Pineapple Gochujang Chicken Skewers (Printable)

Tender chicken and pineapple glazed with spicy gochujang, grilled to juicy perfection for a vibrant meal.

# Components:

→ Meat & Poultry

01 - 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1.5-inch pieces

→ Vegetables & Fruit

02 - 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
03 - 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
04 - 1 small red onion, cut into wedges
05 - 2 tablespoons chopped scallions (for garnish)
06 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional garnish)

→ Marinade

07 - 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
08 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
09 - 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
10 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
11 - 1 tablespoon sesame oil
12 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
13 - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
14 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

# Method:

01 - Whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and black pepper in a medium bowl.
02 - Set aside 2 tablespoons of the marinade to use later for basting.
03 - Place chicken pieces in a large resealable bag or bowl, pour in the marinade, toss to coat evenly, cover, and refrigerate for 1 to 4 hours.
04 - If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
05 - Thread chicken, pineapple chunks, bell pepper, and onion alternately onto skewers.
06 - Preheat the grill to medium-high heat or preheat broiler if using an oven.
07 - Grill skewers for 6 to 7 minutes per side, basting with reserved marinade until chicken is cooked through and edges are slightly charred.
08 - Transfer skewers to a serving platter, garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds, and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The spicy-sweet marinade clings to every bite and tastes almost too good for how little effort it takes.
  • I never cease to be amazed by how vibrant and colorful the finished skewers look on the table.
02 -
  • Don’t rush the marinating—less than an hour and the flavor just doesn’t soak in as deeply.
  • I learned the hard way to soak wooden skewers, or else they’ll flare up in seconds on the grill.
03 -
  • Flip the skewers only once or twice; too much turning causes the chicken to lose its char and juices.
  • Keep some fresh pineapple handy—people will always want more on their skewers than you expect.
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