Chipotle Pineapple Bang Bang Chicken Skewers. These skewers are my new obsession for warm weather—honestly, we make them all the time now! The chicken is packed with flavor from smoky chipotle chilies, savory tamari (or soy sauce), zesty ginger, and a touch of honey to balance the heat. Then, we add juicy pineapple chunks to each skewer for a sweet, tropical twist that makes every bite amazing. And the best part? Dunking them in that creamy, spicy, tangy bang bang sauce—it’s just like the kind you get at restaurants, and it’s so good.
For serving, I love adding extra lime wedges and chopped green onions for freshness. Pair them with coconut rice, cilantro rice, or even some crispy baked fries for the perfect meal. Trust me, your family will go crazy for this one—it’s that delicious!
Grilling Season is Here!
To me, Memorial Day is when grilling season really starts. From now until mid-September, when the air turns crisp and fall settles in, I’m all about firing up the grill for burgers, chicken, steaks, and fresh sweet corn. It’s the best time of year for cooking outside!
Now, I’ll be honest—I’m not the biggest “grill master.” We live in a colder area, so even in summer, our evenings can get a little too chilly for standing outside over a grill. That’s why I usually just use my trusty grill pan—it gives me that same smoky flavor without the hassle. And it always works perfectly!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything to grab for these skewers:
- Extra virgin olive oil – For richness and to help the marinade stick.
- Tomato paste – Adds depth and a little sweetness.
- Tamari or soy sauce – For that salty, umami flavor.
- Honey – Balances the heat with a touch of sweetness.
- Chopped pickled ginger – Gives a bright, zesty kick.
- Chipotle chilies in adobo – Smoky, spicy, and so flavorful.
- Sweet or smoked paprika – Extra warmth and color.
- Fresh thyme – A little earthy freshness.
- Kosher salt and black pepper – To season everything just right.
- Chicken breasts or thighs – Thighs stay juicier, but breasts work too!
- Fresh pineapple chunks – The sweet, juicy star of the dish.
- Green onions and basil – For garnish and freshness.
Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients
- Mayo – The creamy base.
- Sweet Thai chili sauce – The secret to that addictive sweet-spicy flavor.
- Tamari or soy sauce – Adds a savory depth.
- Small clove garlic – For a little sharpness.
- Lime zest – Brightens everything up.
- Chopped pickled ginger – Extra zing!
Why These Skewers Are So Good
I grew up in the Midwest, where summers are hot and humid—so I totally get the love for grilled food. This year, I’m excited to share some of my favorite summer recipes, like these skewers, inspired by the meals we used to make in Cleveland.
There’s just something about chicken on a stick that makes it taste even better, don’t you think? And adding pineapple to the grill is always a good idea—it gets caramelized and sweet, which pairs perfectly with the spicy chipotle chicken.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Chipotle Marinade
This marinade is super simple—just mix olive oil, tomato paste, tamari, honey, ginger, chipotle, and fresh thyme. To make it even easier, I blend everything in a blender—done in seconds!
Then, cut the chicken into 1 or 2-inch cubes, toss them in the marinade, and let them soak up all that flavor. If you have time, let it sit in the fridge for a day or two—the longer it marinates, the more intense the flavor gets!
Step 2: Thread the Skewers
Now for the fun part! Take the marinated chicken and pineapple chunks and thread them onto skewers (metal or wooden—just soak wooden ones first so they don’t burn).
I like doing one piece of chicken, then one pineapple chunk, but if you love pineapple, do one chicken, two pineapple pieces. Then, grill them until they get those beautiful light char marks.
Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
Just mix mayo, Thai chili sauce, tamari, garlic, and lime zest—that’s it! You can add a pinch of salt, pepper, or extra chili flakes if you like it spicier.
This sauce is my absolute favorite—it’s creamy, a little sweet, a little spicy, and totally addictive.
The Final Result?
- The chicken is smoky, spicy, and just a little sweet—the flavors are perfect together.
- The pineapple gets caramelized and juicy, balancing the heat.
- The bang bang sauce ties it all together with its creamy, tangy goodness.
Serve these skewers with rice, and you’ve got a complete, flavor-packed meal that everyone will love. Seriously, it’s so good—you’ve got to try it!
