BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe

These BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are a must-try for anyone who craves a little sweet and smoky magic on the grill. Tender chunks of marinated chicken mingle with juicy pineapple, sweet bell pepper, and onion—each bite is bursting with bright, tropical flavor and irresistible barbecue goodness!

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s so satisfying how just a handful of well-chosen ingredients can create huge, crave-worthy flavor. Each piece brings something special to the party—whether it’s juiciness, color, or that caramelized char you dream about!

• Barbecue Sauce: This is the heart of the marinade—choose your favorite for smoky, tangy depth. A little sweetness plays perfectly with the pineapple.
• Teriyaki Sauce: Adds big umami and an irresistible hint of Asian-inspired sweetness. It’s the secret to the glossy, caramelized look and taste.
• Freshly Grated Ginger & Minced Garlic: Just a touch wakes up the marinade, bringing brightness and warmth without overpowering the dish.
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Slice into even cubes for ultra-tender, juicy bites that soak up all the marinade flavor.
• Fresh Pineapple Chunks: Nothing compares to that burst of juicy tang and caramelization as pineapple hits the grill—make sure to use fresh for best results.
• Red Bell Pepper: For a pop of color and a little crunch, red bell pepper rounds out the kabob beautifully.
• Sweet Onion: Grilled onions turn irresistibly tender and slightly sweet, adding wonderful aroma and flavor.
• Canola Oil: Helps prevent sticking and gives that lovely glisten to the kabobs as they grill.
• Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Bring all the flavors together and season the kabobs to perfection.

Variations

The beauty of BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs is just how easy they are to make your own! Feel free to play with the proteins or vegetables, adjust the sauces, or tailor the recipe to your tastes or dietary needs.

• Swap in Shrimp or Salmon: For a surf twist, swap chicken for large shrimp or cubed salmon fillet—they both love the sweet-savory marinade and cook super fast!
• Go Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and use extra firm tofu, portobello mushrooms, or hearty zucchini—brush well with sauce and grill just as you would the original kabobs.
• Try Different Peppers: Mix in yellow or orange bell peppers, or even add a touch of heat with jalapeño slices for those who like a little kick.
• Use a Different Sauce: Want to play with the flavor base? Swap BBQ sauce for a spicy sriracha blend or use a honey-garlic teriyaki for a sweeter finish.

How to Make BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Step 1: Make the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together your barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Take a deep breath and enjoy those bold, fragrant aromas! Set aside about ½ cup of this marinade so you can add extra flavor to the kabobs while they grill later on.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Pop those chicken chunks into a large Ziploc bag or bowl, pour your marinade over, and gently toss so every piece is coated. Let the chicken soak up those mouthwatering flavors for at least 2 hours (or overnight for maximum juiciness!), giving the bag a little flip now and then for an even marinade.

Step 3: Thread the Kabobs

Drain the chicken from the marinade and start building your kabobs! Alternate pieces of chicken, pineapple, red bell pepper, and sweet onion onto sturdy skewers—mixing them up for that gorgeous rainbow look. Give the kabobs a little brush of canola oil, and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper before grilling.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Preheat your grill to medium heat. Arrange the skewers on the grill grates and cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp is the magic number). During the last couple minutes, brush the kabobs with your reserved marinade—watch it caramelize right before your eyes!

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Take the kabobs off the grill and serve them immediately, while they’re still hot, glossy, and deeply flavorful. Trust me, they won’t last long—these BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs always steal the show.

How to Serve BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Garnishes

Scatter a handful of freshly chopped cilantro or green onion over the kabobs before serving for a splash of color and herbal brightness. A few toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of extra barbecue sauce make them pop even more!

Side Dishes

These kabobs go wonderfully with fluffy steamed rice, coconut rice, or even a vibrant grilled corn salad. If you love a crunch, serve them alongside a cool cucumber slaw or roasted potato wedges for a hearty backyard feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling the cooked ingredients off the skewers into lettuce cups for fresh, handheld bites, or top a bed of greens for a satisfying salad bowl. For parties, serve mini kabobs as appetizers—BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are always a conversation starter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover kabobs keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Remove the ingredients from the skewers for easy storage, and they’ll be ready for lunch salads, wraps, or a quick snack.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze, it’s best to freeze the uncooked marinated chicken (just the meat, not the veggies or pineapple) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and then skewer with fresh veggies and pineapple before grilling for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop the kabob pieces into a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave until just warmed through. Add a drizzle of extra barbecue sauce to boost moisture and flavor as they warm up!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to fire up the grill and experience the mouthwatering goodness of these BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a big sunny get-together, this recipe is guaranteed to sprinkle tropical joy onto your table. Give them a try—and don’t be surprised if everyone asks for your secret!

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