Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
If you crave bold flavors and vibrant colors on your plate, you’ll absolutely adore these Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers. Imagine juicy grilled chicken, sweet pineapple, and a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce all coming together in one dazzling dish! Each bite is a lively mix of smokiness, zesty heat, tropical sweetness, and creamy tang. This recipe is truly weekend-cookout-worthy, yet simple enough for a weeknight treat. Whether you’re hosting friends or just impressing your family, Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are destined to be your new go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of staple ingredients to create a dish that bursts with flavor, color, and texture. Each one plays a unique role in building that irresistible balance of smoky, sweet, and spicy that makes Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers unforgettable.
- Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into cubes for quick, even grilling.
- Fresh pineapple chunks: Fresh, juicy pineapple delivers natural sweetness and gorgeous caramelized grill marks.
- Olive oil: Helps carry all those bold spices right into the chicken and keeps it perfectly moist.
- Lime juice: Brings brightness and acidity to balance the richness of the sauce and marinade.
- Chipotle in adobo sauce and minced chipotle pepper: These add smoky, earthy heat for unforgettable kick and aroma.
- Smoked paprika: Doubles down on the smokiness for a flavor that lingers deliciously.
- Garlic powder: A pinch of savory depth makes everything pop.
- Salt and black pepper: Never skip these; they’re essential for amplifying all the other flavors.
- Plain Greek yogurt (or vegan yogurt): The base of your creamy Bang Bang sauce, keeping things tangy and light.
- Mayonnaise (or vegan mayo): Adds luscious richness to the Bang Bang sauce.
- Sweet chili sauce: Offers gentle sweetness and that signature Bang Bang tang.
- Sriracha: Kicks up the heat and adds irresistible color.
- Maple syrup or honey: Balances the heat and acidity with a subtle note of natural sweetness.
- Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
How to Make Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, chipotle in adobo sauce, minced chipotle pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken cubes and toss thoroughly so every piece is coated in smoky-spicy marinade. Cover and pop the bowl in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours if you’re planning ahead. This step lets the powerful flavors infuse deeply for extra-tender, vibrant chicken.
Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken soaks up all those good flavors, whip together the Bang Bang sauce. Grab a small mixing bowl and whisk the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and maple syrup (or honey) until it’s ultra-smooth and creamy. The sauce should be rosy-hued and just thick enough for drizzling or dipping. Set aside in the refrigerator until it’s go time.
Step 3: Prep the Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, drain them after soaking. Carefully thread the chicken and fresh pineapple chunks onto each skewer, alternating as you go. This makes every bite a perfectly balanced combination of caramelized pineapple and zesty, smoky chicken.
Step 4: Grill the Skewers
Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high. Once it’s hot, lay down the skewers and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally to assure even charring and juicy results. You’re looking for gorgeous grill marks, lightly caramelized pineapple, and chicken that’s just cooked through with a touch of color at the edges.
Step 5: Serve With Bang Bang Sauce
When the Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are hot off the grill, drizzle or brush them with the Bang Bang sauce, or serve it generously on the side for dunking. The combination of cold, creamy sauce and smoky, steam-hot chicken is absolutely addicting.
How to Serve Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Garnishes
Sprinkle your Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with chopped fresh cilantro, sliced scallions, or a squeeze of extra lime juice for a punch of color and zesty flavor. Toasted sesame seeds or a dusting of smoked paprika over the top takes the look and taste to a whole new level.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair beautifully with fluffy white rice, coconut rice, or a crisp cabbage slaw. You can even serve them in lettuce cups for a lighter, handheld treat. A crunchy corn salad or simply grilled vegetables make for perfect, summery partners.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers on a big platter with extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping. For a party, slide pieces off the skewers and wrap them in warm tortillas with charred corn and avocado. Or, pile the grilled skewers over rice bowls with pickled onions and spicy pickles for a crowd-pleasing dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce in a separate container to preserve its freshness and creamy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken and pineapple chunks (off the skewers) for up to two months. Pack tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving the sauce to be made fresh. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To warm up, simply grill or bake the chicken and pineapple in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can dry out the chicken. Always add the Bang Bang sauce after reheating for the best creamy finish.
FAQs
Can I make this with chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are extra juicy and flavorful, and they stand up well to the bold marinade. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces for even grilling.
How spicy are these Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
They have a balanced heat that’s noticeable but not overwhelming for most spice lovers. If you want it milder, reduce the sriracha or use less chipotle, and if you love heat, feel free to toss in an extra chipotle pepper or more sriracha.
Can I cook these skewers indoors without a grill?
Definitely. A grill pan or even a broiler in your oven works wonderfully. Just keep an eye on the pineapple so it caramelizes without burning, and flip the skewers a few times for an even char.
Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
Yes! Substitute firm tofu cubes for chicken, and use plant-based yogurt and mayonnaise in the Bang Bang sauce. The marinade and sauce are both vegan-friendly with these swaps, so everyone can enjoy.
What’s the best way to prevent wooden skewers from burning?
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This keeps them from charring or burning while your Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers cook to perfection.
Final Thoughts
Friends, if you’re ready to wow your taste buds and everyone at your table, make Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers your next culinary adventure. This recipe promises spicy-sweet magic, and it truly delivers every single time. Give it a try—you might just find your new signature grill dish!
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Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Total Time: 37 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a delicious fusion dish that combines smoky chipotle-marinated chicken with sweet grilled pineapple, all topped with a creamy and spicy Bang Bang sauce. Perfect for summer grilling!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chipotle in adobo sauce (plus 1 minced chipotle pepper)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or vegan yogurt
- ¼ cup mayonnaise or vegan mayo
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
Additional:
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- skewers (if wooden, soak for 30 minutes)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, chipotle, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken, coat, and marinate for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: Mix yogurt, mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and maple syrup. Set aside.
- Grill the Skewers: Thread chicken and pineapple alternately onto skewers. Grill for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked.
- Serve: Brush skewers with Bang Bang sauce before serving or serve on the side.
Notes
- For a spicier sauce, add extra chipotle or sriracha.
- Great over rice, in wraps, or with slaw.
- For a vegan version, use tofu and plant-based yogurt/mayo.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Fusion, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
