Name: BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks; 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks; 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks; 1/2 red onion, cut into chunks; olive oil for brushing skewers; 1 cup barbecue sauce; 2 tablespoons pineapple juice (optional); salt and pepper to taste

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Get ready to fire up your grill and brighten up your plate—this BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe is what summer (or any grill-worthy day) is all about. Juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and colorful veggies meld together with a sticky, sweet-and-savory barbecue glaze, making every bite a celebration. This dish is as visually vibrant as it is flavorful, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether you’re serving family or friends. Plus, it’s quick, healthy, and absolutely mouthwatering!

BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe is how it transforms just a handful of simple ingredients into something spectacular. Each element plays a crucial role in building those layers of flavor, juicy texture, and that irresistible pop of color on your skewers.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to cut, quick to cook, and soak up all that tasty BBQ flavor.
Fresh pineapple chunks: Nothing beats the juicy sweetness of fresh pineapple—they caramelize beautifully on the grill and add a burst of tropical flavor.
Red bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and a subtle sweetness that balances the tangy barbecue sauce.
Green bell pepper: Offers a crisp bite and a grassy depth that keeps things vibrant on your kabobs.
Red onion: Brings a gentle sharpness and luscious sweetness once charred on the grill.
Barbecue sauce: Go with your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce to personalize your kabobs—smoky, spicy, or sweet, it’s up to you!
Pineapple juice (optional): A splash of pineapple juice thins out the barbecue sauce and gives it even more tropical flair.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to make the chicken sing.
Olive oil: A quick brush keeps everything juicy and ensures your kabobs won’t stick to the grill.

How to Make BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Skewers

If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill. This is a crucial little trick that keeps your BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe looking and tasting perfect every time.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a large bowl, toss your cubed chicken breasts with salt and pepper. These basic seasonings set the stage for the barbecue sauce and help the chicken flavor shine through with every bite.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

Whisk together your barbecue sauce and pineapple juice (if you’re using it) in a separate bowl. This dreamy duo is the secret behind that sticky, sweet-and-tangy finish that makes this BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe so special.

Step 4: Thread the Kabobs

Alternately thread the chicken, pineapple, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and red onion onto the skewers. The key is to mix up the colors and flavors for the most eye-catching and delicious kabobs.

Step 5: Oil and Grill

Lightly brush the kabobs with olive oil to keep everything extra juicy and to make sure nothing sticks. Place them on a preheated grill set to medium-high heat and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning every few minutes so all sides get a chance to char and caramelize.

Step 6: Brush with Sauce

During the last 5 minutes on the grill, generously brush your kabobs with the barbecue and pineapple glaze. This gives them that glossy, mouthwatering finish—the hallmark of any great BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe!

Step 7: Serve

Once the chicken hits an internal temperature of 165°F, pull those kabobs off the grill and brush with even more sauce if you dare. Serve them hot and enjoy the compliments!

How to Serve BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe

Garnishes

Add chopped fresh cilantro, sliced scallions, or a squeeze of lime right before serving. These small but mighty additions boost the fresh, bright flavors and add a little extra flair to your BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe platter.

Side Dishes

A simple bed of steamed rice, a fresh summer salad, or grilled corn on the cob pairs beautifully here. You can also round things out with potato salad or a cool cucumber slaw for a true backyard barbecue feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try serving each skewer standing upright in a bowl of rice or arrange them on a large platter with pineapple leaves for a tropical touch. Mini kabobs also make fantastic appetizers for a crowd—just cut everything smaller and use toothpicks instead.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Just remove the skewers and transfer the pieces into an airtight container for easy lunches or dinner later in the week.

Freezing

If you want to make a batch in advance, freeze uncooked, threaded kabobs on a sheet pan, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling for best results, but you can also freeze cooked kabobs for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop the kabob pieces in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or warm them in a 350°F oven until heated through. A quick brush of extra barbecue sauce will refresh their flavor and juiciness!

FAQs

Can I use other fruits or veggies in this BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe?

Absolutely! Mango, peaches, or even cherry tomatoes work beautifully. Just make sure everything is cut to similar sizes so the kabobs cook evenly.

What’s the best barbecue sauce for these kabobs?

It all depends on your taste. A smoky sauce adds depth, a sweet sauce amplifies the pineapple, and a spicy sauce gives the kabobs a fiery kick. Try a few and see which you love most with this BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe!

Can I bake these instead of grilling?

Definitely. Line a baking sheet with foil, arrange your kabobs, and bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, turning and brushing with sauce as you would on the grill.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free barbecue sauce, your BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe is completely gluten-free—perfect for sharing with everyone.

How do I prevent the wooden skewers from burning?

Soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading. This step is simple but saves your skewers (and your kabobs) from burning on the grill.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like gathering around the grill and sharing a meal that’s as flavorful and colorful as these BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or a kabob newbie, this recipe is sure to become a staple at your cookouts and weeknight dinners alike. Go ahead, grab your skewers, and let’s make your next meal unforgettable!

BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 32 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are a perfect blend of sweet and savory, with tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and colorful peppers grilled to perfection and glazed with barbecue sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Kabobs:

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
1/2 red onion, cut into chunks
olive oil for brushing skewers

For the BBQ Sauce:

1 cup barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons pineapple juice (optional)
salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Preheat the Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, season the chicken cubes with salt and pepper.
Prepare the BBQ Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix barbecue sauce and pineapple juice if using.
Assemble the Kabobs: Thread chicken, pineapple, bell peppers, and onion alternately onto skewers. Lightly brush with olive oil.
Grill the Kabobs: Place kabobs on the grill and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning every few minutes.
Glaze with BBQ Sauce: During the last 5 minutes, brush generously with the barbecue sauce and cook until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F).
Final Touches: Remove from grill and brush with more sauce if desired. Serve hot.