If you’re ready to take your grilling game up a notch, these Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are the answer to your next cookout dreams. Perfectly juicy chicken pieces marinated in smoky chipotle and honey, threaded with sweet, caramelized pineapple, and swiped with a creamy, sweet-spicy bang bang sauce—trust me, these skewers are everything you want in a summer meal. They’re bold, vibrant, and exactly the kind of dish that’ll have everyone circling the grill for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about crafting Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers? The ingredients are straightforward but thoughtfully chosen, creating a balance of heat, sweetness, and tang. Each one plays a special role in the final, crave-worthy flavor.
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs stay ultra-juicy on the grill and soak up all the chipotle flavor.
- Fresh Pineapple: Sweet, tart pineapple turns lightly caramelized when grilled and pairs perfectly with spicy chicken.
- Olive Oil: Helps the marinade cling to the chicken and keeps everything moist while grilling.
- Chipotle Peppers in Adobo: Brings smokiness and a gentle, slow heat that’s deeply addictive.
- Honey: Adds a lovely touch of sweetness to balance out the spice.
- Garlic Powder: Delivers allium warmth in every bite.
- Smoked Paprika: Bumps up the smoky flavor and intensifies the grill marks.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing all the flavors.
- Mayonnaise: The foundation of the creamy bang bang sauce that gets slathered post-grill.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Injects zesty sweetness into the sauce without overpowering spice.
- Sriracha: For that extra punchy heat in the bang bang sauce.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Brightens up the sauce with citrusy acidity.
- Chopped Cilantro (Garnish): Adds a burst of color and herby freshness at serving time.
- Wooden or Metal Skewers: Don’t forget these—soak wooden ones to avoid burning if grilling!
How to Make Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Soak the Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, begin by soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning or splintering on the grill, which makes a big difference when you’re serving your Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers at a party or picnic.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo, honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss in the chicken pieces, making sure every bit is coated with that irresistible marinade. Cover the bowl and let the chicken chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you’re planning ahead—the flavor only gets better!
Step 3: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
While your chicken marinates, whip up the signature bang bang sauce. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and fresh lime juice. Stir until smooth and creamy, then cover and set aside. This sauce is the magic that pulls all the flavors of Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers together.
Step 4: Thread Skewers
Alternately thread the marinated chicken and juicy pineapple chunks onto your soaked skewers. It’s a fun step—get the kids involved! The goal is to have each skewer loaded with a perfect mix of smokiness, sweetness, and color.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill (or a grill pan) to medium-high heat. Arrange the skewers in a single layer and grill for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally so everything cooks evenly. Look for chicken that’s beautifully golden with a hint of char, and pineapple that’s slightly caramelized. As soon as the chicken reaches 165°F, you’re good to go!
Step 6: Saucing and Serving
Lift those sizzling skewers off the grill and immediately brush or drizzle generously with your homemade bang bang sauce. Sprinkle everything with a shower of chopped cilantro, and serve right away while the flavors are at their brightest.
How to Serve Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Garnishes
A generous handful of fresh chopped cilantro adds a pop of green and a blast of herbal brightness to your platter. For even more zing, consider a squeeze of extra lime juice or a light sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Presentation counts—a final flourish makes your Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers truly irresistible.
Side Dishes
These flavorful skewers pair beautifully with simple, summery sides. Try serving them with a crisp cucumber salad, coconut rice, or grilled corn on the cob. If you love a little crunch, lightly charred tortillas or a fresh mango salsa can round out the bold flavors of your Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers.
Creative Ways to Present
For a backyard party, arrange skewers on a platter lined with banana leaves or crisp lettuce for a touch of tropical flair. Mini versions on toothpicks are perfect for appetizers, or you can even tuck the grilled chicken and pineapple into tacos topped with bang bang sauce for a fun twist. However you serve them, Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers always look—and taste—like a celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store the cooled Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate so the chicken stays juicy rather than soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze the marinated, uncooked chicken and pineapple on skewers for easy prep later. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and grill as usual—so convenient for weeknight dinners!
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop the skewers onto a wire rack over a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until hot. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the chicken rubbery and pineapple watery. Drizzle with fresh bang bang sauce just before serving for the best flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While thighs give you a juicier result, chicken breast works wonderfully and cooks up quickly on the grill, too. Just be careful not to overcook so the meat stays tender.
How spicy are these skewers?
Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers have a satisfying kick, balanced by the sweetness of pineapple and honey. You can easily adjust the heat up or down by adding more or less sriracha and chipotle pepper to your taste.
Can I bake these instead of grilling?
Yes! Line your skewers on a baking sheet and roast them at 425°F for 15 to 18 minutes, turning once. You’ll still get tender, flavorful chicken, though you might miss some of the fire-grilled char.
What’s the best way to cut pineapple for these skewers?
After peeling and coring your pineapple, cut it into 1 to 1.5-inch chunks so they grill evenly and nestle perfectly next to the chicken on your Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your store-bought condiments (like mayo and sweet chili sauce) are gluten-free, Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are naturally gluten-free and perfect for a mixed crowd!
Final Thoughts
Every bite of Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers delivers smoky depth, tropical sweetness, and a creamy kick that’s hard to resist. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try the next time you fire up your grill—it’s sure to be a new favorite that has everyone talking and reaching for more!
Print
Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors. Tender chicken and fresh pineapple are marinated, grilled to perfection, and then drizzled with a creamy and tangy bang bang sauce.
Ingredients
For the Skewers:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, chipotle peppers, honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: Mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice in a bowl. Set aside.
- Preheat the Grill: Grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread marinated chicken and pineapple alternately onto skewers.
- Grill the Skewers: Grill for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from grill, brush with bang bang sauce, garnish with cilantro, and serve.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs if preferred.
- For extra heat, add more sriracha to the sauce.
- These skewers can also be baked in the oven at 425°F for 15–18 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
