Pineapple Chicken Skewers
Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers are the perfect summer meal that combines sweet, savory, and spicy flavors in one delicious package. These skewers feature tender, marinated chicken chunks alternating with juicy pineapple pieces, all grilled to perfection with beautiful caramelization. The magic happens when the natural sugars in the pineapple caramelize on the grill, creating a sweet glaze that complements the savory chicken.
This Healthy grilled pineapple chicken skewers with spicy mango salsa recipe takes the classic dish to the next level with a vibrant, fresh mango salsa that adds a tropical kick. The salsa’s combination of ripe mango, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and lime juice creates a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that elevate the entire dish. This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with lean protein, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it a nutritious choice for any occasion.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🍽️ Perfect Flavor Balance: Sweet pineapple, savory chicken, and spicy mango salsa create an unforgettable taste experience
- ⏱️ Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep work
- ✨ Healthy & Nutritious: High in protein, low in fat, and packed with vitamins from fresh fruits
- 👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly: Appeals to both adults and kids with customizable spice levels
Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers with Spicy Mango Salsa
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks (about 1 small pineapple)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
For the Spicy Mango Salsa:
- 1 large ripe mango, diced
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed and finely diced
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, and black pepper to create the marinade for your Healthy grilled pineapple chicken skewers with spicy mango salsa recipe.
- Add chicken cubes to the marinade, toss to coat evenly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
- While chicken marinates, prepare the spicy mango salsa: Combine diced mango, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, olive oil, and salt in a bowl. Mix gently and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C). Thread marinated chicken and pineapple chunks alternately onto skewers, leaving small spaces between pieces for even cooking.
- Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes, until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C) and pineapple has beautiful caramelized grill marks.
- Remove skewers from grill and let rest for 3 minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute throughout the chicken.
- Serve Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers hot with generous spoonfuls of the spicy mango salsa on the side or drizzled over the top.
💡 CHEF’S TIP: For extra flavor, brush the skewers with any remaining marinade during the first few minutes of grilling. Always discard marinade that has touched raw chicken after the first use to prevent cross-contamination.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 24 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers without a grill?
Absolutely! You can use a grill pan, broiler, or even bake them in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes. For oven baking, place skewers on a wire rack over a baking sheet to allow air circulation and achieve better browning.
