Name: BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes; 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into chunks; 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces; 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces; 1 red onion, cut into wedges; ¾ cup barbecue sauce, plus more for brushing; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; Wooden or metal skewers

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If you’re searching for a surefire hit at your next cookout, look no further than BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs! With juicy, marinated chicken, sweet pineapple, vibrant bell peppers, and a caramelized barbecue glaze, these kabobs strike the perfect balance between smoky, savory, and tropical flavors. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser for both weeknight dinners and festive backyard gatherings, promising bright colors and bold taste in every bite. Once you try BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs, you’ll have friends and family begging for the recipe!

BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs is how a handful of fresh, colorful ingredients come together to create something magical. Each component plays its part, whether adding a burst of juiciness, a pop of color, or irresistible smoky flavor.

Chicken breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast absorbs the marinade beautifully and holds up perfectly on the grill.
Fresh pineapple: Pineapple chunks add juicy sweetness and a gorgeous golden char to your kabobs.
Red bell pepper: These offer a sweet crunch and a splash of vibrant red to each skewer.
Green bell pepper: Balances the flavor medley with a mild, earthy note and extra color.
Red onion: When grilled, red onion becomes tender and slightly caramelized for a touch of deep sweetness.
Barbecue sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce for both the marinade and basting — it’s the secret to that sticky, caramelized finish.
Olive oil: Helps the marinade coat every piece and keeps the chicken juicy as it cooks.
Soy sauce: Adds a subtle umami boost that makes the marinade irresistible.
Garlic powder: Gives a gentle background flavor without overpowering the dish.
Smoked paprika: This brings a light smokiness, perfect for amplifying those BBQ notes.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and tying all the flavors together.
Black pepper: For a tiny dose of warmth and depth.
Wooden or metal skewers: Skewers are the backbone of any great kabob; soak wooden ones so they won’t burn on the grill!

How to Make BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Step 1: Soak the Skewers

If you’re using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning on the grill and keeps your kabobs perfectly intact. It’s a small step, but it makes a big difference for hassle-free grilling.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mixture is both deliciously tangy and deeply flavorful, infusing the chicken with everything you love about summertime grilling.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Add your cubed chicken to the bowl, tossing to coat every piece thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor. This is where the magic starts — the chicken soaks in all those sweet, smoky, and savory notes.

Step 4: Assemble the Skewers

Grab your soaked wooden or metal skewers and start threading. Alternate chicken pieces with pineapple chunks, red and green bell peppers, and wedges of red onion. This not only makes your BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs look stunning but ensures an even mix of flavors on each skewer.

Step 5: Grill the Kabobs

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, lay the kabobs across the grates and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally so every side gets beautifully charred. During the final few minutes, brush extra BBQ sauce over the kabobs for a thick, sticky glaze. The aroma will tell you exactly when it’s time to eat!

Step 6: Rest and Serve

After grilling, let the kabobs rest for a few minutes before serving. This locks in all the juices and ensures the chicken stays tender and moist. Now, your BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are ready for their moment in the sun.

How to Serve BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley adds a burst of freshness and color on top of your BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs. For a zesty kick, try a squeeze of fresh lime or even a light dusting of chili flakes if you love a little heat.

Side Dishes

These kabobs pair beautifully with a simple bed of steamed rice, buttery corn on the cob, or a crisp green salad. If you want to keep the tropical vibe, try coconut rice or a mango salad alongside your BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs for a complete summer meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party twist, serve the kabobs right on the skewers atop a platter piled with extra grilled pineapple and peppers. Or, slide the chicken and veggies off the skewers onto a large salad, then drizzle with barbecue sauce for a hearty, colorful bowl. You can even tuck the kabob goodies into warm pita bread for BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabob wraps!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs (lucky you!), transfer them to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as they rest, making for a delicious next-day lunch.

Freezing

Kabobs freeze surprisingly well! Remove the chicken and veggies from the skewers and lay them flat in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze without sauce, and add a fresh brush of barbecue sauce when you reheat.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place the kabob pieces on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 10 minutes. You can also quickly reheat on the stovetop, or even pop them back on the grill for a few minutes to revive that smoky flavor.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Absolutely! If fresh pineapple isn’t available, canned pineapple chunks work perfectly. Just make sure to drain them well and pat dry before threading onto your BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs to keep the texture just right.

What grill is best for BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs?

Both gas and charcoal grills work wonderfully for these kabobs. If you’re cooking indoors, a grill pan or even the broiler can get you delicious results, though you might miss out on some of that distinctive smoky flavor.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

The chicken is done when it’s firm, no longer pink in the center, and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F. The pieces should be golden brown with a few tasty charred edges — just what you want in BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs.

Can I make these kabobs ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate and assemble the kabobs a few hours in advance, then keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to grill. This makes BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs very party-friendly and even more flavorful.

How can I make these kabobs spicier?

For a spicier twist, add a dash or two of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade. You can also sprinkle chili flakes over the finished kabobs for an extra heat boost when serving.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs: they’re juicy, vibrant, and bursting with unforgettable summer flavor. Whether you’re grilling for family or impressing friends at your next cookout, don’t be surprised when these kabobs disappear in a flash. Fire up the grill and give them a try — you’ll want them on repeat all season long!

BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are a perfect addition to your summer grilling repertoire. Tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and colorful peppers are skewered, grilled to perfection, and basted with a tangy barbecue sauce. A delicious and easy meal for any barbecue gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Kabobs:

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes

Pineapple and Veggies:

1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into chunks
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces
1 green bell pepper, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces
1 red onion, cut into wedges

Marinade:

¾ cup barbecue sauce, plus more for brushing
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Other:

Wooden or metal skewers

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Instructions

Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, combine barbecue sauce, olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Preheat Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken, pineapple, bell peppers, and onion onto skewers.
Grill Kabobs: Grill kabobs for 10–15 minutes, turning and brushing with extra barbecue sauce, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
Rest and Serve: Remove from grill, let rest, and serve hot.