BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe

If you’re searching for a summer dinner that’s positively bursting with sweet and smoky flavor, you have to try these BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs! Tender, marinated chunks of chicken, juicy pineapple, and vibrant veggies, all caramelized to perfection over the grill—prepare to be obsessed with every perfectly glazed bite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs is how they rely on a handful of simple, well-chosen ingredients to create irresistible layers of flavor and texture. Each ingredient adds its own special magic to every bite—don’t skip a thing!

• Barbecue Sauce: Forms the base of the marinade and glaze, delivering sweet, tangy, and smoky depth to every bite.
• Teriyaki Sauce: Brings a savory, umami note to the party, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the pineapple and BBQ sauce.
• Fresh Garlic (minced): Adds aromatic pungency and a subtle warmth to the marinade.
• Fresh Ginger (grated): Brightens the flavor and offers a zesty kick that pairs beautifully with the sweet fruit and sauce.
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean, juicy, and perfect for soaking up all those bold flavors—cut into 1-inch chunks for even grilling.
• Fresh Pineapple Chunks: The star ingredient that caramelizes on the grill for juicy, slightly charred sweetness.
• Red Bell Pepper: Adds crunch and vibrant color; its natural sweetness is accentuated by the grill.
• Sweet Onion: Rounds out the kabobs with subtle sweetness and melts-in-your-mouth goodness.
• Canola Oil: Brushed over the skewers to help everything grill up golden and prevent sticking.
• Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: A must for seasoning to taste—don’t skip these for maximum flavor!

Variations

Part of the beauty of BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs is just how easy it is to make them your own! Don’t hesitate to change things up depending on what you love most or what’s in your fridge—here are some of my favorite ways to remix this summer classic.

• Swap the Protein: These kabobs are just as delicious with boneless chicken thighs, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
• Mix Up the Veggies: Try adding zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes—anything that grills up nicely and adds color is fair game!
• Spicy Kick: Mix extra chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce into your marinade for a fiery spin that contrasts beautifully with the pineapple’s sweetness.
• Different Marinades: Substitute teriyaki for soy sauce and honey, or experiment with other Asian-inspired sauces for unique flavor profiles.

How to Make BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Step 1: Make the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together your barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, freshly minced garlic, and grated ginger until everything is deliciously combined. Don’t forget to set aside ½ cup of this mixture for brushing over the kabobs at the end—this will give your BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs their irresistible glossy glaze!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place your cubed chicken into a large zip-top bag or bowl and pour in the marinade (minus the reserved portion). Seal it up, give it a good massage, and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours—overnight is even better! The tangy-sweet flavors soak deep into each morsel, promising maximum juiciness once grilled.

Step 3: Thread & Season

After marinating, drain the chicken from the excess sauce. Thread the chicken pieces, pineapple chunks, bell pepper, and onion alternately onto skewers for those beautiful bursts of color and flavor. Brush the assembled kabobs with canola oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper—trust me, this step makes the grill magic happen!

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the kabobs directly over the flame and grill, turning occasionally, for about 10 minutes. Look for lovely grill marks and caramelization. When the chicken reaches 165°F, brush kabobs generously with the reserved sauce and let them sizzle for another 1-2 minutes for that sticky, finger-licking finish!

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Slide your piping hot BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs off the grill and onto a platter. Grab a napkin—the juicy, saucy goodness is irresistible right off the skewer. Be ready for the happy sighs at first bite!

How to Serve BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Garnishes

For the finishing touch, sprinkle your BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs with a shower of fresh cilantro or parsley. A squeeze of lime over the top adds a tangy, citrusy lift that cuts through the sweet and smoky flavors perfectly—plus it looks gorgeous for serving!

Side Dishes

These kabobs shine with classic summer sides like fluffy coconut rice, garlic butter corn on the cob, or a crisp cabbage slaw. If you want to keep it low-carb, pair with grilled asparagus or a mountain of leafy greens for a beautifully balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Thread your kabobs on short skewers for party-friendly sliders, or de-skewer everything onto a vibrant platter over a bed of rice for a colorful family-style feast. Try serving extra BBQ sauce for dipping—or pile leftovers into a grilled pineapple boat for a truly tropical presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Remove from the wooden skewers to help them fit better and keep everything juicy and flavorful.

Freezing

You can freeze the marinated (uncooked) chicken for up to 2 months before threading onto skewers—just thaw and assemble when you’re craving kabobs. Cooked leftovers can also be frozen, but for best texture, freeze without the pineapple, as it may become watery after thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, arrange the kabobs (off the skewer, if needed) on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until hot throughout. You can also microwave in short bursts; add a splash of water and cover to keep things moist and tasty!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If summer had a signature dinner, these BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs would be it—fun to make, gorgeous to serve, and guaranteed to impress. Fire up the grill and give them a try; your backyard (or kitchen!) will be filled with the flavors of sunshine and celebration. Enjoy every sticky-sweet, savory bite!

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