Name: Brown Sugar Pineapple 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

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If you’re on the hunt for a flavorful, juicy grilled chicken recipe that feels like a tropical vacation on a skewer, you’re going to adore this Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Skewers Recipe. It’s got that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky thanks to brown sugar, pineapple juice, and BBQ sauce working their magic together. Trust me, once you fire these up, you’ll want to make them for every backyard BBQ, weeknight dinner, and everything in between.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simplicity at Its Best: Only a handful of ingredients come together quickly for a fuss-free marinade and grilling.
Sweet Meets Tangy: Brown sugar and pineapple juice balance the smoky BBQ, creating layers of flavor that keep you coming back for more.
Juicy, Tender Chicken: The marinade helps lock moisture in, ensuring tender bites every time without drying out.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether a casual family dinner or weekend cookout, these skewers impress without stress.

Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Skewers, pineapple chicken skewers, grilled chicken skewers, tropical chicken skewers, easy BBQ 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 Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Skewers Recipe plays its part to build a deep, vibrant flavor profile. Shopping smart — like choosing good-quality chicken tenders and fresh pineapple juice — can make all the difference in the final dish.

Pineapple juice: Adds a tropical tang and natural sweetness, plus tenderizes the chicken thanks to its enzymes.
Brown sugar: Brings rich sweetness and helps create that beautiful caramelized crust on the grill.
BBQ sauce: Imparts smoky, tangy depth and ties all that sweet and savory flavor together.
Boneless chicken tenders: They cook quickly and evenly on skewers, perfect for juicy, tender bites every time.

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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 always encourage mixing this Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Skewers Recipe up a bit depending on what I’m in the mood for or what’s in my pantry. You can tweak the sweetness or spice level and even swap protein if you like. The key is making it your own!

Variation: One time, I added a splash of sriracha to the marinade for a spicy kick, and it was a hit with friends who love heat.
Dietary modifications: If you’re cutting back on sugar, try reducing the brown sugar a bit or using a sugar substitute; it still tastes great!
Seasonal changes: Swap out pineapple juice for orange juice with some zest for a citrus twist in cooler months.

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

Step 1: Whisk and Marinate

Start by whisking together pineapple juice, brown sugar, and BBQ sauce until the sugar is mostly dissolved — it will be your marinade and glaze. I always reserve about 1/4 cup of this mixture because brushing it on the chicken as it grills locks in extra flavor and moisture. Place the chicken tenders in a large ziplock bag, pour the remaining marinade over, seal, and refrigerate. I like to let mine soak in there for at least 2 hours, but if you can swing 4, even better. This step is key to tender, flavorful chicken.

Step 2: Skewer and Grill

Once marinated, remove the chicken from the bag and thread the tenders onto skewers. You can alternate with pineapple chunks if you want to up the tropical vibes—that’s one of my favorite shortcuts since it adds juiciness and a fun presentation. Grill the skewers over medium heat for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally. About halfway through, brush them generously with the reserved marinade on both sides to build that sticky, caramelized glaze we’re after.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy

When the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (you can use a handy instant-read thermometer), it’s ready. Pull those skewers off the grill, let them rest for a few minutes, and get ready to savor that sweet, tangy glaze. I promise, it’s finger-licking good!

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Pro Tips for Making Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Skewers Recipe

Don’t Skip the Reserved Marinade: Brushing it on while grilling adds layers of sticky, caramelized flavor that’s unbeatable.
Use Fresh Pineapple Juice: It makes a subtle but noticeable difference in brightness and tenderness.
Soak Wooden Skewers: If you’re using wood, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
Watch the Heat: Medium heat keeps the chicken cooking evenly without burning the sugar too fast.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Skewers Recipe

Garnishes

I adore topping these skewers with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or green onions—adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness that plays wonderfully against the sweet glaze. A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving amps up the tropical vibe and balances the richness.

Side Dishes

For sides, I lean into the island-inspired theme with coconut rice or a simple cilantro lime rice. Grilled veggies like bell peppers or zucchini work great too. Sometimes, I’ll serve it alongside a crisp green salad or even some warm pita bread to soak up all that sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting a party? Serve the skewers on a large wooden board garnished with pineapple rings, fresh herbs, and lime wedges. For a fun twist, I’ve also tried mini skewers as appetizers at a summer bash—everyone loves grabbing and eating these bites!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers? I pop the cooled skewers into an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. They hold up nicely, and the flavors deepen even more the next day, making for an easy lunch or quick dinner.

Freezing

I usually freeze uncooked marinated chicken skewers separately on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. This way, you can thaw and grill fresh when you’re ready. Freezing cooked skewers can also work, but texture might change a bit.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer a quick grill or broil to revive that lovely char and keep the edges crisp. If you’re in a pinch, warming in a skillet with a splash of water and covering helps retain moisture without drying out the chicken.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well, though I recommend cutting them into evenly sized cubes so they cook at the same rate as tenders. Marinate and grill as usual, but watch cooking time closely to avoid drying them out.
What’s the best way to prevent skewers from sticking to the grill?

Make sure your grill is clean and preheated well. Lightly oil the grates or brush the skewers themselves with oil before grilling. This helps prevent sticking and keeps those beautiful grill marks intact.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Yes! The marinade can be made up to 24 hours ahead and stored in the fridge. Just give it a gentle stir or whisk before marinating your chicken to recombine any separated ingredients.
Is this recipe suitable for an indoor grill or oven?

Definitely! If you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can use an indoor grill pan on the stove or bake the skewers in the oven at 425°F for about 15 minutes, turning halfway through and brushing with the reserved marinade for that signature glaze.

Final Thoughts

This Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Skewers Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s easy, delicious, and always brings smiles around the table. I love how it blends simple pantry ingredients into something that tastes like you put in way more effort than you did. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it becomes one of your go-to grilled favorites — it’s really that good, friend!