Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
These Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken chunks marinated in a smoky chipotle and pineapple sauce, grilled to perfection, and served with a spicy-sweet bang bang dipping sauce. Perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe balances smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors with a delightful charred finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Marinade and Skewers
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon chopped pickled ginger
- 1-3 chipotle chiles in adobo (adjust to taste)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sweet or smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size chunks
- 3 cups fresh pineapple chunks
Dipping Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup sweet Thai chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
- 1 small clove garlic, grated
- 2 teaspoons lime zest
- 1 tablespoon chopped pickled ginger
- Optional: extra chili sauce mixed with a couple tablespoons of ketchup for additional dipping
- Green onions and fresh basil, for serving
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a blender, combine the olive oil, tomato paste, tamari or soy sauce, honey, chopped pickled ginger, chipotle chiles in adobo, sweet or smoked paprika, fresh thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper. Blend until the chipotle chiles are finely chopped and the mixture is smooth.
- Marinate the Chicken: Transfer the marinade to a large bowl and add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Toss well to coat the chicken evenly with the marinade. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors (longer if time permits).
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken chunks alternately with fresh pineapple chunks onto skewers. This combination will add sweet, juicy bursts to each bite.
- Heat the Grill or Skillet: Preheat your grill, grill pan, or skillet to medium-high heat. Ensure it is hot enough to create a good sear and slight char on the skewers.
- Cook the Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill or skillet and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes total, turning occasionally to evenly char and cook through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and have a lightly charred exterior.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While the skewers cook, combine the mayonnaise, sweet Thai chili sauce, tamari or soy sauce, grated garlic, lime zest, and chopped pickled ginger in a bowl. Mix well until smooth and set aside for dipping.
- Serve: Remove the skewers from the heat and serve warm. Garnish with chopped green onions, fresh basil leaves, and lime wedges on the side. Offer the bang bang sauce and optional extra chili-ketchup mixture for dipping. Enjoy the flavorful, smoky, and tangy bites!
Notes
- You can adjust the number of chipotle chiles according to your preferred spice level.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning.
- Chicken thighs will be juicier, but chicken breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat.
- The bang bang sauce can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure you use tamari and check that the chili sauce is gluten-free.
- Leftover skewers can be refrigerated and reheated gently in a skillet or oven.
