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Best Grilled BBQ Chicken Skewers (30 Min Easy Recipe)

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These grilled BBQ chicken skewers with pineapple are quick, easy, and packed with smoky-sweet flavor. Perfect for summer cookouts or weeknight dinners, they come together in under 30 minutes and are always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
  • 1/3 cup BBQ sauce (e.g., Sweet Baby Ray’s)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 red onion, cut into wedges (optional)
  • Wooden or metal skewers
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (for basting)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for basting)

Instructions

  1. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes if using.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, olive oil, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and apple cider vinegar to make the marinade.
  3. Cut chicken thighs into 1-inch chunks and add to the marinade. Toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes (up to 2 hours).
  4. While chicken marinates, cut pineapple into 1-inch chunks, bell pepper into similar-sized pieces, and red onion into wedges.
  5. In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup BBQ sauce, honey, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika to make the basting sauce.
  6. Thread chicken, pineapple, bell pepper, and onion onto skewers, alternating and leaving space between pieces.
  7. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F). Clean and oil the grates.
  8. Grill skewers for 4-5 minutes on the first side, then flip and brush with basting sauce. Cook another 4-5 minutes, flip, brush again, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until chicken reaches 165°F and pineapple has char marks (total 10-12 minutes).
  9. Remove skewers from grill and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Serve hot with extra BBQ sauce if desired.

Notes

For best results, use chicken thighs as they stay juicier. Soak wooden skewers to prevent burning. Let chicken come to room temperature before grilling for even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F. The pineapple is ready when it has dark, caramelized marks. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ chicken skewers, grilled chicken skewers, pineapple chicken skewers, easy grilling recipe, summer recipe, chicken skewers with pineapple

Find it online: https://emmastirs.com/best-grilled-bbq-chicken-skewers-30-min-easy-recipe/