Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
The Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe is the perfect way to bring a burst of smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors to your backyard barbecue or casual dinner. Juicy chicken thighs marinated in a fiery chipotle and adobo sauce blend get perfectly charred on the grill, while fresh pineapple chunks add a delightful tropical sweetness that balances the heat. This recipe is not just about bold flavors; it’s about creating a fun and vibrant meal that feels like a celebration with every bite. Once you try these skewers, they’ll quickly become your go-to dish whenever you want to impress family and friends with something easy yet unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these skewers pop with flavor. Each one plays an essential role, from the rich creaminess of mayonnaise in the sauce to the zesty brightness of lime juice that lifts the whole dish. Together, they create a multidimensional experience that’s as vibrant in taste as it is in color.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs (1 ½ pounds): Juicy and tender, perfect for grilling without drying out.
- Fresh pineapple chunks (1 ½ cups): Adds natural sweetness and a juicy burst with every bite.
- Mayonnaise (¼ cup): Creates a creamy base that balances the sauce’s heat.
- Sweet chili sauce (2 tablespoons): Offers mild sweetness with a subtle kick.
- Sriracha sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings a bright, tangy heat to the bang bang sauce.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Sweetens the sauce and helps to caramelize the chicken.
- Chipotle pepper in adobo (1 pepper, finely chopped): Infuses smokiness and depth.
- Adobo sauce (2 teaspoons): Adds rich tomato and spice undertones.
- Lime juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens and balances all the rich flavors.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the chicken stay moist and promotes even grilling.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Provides a savory foundation for the seasoning.
- Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon): Enhances the smoky flavor profile.
- Salt (½ teaspoon) and black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Essential seasonings to highlight all other flavors.
- Chopped fresh cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbal garnish that complements the dish.
- Wooden or metal skewers: For threading the chicken and pineapple with ease.
How to Make Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Bang Bang Sauce
Start by combining mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, finely chopped chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Whisk these together until smooth and creamy — this sauce packs a punch, giving your skewers their irresistible bang bang flavor. Set half of it aside to drizzle over the finished skewers later.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add half of the remaining bang bang sauce to coat the chicken evenly. This marination step allows the flavors to soak deep into the meat, making every bite juicy and flavorful. Cover your bowl and let it chill for at least 30 minutes in the fridge, or up to 2 hours if you have the time.
Step 3: Prepare Your Skewers
If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling; this prevents them from burning. Once ready, alternate threading the marinated chicken pieces and fresh pineapple chunks onto the skewers, creating a beautiful contrast of colors and flavors.
Step 4: Grill the Skewers
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, then place the skewers on the grill. Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally to get an even char and ensure the chicken is cooked through. The pineapple should caramelize slightly, adding another layer of deliciousness.
Step 5: Serve with Reserved Bang Bang Sauce and Garnish
Once grilled, remove the skewers from the grill and generously drizzle the reserved bang bang sauce over the top. Sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro for that vibrant pop of green and fresh aroma. Serve immediately to enjoy the skewers at their flavorful best.
How to Serve Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped cilantro isn’t just beautiful on these skewers — it adds a refreshing, citrusy note that perfectly complements the smoky chipotle and sweet pineapple. A few lime wedges on the side also invite a squeeze of extra brightness right before eating, elevating the whole experience.
Side Dishes
These skewers are fantastic over a bed of fluffy jasmine or basmati rice that soaks up every bit of sauce. Alternatively, serve with a crisp green salad or grilled vegetables to balance the bold flavors and keep the meal light and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party presentation, serve the skewers on a large platter with extra bang bang sauce in a small bowl for dipping. You can also build mini sliders using the grilled chicken and pineapple chunks on small buns, adding a spicy mayo for a bite-sized delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep the chicken and pineapple skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making a perfect quick lunch or dinner option.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked skewers by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat the skewers gently on a grill pan or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook to keep the chicken tender. Drizzle with fresh bang bang sauce after reheating to revive that signature flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well, but they tend to dry out faster than thighs on the grill, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Thighs stay juicier and more forgiving, especially if you’re new to grilling.
How spicy is the Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe?
This recipe offers a nice balance of heat from the chipotle pepper and sriracha, but you can easily adjust the spice level. Use less chipotle or sriracha if you prefer milder heat, or add more if you like it fiery!
Can these skewers be made indoors if I don’t have a grill?
Definitely! You can cook the skewers under your oven’s broiler or on a grill pan stove-top. Just watch closely to get a good char without burning and turn frequently for even cooking.
Is the bang bang sauce suitable for dipping as well?
Yes, the bang bang sauce is incredibly versatile. Reserve some to use as a dipping sauce alongside the skewers for an extra burst of flavor with every bite.
What can I serve with these skewers to make a complete meal?
Serving these skewers over rice or alongside a fresh salad and grilled veggies helps create a balanced meal. Adding a tropical salsa or avocado slices can also enhance the tropical vibe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that brings excitement to your dinner table with minimum fuss, the Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe is a total winner. The combination of smoky, spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors will have everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try, and trust me, it’ll become a beloved staple in your recipe collection in no time!
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Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Total Time: 52 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a spicy and sweet grilled delight made with marinated chicken thighs and fresh pineapple chunks. Coated in a flavorful chipotle-infused Bang Bang sauce, they offer a perfect balance of heat and tropical sweetness, garnished with fresh cilantro for a refreshing finish. Ideal for summer grilling, they serve as a vibrant main course that pairs wonderfully with rice or fresh salad.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Bang Bang Sauce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons adobo sauce (from the chipotle can)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Pinch of salt
Other Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups fresh pineapple chunks
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
- Wooden or metal skewers (wooden ones soaked in water if using)
Instructions
- Prepare Bang Bang Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, finely chopped chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, lime juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Set aside half of this sauce for serving later.
- Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add half of the remaining Bang Bang sauce and toss until chicken is well coated. Cover and refrigerate to marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- Prepare Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken pieces and pineapple chunks alternately onto skewers.
- Grill Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and slight charring. Confirm chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
- Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and drizzle them with the reserved Bang Bang sauce. Garnish generously with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately, optionally over rice or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Chicken thighs retain more juiciness on the grill compared to chicken breasts but you can substitute if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha and chipotle pepper based on your desired spice level.
- These skewers are delicious served over steamed rice or a crisp salad for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
