Name: Pineapple Brown Sugar Chicken Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup pineapple juice; 6 Tbsp brown sugar; 6 Tbsp BBQ sauce; 1.5 to 2 lb boneless chicken tenders

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 17 reviews

If you’re craving a sweet and smoky summer meal that’s effortless yet packed with flavor, this Pineapple Brown Sugar Chicken Skewers Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Trust me, it’s that perfect balance of juicy chicken, sticky brown sugar glaze, and tropical pineapple brightness that’ll have your friends asking for seconds every time.

💛

Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses only a handful of pantry staples that come together for big flavor.
Marinade Magic: The marinade doubles as a baste, ensuring tender, juicy chicken with a caramelized finish.
Quick & Easy: From start to finish, you’re looking at just 15 minutes of active cooking time.
Versatile Meal: Perfect for weeknight dinners, backyard barbecues, or meal prep.

Pineapple Brown Sugar Chicken Skewers, grilled chicken skewers with pineapple, summer chicken skewers recipe, easy outdoor chicken recipes, sweet and smoky chicken skewers - The image shows many pieces of grilled chicken on a metal grill rack. The chicken pieces are golden brown with some darker grilled marks and caramelized spots. The texture looks juicy and slightly shiny from the sauce or glaze. The grill rack is placed over a fire or heat source, visible below the gaps in the metal bars. The background is blurred but replaced with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Pineapple Brown Sugar Chicken Skewers Recipe plays a vital role in balancing sweet, tangy, and smoky notes that’s impossible to resist. Plus, I’ll share some tips so you pick the best versions while shopping.

Pineapple juice: Fresh is lovely, but canned works just as well—it’s the star that adds tropical tang and helps tenderize the chicken.
Brown sugar: Provides deep caramel sweetness; opt for dark brown sugar if you want richer molasses flavor.
BBQ sauce: Adds that smoky, slightly acidic punch that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Boneless chicken tenders: I prefer tenders for their quick cooking and uniform size, but chicken breast chunks work too.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I like to keep this Pineapple Brown Sugar Chicken Skewers Recipe super flexible—feel free to adjust sweetness or the smokiness based on what you have or prefer. The beauty is how forgiving it is!

Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne to the marinade for warmth that sings against the sweetness.
Herbal Freshness: Toss in chopped fresh cilantro or parsley just before serving to brighten the flavors.
Grill Alternative: If you don’t have a grill, I’ve cooked these skewers under the broiler with great results—just watch closely to avoid burning.
Vegetarian Swap: Use firm tofu cubes marinated the same way for a meat-free twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Pineapple Brown Sugar Chicken Skewers Recipe

Step 1: Whisking the Marinade Magic

I start by whisking together the pineapple juice, brown sugar, and BBQ sauce. This combo is your golden ticket—sweet, tangy, and smoky all at once. I like to reserve a quarter cup of this marinade to brush on the chicken later; it amps up that caramelized finish.

Step 2: Marinate Like a Pro

Once the marinade’s ready, I toss the chicken tenders into a gallon-sized ziplock bag and pour in the marinade, making sure each piece gets a good soak. Then I seal it up and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. I’ve done it up to 4 hours with zero toughness—and the flavors just get better.

Step 3: Grill Time – Patience Pays Off

After marinating, I thread the chicken onto skewers or just grill them as tenders. On a preheated grill, they take about 8 to 10 minutes total—flipping halfway. Don’t rush; you want that beautiful char without drying out the meat. Just before pulling them off, brush both sides with the reserved marinade for an irresistible sticky glaze.

💡

Pro Tips for Making Pineapple Brown Sugar Chicken Skewers Recipe

Don’t Skip Reserving Marinade: Brushing the reserved marinade near the end of cooking builds layers of sticky, flavorful glaze.
Use Metal or Soaked Wooden Skewers: For even cooking and to prevent splintering or burning.
Grill Hot and Fast: Keeps chicken tender while getting those signature grill marks.
Avoid Overcrowding the Grill: Leave space so heat circulates; you want each piece to caramelize, not steam.

How to Serve Pineapple Brown Sugar Chicken Skewers Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing these skewers with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime. It adds that hit of freshness against the sweetness and really wakes up the palate. Sometimes, I’ll also toss on toasted sesame seeds for a little crunch and nuttiness.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides are coconut rice or a simple cilantro-lime quinoa salad. Both soak up all those delicious juices. Grilled veggies like bell peppers and zucchini also pair perfectly, turning this into a colorful summer feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party trick, I like to serve the skewers upright in a pineapple half—just thaw and hollow a fresh pineapple for a tropical centerpiece. It’s always a conversation starter and looks way fancier than it is to make!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken stays juicy, especially if you drizzle a little extra pineapple juice or reserve marinade over before reheating.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well! I like to freeze the marinated chicken tenders before grilling—just pop them in a freezer-safe bag, and thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking. It’s a lifesaver on busy weeks.

Reheating

Reheating on a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or pineapple juice keeps the chicken moist and prevents it from drying out in the microwave. I avoid microwaving alone because that sometimes toughens the meat.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders in this Pineapple Brown Sugar Chicken Skewers Recipe?

Absolutely! Just cut chicken breasts into evenly sized chunks so they cook uniformly. Since breasts can dry out faster, keep a close eye on cooking time and consider marinating a little longer for extra moisture.
How long can I marinate the chicken for best results?

Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours but no longer than 4 hours. Longer marinating can break down the proteins too much because of the pineapple juice’s natural enzymes, which might make the texture mushy.
Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Yes! If you don’t have a grill, broil the skewers in your oven on high, flipping halfway through, or cook them in a grill pan on the stove for similar results. Just watch carefully to avoid burning due to the sugar in the marinade.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! The sweet pineapple flavor appeals to most kids, and the BBQ sauce adds a familiar touch without too much spice. If your kids prefer less barbecue flavor, reduce the BBQ sauce slightly or swap it for a mild honey mustard glaze.

Final Thoughts

This Pineapple Brown Sugar Chicken Skewers Recipe holds a special spot in my weeknight dinner arsenal because it’s reliably delicious and incredibly simple. I love how it transforms basic chicken into a sticky, sweet, smoky centerpiece that’s fresh and summery. If you try it out, I’d bet you’ll be making it on repeat too—your grill or skillet is about to get some serious action!