BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe

Sweet, smoky, zesty, and a touch tropical — that’s exactly what you can expect when you bring BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs to your next grill session! Juicy chunks of chicken mingle with sweet pineapple, vibrant bell pepper, and tender onions, all bathed in a tangy barbecue-teriyaki glaze that will make your taste buds dance. Quick enough for weeknights but irresistibly festive for cookouts, this colorful kabob brings a burst of sunshine and flavor to every plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs lies in their simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Every item on this list plays a role in building irresistible flavor, eye-catching color, or crave-worthy texture — so don’t skip a thing!

• Barbecue sauce: The heart of the marinade, adding smoky sweetness and helping caramelize the kabobs on the grill.
• Teriyaki sauce: Infuses umami depth and a subtle tang that brightens up each bite.
• Garlic: Freshly minced, it brings in aromatic zest and savory undertones.
• Freshly grated ginger: Add this for its punchy, warm-spice lift—no jarred substitutes for best results!
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into even pieces for juicy, tender results that cook at the same speed as the veggies.
• Fresh pineapple chunks: Their natural sweetness balances out the smoky and spicy notes; canned just can’t compare!
• Red bell pepper: Adds bright color, crunch, and a little sweetness.
• Sweet onion: Roasts beautifully on the grill, lending a gentle savoriness that perfectly complements the marinade.
• Canola oil: Brushed on before grilling for a beautiful, non-stick finish and that signature grill sheen.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste; these essentials bring out every other flavor.

How to Make BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Step 1: Mix Up the Marinade

Grab a medium mixing bowl and whisk together the barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. This punchy, fragrant mixture is where your chicken will soak up tons of flavor and become irresistibly juicy. Be sure to scoop out about 1/2 cup of this marinade and set it aside — you’ll use it later for basting the kabobs and giving them that gorgeous lacquered finish.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place your bite-sized chicken pieces in a gallon-size Ziploc bag or a large bowl. Pour in the marinade, seal (or cover) tightly, and give everything a good toss to coat. Let the flavors work their magic for at least two hours in the refrigerator, but overnight (up to 8 hours) is even better if you have the time! Don’t forget to flip or massage the bag occasionally to ensure every piece gets evenly seasoned.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill & Prep the Skewers

When you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium heat — aim for that sweet spot where things caramelize without burning too fast. Meanwhile, drain the marinated chicken and get ready to assemble your BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs: thread chunks of chicken, juicy pineapple, red bell pepper, and onion onto your skewers, alternating for a rainbow of color. Brush everything lightly with canola oil, then season with a sprinkle of kosher salt and black pepper.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Place your loaded skewers on the hot grill and listen for that satisfying sizzle. Cook, turning every few minutes, until the chicken is just cooked through and golden on the edges — about 10 minutes total, until the chicken reaches an internal temp of 165 degrees F. During the final minutes, brush the kabobs generously with the reserved marinade, letting it caramelize into a glossy, flavor-packed coating.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once your BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are gorgeously bronzed and slightly charred, slide them off the grill and serve immediately. Every bite will be bursting with sweet, tangy, and savory flavor — pure summer happiness on a stick!

How to Serve BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or chopped scallions adds a pop of green and a touch of freshness that lifts the kabobs’ flavors. A drizzle of extra reserved marinade (make sure it’s fresh and not the one that touched raw chicken!) is a crowd-pleasing finishing touch, or you can serve lime wedges on the side for a bright, acidic zip.

Side Dishes

The sweet and savory notes of BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are a dream next to fluffy coconut rice, grilled corn on the cob, or a crisp green salad. For a summery vibe, try them with watermelon slices or a bowl of chilled cucumber salad — the fresh sides balance all those bold flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arrange the kabobs on a large platter surrounded by colorful sides and citrus wedges for a striking presentation. You can also slide the chicken and veggies off the skewers onto a platter and toss with fresh herbs for a more buffet-friendly option. Or, serve the kabobs in toasted pita or tortillas with a dollop of tangy yogurt sauce for a playful tropical taco twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftover BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs, simply remove the chicken and veggies from the skewers and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, making them a fantastic option for meal-prepped lunches or fast weeknight dinners.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze the cooked kabobs for later. Let everything cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe bags or containers. They’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so the textures stay at their best.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop the chicken and veggies on a baking sheet and warm in a 350 degrees F oven until heated through, about 10 minutes. Alternatively, a few minutes in a skillet on the stovetop does the trick — just add a splash of water or extra sauce to keep things moist.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and more forgiving on the grill. Just cut them into 1-inch chunks, marinate as instructed, and grill until cooked through — the swap works perfectly in BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs.

What’s the best way to keep wooden skewers from burning?

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30-60 minutes before threading on the chicken and veggies. This keeps them from scorching and breaking on the grill — a super easy step that makes all the difference!

Can I cook these in the oven if I don’t have a grill?

Definitely! Arrange your threaded kabobs on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred in spots. The flavors of BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs still shine bright even without a grill.

Is it possible to prep these ahead for a party?

Yes! Marinate the chicken the night before and cut all your veggies ahead of time. Assemble the skewers a few hours before grilling, keep them covered in the fridge, and you’ll be party-ready with minimal fuss.

Can I add more vegetables or swap in different ones?

Totally! Zucchini, mushrooms, or even cherry tomatoes are delicious additions to BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs. Just keep the pieces similar in size so everything grills evenly and gets that beautiful char.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are my go-to for easy summer grilling: they’re colorful, full of flavor, and reliably crowd-pleasing. Give them a try, and you’ll fall in love with every sweet and smoky bite — this might just become your new favorite way to barbecue!

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