15 Minute Grilled Chipotle Chicken Pineapple Skewers with Irresistible Bang Bang Sauce

Let me tell you about the magic that happens when smoky chipotle, sweet pineapple, and spicy bang bang sauce come together on a skewer. These grilled chipotle chicken pineapple skewers with bang bang sauce are my go-to when I want something that tastes like summer exploded in my mouth but doesn’t keep me chained to the kitchen all day. I first made them for a last-minute backyard potluck, and now my friends won’t let me show up without them—seriously, I’ve tried.

What makes these skewers so special? It’s that perfect balance—the charred, slightly spicy chicken plays off the juicy pineapple, and that creamy, tangy bang bang sauce ties it all together. Plus, they’re ridiculously easy. You’re basically threading tasty things onto sticks and grilling them while sipping your favorite drink. Weeknight dinner? Done. Impressing guests at a cookout? Double done. And if you’re like me and always forget to plan ahead, the marinade works its magic in just 15 minutes. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll understand why they disappear faster than I can refill the chip bowl.

Why You’ll Love These Grilled Chipotle Chicken Pineapple Skewers

Listen, I don’t just throw around the word “love” when it comes to recipes—but these skewers? They’ve earned it. Here’s why they’re about to become your new obsession:

• Flavor fireworks: Smoky chipotle, sweet pineapple, and that creamy-spicy bang bang sauce create a taste explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance.
• Foolproof grilling: Even if you’ve accidentally charred burgers into hockey pucks before, these skewers are forgiving. Just flip ‘em once and you’re golden.
• Speed demon: From fridge to table in 30 minutes flat (marinating included!). Perfect for those “what’s for dinner?!” panic moments.
• Crowd magnet: Kids go nuts for the sweet pineapple, adults adore the kick—nobody argues over these at cookouts.

Seriously, I’ve served these to picky eaters, food snobs, and my sauce-averse uncle, and every single plate comes back licked clean. That’s the power of a perfect skewer.

Ingredients for Grilled Chipotle Chicken Pineapple Skewers

Okay, let’s talk ingredients – because using the right stuff makes all the difference between “meh” and “WOW!” Here’s what you’ll need to make these skewers sing:

For the Skewers:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast – cut into 1-inch cubes (trust me, uniform pieces cook evenly)
• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks – about 1-inch pieces (none of that sad canned stuff!)
• 2 tbsp chipotle pepper in adobo sauce – minced (this is where the smoky magic happens)
• 2 tbsp olive oil – helps everything get that perfect char
• 1 tbsp honey – balances the heat with sweetness
• 1 tsp garlic powder – because everything’s better with garlic
• 1 tsp smoked paprika – doubles down on that smoky flavor
• 1/2 tsp salt – brings all the flavors together
• 1/4 tsp black pepper – just a little kick

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise – the creamy base
• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce – for that perfect sweet-heat
• 1 tbsp sriracha – adjust to your spice tolerance
• 1 tsp lime juice – brightens everything up

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Now, I’m all about making recipes work with what you’ve got! Here are my tried-and-true swaps:

• Chicken thighs work great if you prefer juicier meat – just trim excess fat
• No fresh pineapple? Frozen works in a pinch (thaw and pat dry first)
• For a lighter sauce, swap half the mayo with Greek yogurt
• If chipotle peppers scare you, start with 1 tbsp and taste
• No sweet chili sauce? Mix 1 tbsp honey with 1 tbsp sriracha

The one thing I won’t budge on? Fresh pineapple. That burst of juice when you bite into a grilled chunk? Worth every extra minute of chopping.

How to Make Grilled Chipotle Chicken Pineapple Skewers with Bang Bang Sauce

Alright, let’s get these beauties on the grill! I promise it’s easier than folding a fitted sheet. Here’s exactly how I do it:

1. Prep your skewers: If you’re using wooden ones, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This keeps them from turning into little torches on the grill (learned that the hard way).
2. Marinate the chicken: Throw your cubed chicken into a bowl with the chipotle pepper, olive oil, honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix it all up with your hands – don’t be shy! Let it hang out for 15 minutes. Yes, just 15! The flavors pack a punch quickly.
3. Thread the skewers: Alternate chicken and pineapple chunks, leaving a tiny space between pieces so everything cooks evenly. I do about 4-5 chicken pieces per skewer with pineapple in between.
4. Grill time: Fire up your grill to medium-high (about 375-400°F). Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re ready when the chicken juices run clear and the pineapple gets those gorgeous grill marks.
5. Make the sauce: While the skewers grill, whisk together the mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice. Taste and adjust – want more heat? Add more sriracha!
6. Serve immediately: Pile those golden skewers on a platter with the bang bang sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling. Watch them disappear!

Tips for Perfect Skewers

After making these probably a hundred times (no exaggeration), here are my can’t-miss tips:

• Cube evenly: Cut chicken into same-size pieces so they cook at the same rate. Nothing worse than half-done chicken next to charcoal!
• Don’t overcrowd: Leave about 1/4 inch between pieces on the skewer for even heat circulation.
• Grill temp matters: Too hot = burnt outside/raw inside. Medium-high is the sweet spot.
• Metal vs. wood: Metal skewers are awesome if you have them – no soaking needed and they conduct heat beautifully.
• Patience pays: Let the skewers rest 2-3 minutes after grilling – the juices will redistribute for maximum juiciness.

Serving Suggestions for Grilled Chipotle Chicken Pineapple Skewers

Now for the best part – loading up your plate! These skewers play nice with so many sides. My go-to? Fluffy jasmine rice to soak up all that saucy goodness, or a crisp green salad when I want something lighter. For cookouts, I throw some zucchini and bell peppers on the grill alongside the skewers – they love that same smoky char. And don’t hold back with the bang bang sauce – drizzle it over everything or keep a big bowl for dipping. Pro tip: Double the sauce recipe. Trust me, you’ll want extra for those last bites!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Leftovers? (As if!) But just in case some miraculously survive, here’s how to keep them tasty. Store cooled skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze them without the sauce for up to 2 months – separate layers with parchment paper first. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or until warmed through. The pineapple might soften a bit, but that smoky chicken flavor? Still perfect. The sauce keeps in the fridge for a week – just give it a good stir before using.

Grilled Chipotle Chicken Pineapple Skewers Bang Bang Sauce FAQs

I get asked about these skewers ALL the time – here are the questions that pop up most often (and my honest answers after making them a zillion times):

Can I bake these instead of grilling?
Absolutely! Just arrange the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment and broil for 5-6 minutes per side about 6 inches from the heat. You won’t get those gorgeous grill marks, but the flavor will still rock.

How spicy is the bang bang sauce?
It’s got a kick, but you’re in control! Start with 1/2 tbsp sriracha and taste as you go. For kids or spice-wimps, swap in ketchup for half the sweet chili sauce – still delicious.

Can I prep these ahead?
You bet! Marinate the chicken overnight (it gets even better), then thread the skewers up to 4 hours before grilling. Just keep them chilled. The sauce? Make it up to 3 days ahead.

What if I don’t have fresh pineapple?
Frozen works in a pinch – thaw and pat SUPER dry before skewering. But fresh really makes a difference when it caramelizes on the grill.

Metal or wooden skewers?
I prefer metal (no soaking!), but if you’re using wood, soak them for at least 30 minutes – or they’ll turn into matchsticks. Either way, leave a “handle” space at one end for easy flipping!

Nutritional Information

Okay, let’s talk numbers – but remember, these are estimates (pineapple sizes vary, and who actually measures sauce perfectly?). Per skewer with sauce, you’re looking at:

• 280 calories – not bad for flavor this big!
• 20g protein – thanks, chicken!
• 18g fat – mostly from that luscious mayo-based sauce
• 15g carbs – hello, sweet pineapple

Portion sizes and ingredient brands can tweak these numbers, but this gives you a solid ballpark. Now go enjoy without the math guilt!

Ready to Make These Skewers?

Now that you’ve got all my secrets, it’s your turn to fire up the grill and make some magic happen. I can’t wait to hear how your crew reacts to these – text me a photo of those gorgeous char marks! Just warning you though – once you taste that sweet-spicy-smoky combo, you’ll be hooked for life. Happy grilling, friends!

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