BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe

Get ready to meet your new summer grilling obsession: BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs. Sweet, smoky, tangy, and just a little bit tropical, these kabobs will have everyone hovering by the grill, just waiting for their turn to snag a juicy skewer fresh off the flames.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a mile-long shopping list to make flavor-packed BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs. Just a handful of fresh, vibrant ingredients come together in the most colorful and crave-worthy way. Here’s what makes each one special:

• Barbecue sauce: This is your smoky-sweet foundation, adding instant grill-house flavor.
• Teriyaki sauce: Brings depth, tang, and a hint of savory umami to the marinade.
• Garlic (freshly minced): Adds warmth and aromatics for maximum mouthwatering appeal.
• Freshly grated ginger: Bright, slightly spicy, and essential for balancing out the sweetness—don’t skip this!
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into hearty chunks, these soak up all that marinade and stay juicy on the grill.
• Fresh pineapple chunks: Grilling caramelizes these beauties, making them candy-like and totally irresistible.
• Red bell pepper: For bursts of color and a hint of sweetness, these are kabob classics for a reason.
• Sweet onion: Adds mellow sweetness that plays perfectly with pineapple and peppers.
• Canola oil: A quick brush keeps your kabobs from sticking and helps the veggies char beautifully.
• Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper: The finishing seasonings that make everything sing.

Variations

The beauty of BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs is how endlessly adaptable they are. Don’t hesitate to get creative or tweak based on what’s in your fridge or your family’s dietary needs—you really can’t go wrong!

• Swap the Protein: Try shrimp, pork, or tofu cubes for a different twist—just adjust cooking times as needed.
• Go Veggie-Heavy: Load up with mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for a plant-forward version with even more color and crunch.
• Add a Spicy Kick: Toss in red pepper flakes or drizzle with sriracha to turn up the heat.
• Sauce Swap: Experiment with honey mustard, chipotle BBQ, or even a coconut aminos-ginger glaze for a fun flavor change.

How to Make BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Step 1: Mix Up That Marinade

Whisk together the barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger in a bowl. This dynamic combo is what gives your chicken and veggies their signature, crowd-pleasing flavor—so don’t rush this step!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Pour the marinade (save about ½ cup for later) over your chicken chunks in a large bag or bowl. Toss to coat every piece, seal tightly, and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours—or up to 8 for max flavor. The longer the soak, the juicier the end result!

Step 3: Skewer and Season

Alternate threading marinated chicken, pineapple, red bell peppers, and sweet onion onto skewers. Brush with canola oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper—this helps everything caramelize and stay tender on the grill.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Fire up your grill to medium heat. Grill the kabobs, turning every few minutes so they cook evenly on all sides. In about 10 minutes, the chicken should be perfectly cooked—just check for 165°F inside—while the pineapple and veggies are beautifully charred.

Step 5: Brush, Sizzle & Serve

Once your kabobs are nearly finished, quickly brush them with the reserved marinade and let them cook another 1–2 minutes. This glossy finishing touch adds even more flavor and irresistible stickiness. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!

How to Serve BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Garnishes

Just before serving, sprinkle your kabobs with a handful of fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for a vibrant finish. A squeeze of lime juice takes the flavors over the top and delivers a zesty contrast to the smoky sweetness.

Side Dishes

These kabobs are happiest alongside coconut rice, grilled corn, or even a summery slaw. For a lighter touch, serve over a bed of crisp greens or with a simple cucumber salad to keep things fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs in lettuce wraps for a fun, hands-on twist. For a family-style feast, pile the kabobs high on a big platter with extra grilled pineapple rings and colorful veggies—we eat with our eyes first!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, remove the chicken and veggies from the skewers and pop them in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they’ll stay tasty for up to 3 days—hello, easy weekday lunches!

Freezing

You can also freeze cooked BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs. Simply cool, remove from skewers, and store in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, pop everything in a skillet over medium-low heat or warm the kabob pieces gently in the oven at 300°F until heated through. Splash a little extra sauce if needed to keep things juicy—microwaving works in a pinch, too!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t say enough about how fun, easy, and downright delicious these BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are. They’re pure summer joy on a stick, and I hope you’ll give them a spot on your next menu—trust me, your grill (and your taste buds) will thank you!

Print