Peach Habanero BBQ Glaze on Grilled Chicken & Pineapple Skewers

Peach Habanero BBQ Glaze on Grilled Chicken & Pineapple Skewers

Chicken and pineapple skewers glazed and grilling over an open flame
Photo via Unsplash

Few combinations say summer quite like grilled pineapple, and pairing it with chicken under a peach habanero BBQ glaze turns a simple skewer into something genuinely tropical. The fruit-forward heat of the glaze plays perfectly off the caramelized sweetness of grilled pineapple.

Why Peach Habanero and Pineapple Work Together

Both peach and pineapple bring natural fruit sugars that caramelize beautifully over direct heat, so a peach habanero BBQ glaze doesn't fight the pineapple's flavor — it amplifies it. The habanero's heat cuts through all that sweetness, keeping the skewers from tipping into dessert territory.

Building the Glaze

Peach Habanero Spread is the obvious base, warmed with a splash of lime juice to brighten it up. For an even bolder, berry-forward variation on a second batch, Habanero Raspberry Spread works beautifully with the same tropical pairing.

Step-by-Step: Chicken & Pineapple Skewers

  1. Cut boneless chicken thighs and fresh pineapple into similarly sized chunks.
  2. Thread onto skewers, alternating chicken and pineapple for even cooking and color.
  3. Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper before threading.
  4. Grill over medium-high heat for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.
  5. In the final 4 minutes, brush on a thin coat of warmed peach habanero glaze, turning once to coat all sides.
  6. Pull once chicken reaches 165°F and the pineapple has visible grill marks and caramelized edges.

Tips for Grilling Fruit and Meat Together

Pineapple releases a lot of natural sugar as it cooks, which can cause flare-ups if you're not paying attention. Keep the skewers moving and avoid leaving them directly over the hottest part of the grill for too long once the glaze goes on.

Serving Ideas

These skewers are great served over coconut rice or alongside a simple slaw — something that can soak up any extra glaze that drips off during grilling. They also make a fun addition to a backyard luau-themed cookout.

Pick up Peach Habanero Spread and Habanero Raspberry Spread from Smoky Mountain Spread for your next tropical cookout.

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