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Honey Bourbon BBQ Chicken & Pineapple Skewers

honey bourbon BBQ chicken skewers - featured image
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A sweet, smoky, and slightly boozy grilled skewer recipe featuring juicy chicken, caramelized pineapple, and a sticky homemade honey bourbon BBQ glaze. Perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or festive gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
  • 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1.5-inch chunks
  • 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
  • 1 red onion, cut into 1.5-inch wedges (optional)
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
  • Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish, optional)
  • Lime wedges (for serving, optional)
  • Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together honey, bourbon, ketchup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, smoked paprika, black pepper, kosher salt, and chili flakes if using. Reserve about 1/3 cup of this mixture for glazing.
  2. Add chicken pieces to the remaining marinade, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours).
  3. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. Thread marinated chicken, pineapple, bell pepper, and red onion onto skewers, alternating ingredients.
  4. Preheat grill to medium-high (about 400°F). Oil grates lightly.
  5. Place skewers on the grill, close lid, and cook for 4–5 minutes. Rotate, then begin basting with reserved glaze. Continue grilling, turning and basting every 2–3 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and pineapple is caramelized, about 12–15 minutes total.
  6. Remove skewers to a platter, rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with cilantro or parsley, lime wedges, and sesame seeds if desired.
  7. Serve hot with extra sauce on the side.

Notes

Marinate chicken for 30 minutes to 4 hours for best flavor. If using wooden skewers, soak them to prevent burning. Grill over medium-high and move skewers to indirect heat if glaze starts to char. For gluten-free, use tamari. Leftovers are great cold or reheated, and the recipe can be adapted with different veggies or proteins.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken skewers, honey bourbon BBQ, pineapple skewers, summer grilling, BBQ chicken, easy grill recipe, party food, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/honey-bourbon-bbq-chicken-and-pineapple-skewers-easy-grilled-summer-recipe/