Chipotle Pineapple Chicken Skewers with Bang Bang Sauce – A Flavorful Grilled Delight

Introduction
When you’re craving a delicious, tangy, and smoky meal that’s easy to prepare, Chipotle Pineapple Chicken Skewers with Bang Bang Sauce are an ideal choice. The combination of smoky chipotle peppers, sweet pineapple, and succulent chicken is a true crowd-pleaser. Topped with a creamy and spicy Bang Bang sauce, this dish offers an explosion of flavors in every bite. Perfect for grilling season, a weeknight dinner, or a weekend cookout, these skewers are sure to impress. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors and easy-to-make ingredients.

Why You’ll Love Chipotle Pineapple Chicken Skewers with Bang Bang Sauce

These skewers are everything you want in a meal: easy to prepare, packed with layers of flavor, and versatile enough to serve at any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or preparing a family dinner, these Chipotle Pineapple Chicken Skewers provide a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and spicy.

1. Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish. The marinade does the work for you, infusing the chicken with deep flavor.
2. Grilling Perfection: Grilling brings out the best in chicken and pineapple, creating crispy char marks while maintaining the juicy tenderness inside.
3. Flavor Explosion: The sweet and spicy Bang Bang Sauce adds a creamy texture and bold flavor to each bite.
4. Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice levels of the marinade or Bang Bang sauce to match your preferences.

Chipotle Pineapple Chicken Skewers with Bang Bang Sauce are sure to become a staple in your grilling repertoire. Now, let’s break down the recipe step by step.

Ingredients for Chipotle Pineapple Chicken Skewers with Bang Bang Sauce

For the Marinade:

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon chopped pickled ginger
• 2 chipotle chilis in adobo sauce
• 1 teaspoon sweet or smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Skewers:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-2 inch chunks
• 3 cups fresh pineapple chunks
• Green onions, sliced for garnish
• Fresh basil, chopped for garnish

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup sweet Thai chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce
• 1 small clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• 1 tablespoon chopped pickled ginger

Instructions for Preparing Chipotle Pineapple Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by preparing the marinade. In a blender or food processor, combine extra virgin olive oil, tomato paste, tamari or soy sauce, honey, pickled ginger, chipotle chilis, paprika, fresh thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. The chipotle chilis add the perfect smoky kick, while the honey balances the heat with a touch of sweetness. This marinade will tenderize and infuse the chicken with incredible flavor.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Once the marinade is ready, place the chicken chunks in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or for even deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours. The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more flavorful it will be.

Step 3: Assemble the Skewers

If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for about 30 minutes before assembling. This helps prevent the skewers from burning while grilling. Once ready, thread the marinated chicken and fresh pineapple chunks onto the skewers, alternating between the two. The pineapple provides a sweet contrast to the smoky chicken, while the juices from the pineapple caramelize on the grill, creating a delicious sweetness.

Step 4: Grill the Skewers

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 375°F to 400°F). Once the grill is hot, place the assembled skewers on it, turning occasionally to ensure even grilling. Grill for about 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the pineapple has light grill marks. The pineapple should be soft, with a slight caramelization, while the chicken should be fully cooked and juicy.

Step 5: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

While the skewers are grilling, it’s time to make the Bang Bang sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet Thai chili sauce, tamari or soy sauce, minced garlic, lime zest, and chopped pickled ginger. This creamy, tangy sauce is the perfect finishing touch for the skewers, adding a spicy kick and an irresistible richness.

Step 6: Serve

Once the skewers are done, arrange them on a serving platter. Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the skewers or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped fresh basil for an extra burst of freshness and color. Serve with lime wedges and your choice of rice, such as coconut rice or cilantro-lime rice, to complete the meal.

Tips for Perfect Chipotle Pineapple Chicken Skewers

• Marinate longer for better flavor: While 30 minutes is enough, marinating the chicken for several hours or overnight gives the marinade more time to penetrate, resulting in even more flavorful skewers.
• Use chicken thighs for juiciness: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are perfect for this recipe because they stay moist and tender, even with grilling. If you prefer chicken breasts, they will work too, but they might be a bit drier.
• Grill on medium-high heat: Make sure your grill is at the right temperature (around 375°F to 400°F) for the best results. Too high, and the chicken may burn; too low, and it will take too long to cook.
• Customizable spiciness: Adjust the chipotle chilis and sriracha in the marinade and sauce to suit your desired spice level. You can always reduce the heat if you prefer a milder flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make Chipotle Pineapple Chicken Skewers without a grill?
Yes, you can cook these skewers in a grill pan on the stovetop or even broil them in the oven. The grill marks will be less prominent, but the flavors will still be amazing.

2. Can I substitute the pineapple?
If you’re not a fan of pineapple, you can use other fruits like mango, peach, or papaya for a similar sweet contrast to the savory chicken.

3. How can I make the Bang Bang Sauce spicier?
To make the Bang Bang sauce spicier, simply increase the amount of sriracha or add a bit more pickled ginger. You can also experiment with adding a small amount of red chili flakes or fresh chopped chili.

4. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead of time, and the Bang Bang sauce can be made a day or two before serving. Just store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge.

5. What should I serve with these skewers?
These skewers pair perfectly with cilantro rice, coconut rice, or a light green salad. You can also serve them with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh fruit salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chipotle Pineapple Chicken Skewers with Bang Bang Sauce offer a delicious blend of flavors that will make your taste buds dance. With the smoky heat from the chipotle peppers, the sweetness of pineapple, and the creamy spiciness of the Bang Bang sauce, this recipe is a winner for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a quick weeknight meal, these skewers are sure to be a hit. Enjoy the vibrant, mouthwatering flavors and savor the satisfaction of creating this delectable dish in just 30 minutes.

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