BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe

Get ready to impress with BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs—a vibrant, juicy delight that bursts with sweet, smoky, and savory flavors in every bite. These colorful skewers are the kind of backyard-grilling magic that makes everyone gather around for seconds. Whether you’re craving a weeknight hit or planning your next cookout, this recipe combines tender marinated chicken, caramelized pineapple, and crisp veggies for one unforgettable meal. Trust me, BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are about to become your new summer obsession!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of kitchen staples and fresh produce to create these crowd-pleasers. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to keep the dish bold, juicy, and vibrant—every bite truly counts!

• Barbecue sauce: Adds that unmistakable smoky sweetness, making every bite sticky and flavorful.
• Teriyaki sauce: Brings a salty-sweet depth and gorgeous caramelization to the chicken.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic punch and a subtle kick that keeps the flavors lively.
• Freshly grated ginger: Lends warmth and brightness, balancing out the sweet elements.
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Stay tender and juicy after marinating, absorbing all those bold flavors.
• Fresh pineapple chunks: Grill up caramelized, juicy, and tangy—a perfect foil for the savory chicken.
• Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and vibrant color, plus a little crunch.
• Sweet onion: Turns extra tender on the grill with subtle sweetness that pairs with every other ingredient.
• Canola oil: Helps the kabobs grill perfectly without sticking, and brings veggies to glossy life.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of every bite.

How to Make BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Step 1: Mix Up Your Marinade

Start by combining the barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger in a medium bowl. Reserve half a cup of this luscious mixture—trust me, you’ll want it for basting later! The remaining marinade is where your chicken will get its flavor bath.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken chunks to a gallon-size Ziploc bag or a large bowl, then pour in your barbecue-teriyaki marinade. Give everything a nice toss so each piece is well coated. Refrigerate for at least two hours and up to eight hours, turning the bag occasionally. The longer it sits, the more flavorful and tender your chicken will be!

Step 3: Assemble the Kabobs

Drain the chicken from the marinade (discard any used marinade), and get ready for some kabob-building fun. Thread the marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, red bell pepper, and sweet onion onto skewers, rotating ingredients for a colorful effect. Brush those beautiful kabobs with canola oil and season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the assembled BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs directly on the grates. Grill for about 10 minutes, turning every couple of minutes so everything cooks evenly and gets those tasty grill marks. Once the chicken reaches 165 degrees F, brush on that reserved barbecue-teriyaki sauce and grill for another minute or so until caramelized and glossy.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Carefully remove the kabobs from the grill, let them rest a minute or two, and dive in while they’re still smoky, juicy, and piping hot. Each skewer is loaded with charred edges, sweet fruit, and succulent chicken—it’s a total flavor party.

How to Serve BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Garnishes

For an extra pop of freshness, sprinkle your kabobs with chopped cilantro or thinly sliced green onions. A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving adds a zingy brightness that makes every bite pop.

Side Dishes

These kabobs pair beautifully with coconut rice, grilled corn on the cob, a light cucumber salad, or even a quick slaw. Their sweet-savory profile also works wonders alongside classic potato salad or warm pita bread for a heartier spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Slide the BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs off their skewers and pile everything onto a platter for build-your-own rice bowls, wrap them in tortillas for tropical-inspired fajitas, or top a vibrant salad for a lighter meal. The combos are as fun as they are delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply slide any leftover kabob ingredients off their skewers and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors get even more intense overnight, making leftovers such a treat—perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the chicken (preferably before it’s grilled) in its marinade for up to two months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before grilling. Grilled kabobs can also be frozen, but the texture of the pineapple and peppers may change slightly on thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the kabob pieces in a skillet over medium-low heat, or pop them into the oven at 325 degrees F for about 10 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken tough and veggies soggy. A fresh brush of reserved sauce before reheating helps revive that just-grilled flavor!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs have a richer flavor and stay extra juicy on the grill. Just adjust cooking time as needed to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

What type of barbecue sauce is best for BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs?

It’s all about personal preference—choose a classic smoky sauce for depth, or try a spicy or honey-style barbecue sauce if you want to amp up the sweet or spicy notes.

Can I cook these kabobs indoors?

Of course! Use a grill pan or broil them in the oven. Just watch for caramelization and turn them regularly for even cooking—you’ll still get delicious results even without an outdoor grill.

Are wooden or metal skewers better?

Both work well. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Metal skewers hold up better on high heat and are reusable, making cleanup a breeze.

Can I add other vegetables to the skewers?

Definitely! Try adding zucchini slices, mushrooms, or even cherry tomatoes. Just be sure to cut everything into similar-sized pieces for even grilling.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs, now’s the time to fire up the grill and see why they’re a true crowd-pleaser! Sweet, savory, vibrant, and just plain fun, they’re guaranteed to bring a burst of sunshine to any table. So roll up your sleeves, gather your favorite people, and let these irresistible kabobs steal the show at your next meal!

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