Tropical Chicken Skewers bring the essence of island flavors to your backyard! Imagine tender chicken bathed in a zesty marinade, then threaded on skewers with sweet pineapple, vibrant bell peppers, and sharp red onions, all grilled to bring out a symphony of flavors. Every morsel is a celebration of summer and tropical goodness.
Embracing the Island Flavors
Pineapple in a savory dish? Absolutely! The idea might seem novel to some, but think about the pineapple on pizza debate—it’s not so far-fetched. The sweetness of pineapple melds beautifully with savory ingredients, creating a dish that’s a must-try for anyone who loves a sweet-savory combo.
Crafting Your Tropical Chicken Skewers
Creating these skewers involves two main steps: preparing the marinade and assembling the skewers.
The Marinade
Whisk together the vibrant blend of barbecue sauce, soy sauce, honey, and spices until smooth. Set aside a portion of this mixture for basting the skewers later on. Marinate the cubed chicken in the remaining mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated, and let it sit in the refrigerator for a bit to soak up those flavors.
The Skewers
When your chicken has marinated, it’s time to assemble your skewers. You have the choice between sturdy metal skewers or traditional wood. If you opt for wood, remember to soak them beforehand to prevent burning. Thread the chicken, pineapple, peppers, and onions onto your skewers, readying them for the grill.
Grilling to Perfection
Before you start grilling, make sure your grill grates are lightly oiled to prevent sticking. Grill the skewers, basting them with the reserved marinade for that extra layer of flavor.
Preparing the Grill
Oiling the grill grates is crucial for a smooth grilling experience. Avoid direct application of oil to the grates; instead, use an oil-soaked cloth or paper towel to gently coat the grates. This will ensure your skewers grill perfectly without sticking.
Ingredients for a Tropical Feast
Marinade
- ½ cup (118ml) barbecue sauce
- ⅓ cup (79ml) soy sauce
- ⅓ cup (113g) honey
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 2 teaspoons (10ml) sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Skewers
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into 1″ (2.5cm) pieces
- 2 cups (350g) cubed pineapple
- 1 red onion, quartered and layers separated
- 3 bell peppers (red, orange, yellow), cubed
- Grilling skewers
Assembling and Cooking
- For wooden skewers, soak them in water for an hour before use.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat (approximately 425°F [218°C]).
- Marinade: In a bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, soy sauce, honey, sriracha, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. Reserve ½ cup of this mixture for basting, then marinate the chicken in the rest for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken, pineapple, bell peppers, and onion onto the skewers.
- Grill the skewers, basting with the reserved marinade, for about 5-10 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
Enjoy these Tropical Chicken Skewers with a side of rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal that transports you straight to the islands with every bite.
