🍍🔥 Spicy Pineapple Chicken Skewers A Tropical Twist on Healthy Grilling
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🔥 Grilled Chicken Skewers Just Got a Summer Upgrade
When summer hits, there's nothing better than firing up the grill for a meal that's flavorful, fun to eat, and packed with nutrients. These Spicy Pineapple Chicken Skewers check all the boxes for a perfect summer grill recipe—sweet, savory, a little spicy, and full of juicy goodness.
This pineapple chicken recipe combines lean grilled chicken breast with caramelized pineapple chunks and a bold chili marinade, making it ideal for health-conscious grillers, meal prep lovers, or anyone who enjoys a tropical twist at the cookout.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into 1.5-inch cubes)
- 1 ½ cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 red bell pepper (cut into chunks)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- ½ tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak for 20 minutes)
✅ Pro tip: For spicier skewers, add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne to the marinade.
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Make the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, garlic, chili flakes, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken cubes and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
2. Assemble the Skewers
Thread chicken, pineapple, and red bell pepper pieces onto skewers, alternating for a colorful presentation. Leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.
3. Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning every 2–3 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
4. Serve & Garnish
Serve skewers hot, garnished with extra lime wedges or fresh cilantro. Pair with quinoa, grilled veggies, or a crisp summer salad for a complete meal.
💡 Why You’ll Love These Pineapple Chicken Skewers
- 🍗 High in lean protein, perfect for fitness-conscious eaters
- 🍍 Naturally sweet from pineapple—no processed sugars needed
- 🔥 Easy to make on any grill (or grill pan)
- 🌱 Customizable for spice level and sides
- 🥗 Pairs well with low-carb, gluten-free, or Mediterranean diets
🌟 Make It Your Own
This base recipe is delicious on its own, but feel free to customize:
- Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version
- Use mango or peaches instead of pineapple
- Add onion or zucchini for more veggie variety
- Serve with coconut rice or cauliflower rice for a tropical flair
🧊 Meal Prep & Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Reheat on the stovetop or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through
- Make ahead: Marinate chicken and cut pineapple in advance for easy assembly
🏖 Final Bite: Your Go-To Tropical BBQ Skewer
These Spicy Pineapple Chicken Skewers are more than just pretty on the plate—they’re the perfect combination of flavor, nutrition, and grill-side convenience. Whether you're hosting a backyard party or meal prepping healthy lunches for the week, this recipe brings the island vibes with every bite.
So grab your skewers, turn up the heat, and get ready to savor summer—one spicy-sweet bite at a time.
