevent drying out.
Nutrition (Per Skewer)
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Calories: ~220 kcal
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Protein: 20 g
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Carbohydrates: 14 g
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Sugars: 10 g
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Fat: 9 g
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Fiber: 1 g
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High in vitamin C from pineapple
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Rich in lean protein and low in refined carbs
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overcooking chicken – leads to dry, rubbery texture. Grill until just cooked through.
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Skipping the glaze timing – apply late for a sticky, not burnt, finish.
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Unevenly sized ingredients – causes uneven cooking. Try for uniform cuts.
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Forgetting to preheat the grill – results in sticking and poor searing.
Summary
Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers with Smoky Honey Glaze are everything we crave in warm-weather meals: bold, sweet, smoky, and satisfying. They’re easy to prepare, fun to serve, and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or just craving a tropical twist on a weeknight dinner, this dish is a delicious go-to.
FAQ
Q: Can I make these skewers in advance?
A: Yes! You can assemble them ahead of time and refrigerate (covered) up to 1 day. Grill when ready.
Q: Can I use canned pineapple?
A: Yes, but drain it well. Fresh pineapple gives better texture and flavor when grilled.
Q: What if I don’t have a grill?
A: Use a grill pan or broil in the oven. You’ll still get caramelization and delicious flavor.
Q: Can I freeze them?
A: It’s best to freeze the cooked chicken without pineapple. Pineapple texture may change when thawed.
Print
PINEAPPLE BBQ CHICKEN SKEWERS WITH SMOKY HONEY GLAZE
- Total Time: Total Time: 42 minutes
Ingredients
For the chicken skewers:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – 600 g (about 1.3 lbs)
- Fresh pineapple – 1 medium, peeled and cut into chunks
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper – 1/2 teaspoon
- Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon
- Smoked paprika – 1 teaspoon
- Onion powder – 1/2 teaspoon
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
For the smoky honey glaze:
- Honey – 3 tablespoons
- BBQ sauce – 3 tablespoons (your favorite kind)
- Apple cider vinegar – 1 tablespoon
- Smoked paprika – 1/2 teaspoon
- Chipotle powder or cayenne pepper – optional, to taste
- Butter – 1 tablespoon (optional, for added richness)
Instructions
Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks (about 2.5 cm / 1 inch). Place them in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Toss to coat evenly. Let marinate while you prepare the glaze.
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey, BBQ sauce, vinegar, and smoked paprika. Add chipotle powder if you want extra heat. Stir until warm and well blended. Optional: Stir in butter for a silkier glaze. Set aside to slightly cool.
Thread the marinated chicken and pineapple chunks alternately onto skewers. Start and end with chicken if you prefer crispier meat edges. Each skewer should have 4–5 pieces of chicken and 3–4 chunks of pineapple.
Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat. Brush the grates lightly with oil.
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10–12 minutes total, turning every few minutes. During the last 5 minutes, brush generously with the smoky honey glaze. Watch carefully—because of the sugar content, the glaze can caramelize (and burn) quickly.
If using an oven: Preheat broiler and place skewers on a foil-lined baking tray. Broil 10–12 minutes, flipping once and glazing in the last few minutes.
Transfer to a serving dish, brush with any leftover glaze, and sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro for freshness. Serve warm.
Notes
High in vitamin C from pineapple
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 20 g