Get ready to fire up your grill and treat your taste buds to the ultimate BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe! This dish is truly summer on a stick: juicy chicken, vibrant bell peppers, sweet pineapple, and smoky barbecue sauce all come together to create a party of flavors and colors. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at your next cookout or shake up your weeknight dinner routine, these kabobs are as fun to make as they are delicious to eat. Trust me, once you try this BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe, it’ll become a fast favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, but don’t let that fool you: each ingredient is carefully chosen to bring out the best in every bite. From the smoky sweetness of the barbecue sauce to the juicy pop of pineapple, every element adds something special to the BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and cut into hearty 1.5-inch cubes for tender, juicy bites that hold up perfectly on the grill.
- Fresh pineapple chunks: Nothing beats the burst of sweetness and slight caramelization you get from grilling fresh pineapple.
- Red bell pepper: Adds color, crunch, and a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the smoky flavors.
- Red onion: Chunky pieces mellow out on the grill, lending a savory depth and gorgeous color.
- Barbecue sauce: Choose your favorite style—sweet, spicy, or smoky—to dress the kabobs and add that irresistible glaze.
- Olive oil: Helps the marinade cling to every piece of chicken, ensuring a juicy, flavorful result.
- Soy sauce: Brings a savory backbone and a hint of umami to balance the sweetness.
- Garlic powder: Adds bold flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Smoked paprika: For a whisper of smoky depth that really makes these kabobs sing.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the dish to perfection—taste as you go!
- Wooden or metal skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them so they don’t char on the grill.
How to Make BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Skewers
If you’re opting for wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before you start assembling your kabobs. This simple step is crucial—it keeps the skewers from burning on the grill and ensures that all your hard work stays intact. Metal skewers are a great reusable option and don’t need soaking.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Add the chicken cubes, tossing them to coat thoroughly in the flavorful marinade. Cover and pop the bowl in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours if you’ve got time). The longer the chicken soaks, the more mouthwatering each bite will be!
Step 3: Assemble the Kabobs
Once your chicken has marinated and your skewers are ready, it’s time to get creative! Thread the chicken, pineapple chunks, red bell pepper, and red onion onto the skewers, alternating ingredients for a vibrant rainbow effect. Not only does this make the kabobs look irresistible, but it also ensures every bite is balanced.
Step 4: Fire Up the Grill
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Arrange the kabobs in a single layer and let them sizzle, turning every few minutes and brushing with extra barbecue sauce as you go. Grill for 10 to 12 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred at the edges. The aroma will make it hard to wait!
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once off the grill, give your kabobs a couple of minutes to rest. This helps the juices redistribute so every bite is perfectly tender and moist. Serve them up hot and watch as they disappear!
How to Serve BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley adds a burst of color and freshness to the finished kabobs. If you like a bit of heat, try adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of chili flakes. And don’t forget a final brush of warm barbecue sauce for that extra glossy finish!
Side Dishes
BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice, a crisp green salad, or grilled corn on the cob. For a heartier meal, try serving alongside couscous, roasted potatoes, or even a cool pasta salad. The possibilities are endless, making it easy to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun and festive touch, serve your kabobs upright in a tall glass or jar, or lay them across a platter lined with fresh pineapple rings. You can even remove the ingredients from the skewers and toss them over a bed of greens for a colorful kabob salad. However you serve them, the BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe is sure to steal the spotlight!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare!), allow the kabobs to cool before sliding the ingredients off the skewers and storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and veggies for up to 2 months. Simply arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and they’ll still taste fantastic.
Reheating
To reheat, spread your kabob ingredients on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. For a quicker option, microwave in short bursts, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of barbecue sauce to keep everything moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
You can use canned pineapple chunks in a pinch, but fresh pineapple gives the kabobs a much juicier texture and a caramelized sweetness when grilled. If using canned, be sure to drain them well and pat dry before threading onto skewers.
What type Main Course
This BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe is wonderfully adaptable! Use your favorite barbecue sauce, whether it’s smoky, tangy, sweet, or spicy. Each variety brings a different personality to the dish, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
Can I make these kabobs in the oven?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill, arrange the assembled kabobs on a baking sheet and roast in a 425°F oven for about 15-18 minutes, turning halfway through. Finish with a quick broil for a slightly charred effect.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Be sure to use gluten-free barbecue sauce and gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Double-check all labels and you’re good to go.
Can I prep the kabobs ahead of time?
Definitely. You can marinate the chicken and chop all the veggies a day in advance. Assemble the kabobs up to several hours before grilling and keep them covered in the fridge. This is a great way to save time when entertaining!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe! It’s easy, colorful, and bursting with flavor—exactly the kind of dish that turns an ordinary meal into a celebration. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself, these kabobs are guaranteed to bring big smiles around your table. Fire up the grill and enjoy!
Print
BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs featuring juicy marinated chicken, fresh pineapple, and colorful vegetables, grilled to perfection and brushed with flavorful barbecue sauce. Perfect for summer grilling and a healthy, gluten-free main course option.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (plus more for brushing)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables and Fruit
- 1 1/2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
Additional
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes)
Instructions
- Soak Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
- Prepare Marinade and Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken cubes and toss well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, ensuring it’s hot enough to get a nice char but not so hot to burn the kabobs.
- Assemble Kabobs: Thread the marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, red bell pepper pieces, and red onion chunks alternately onto the skewers for an appealing look and balanced flavor.
- Grill Kabobs: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally. While grilling, baste the kabobs with additional barbecue sauce to enhance moisture and flavor. Grill until chicken is cooked through with a slight char.
- Rest and Serve: Remove kabobs from grill and let them rest for 2 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Notes
- Use your favorite barbecue sauce—whether spicy, sweet, or smoky—to tailor the flavor to your preference.
- Serve the kabobs over rice, a fresh salad, or alongside grilled corn for a complete and satisfying meal.
- If using wooden skewers, soaking them in water is essential to prevent burning on the grill.
- For gluten-free options, ensure your barbecue sauce and soy sauce are labeled gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 kabobs
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
