Whether you’re grilling for a backyard get-together or just craving a taste of summer, BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are your golden ticket to a flavorful, sunny meal. The irresistible combination of smoky barbecue sauce, juicy pineapple, and perfectly charred vegetables make every bite bright, sweet, and utterly delicious. Plus, the vibrant colors popping off each skewer guarantee they’re every bit as beautiful as they are tasty. If you love zesty, easy meals with a tropical twist, these kabobs belong at the top of your must-make list!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs is how a few simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients come together to create something unforgettable. Each one brings color, texture, or a punch of flavor — together, they deliver mouthwatering results.
- Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless, and cut into cubes for quick grilling and tender bites.
- Fresh Pineapple Chunks: Sweet, tangy, and caramelizes beautifully on the grill for a tropical finish.
- Red Bell Pepper: Adds a pop of sweetness and vibrant color to every skewer.
- Green Bell Pepper: Balances with gentle bitterness, rounding out all the other flavors.
- Red Onion: Provides both savory depth and pretty purple color as it softens over the grill.
- Barbecue Sauce: A smoky-sweet glaze that ties all the ingredients together as they cook.
- Pineapple Juice: Infuses extra fruitiness into the marinade, keeping everything juicy.
- Olive Oil: Helps the marinade coat the chicken and assists with grilling to avoid sticking.
- Garlic Powder: Brings a mellow, garlicky kick to the flavor base.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds gentle warmth and an extra smoky note to every bite.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the natural flavors.
- Wooden or Metal Skewers: Because you can’t make kabobs without something to thread it all together!
How to Make BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
Step 1: Prep Your Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes so they won’t burn on the grill. It’s a quick, easy trick that keeps everything running smoothly once you’re ready to assemble your BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs.
Step 2: Make the Flavorful Marinade
In a large bowl, blend your barbecue sauce, pineapple juice, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This is where all the magic happens — the marinade will make your chicken plump, juicy, and packed with bold, tangy-sweet flavor.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Add your chicken cubes to the bowl, tossing to coat every single piece evenly. Let them soak up the marinade in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours if you can wait that long for extra tenderness). The longer you marinate, the more mouthwatering your BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs will be.
Step 4: Assemble the Kabobs
Now for the fun part: Build your skewers by alternating chicken, pineapple, red and green bell pepper, and red onion. Switch up the order for bursts of color — each skewer looks irresistible before it even hits the grill.
Step 5: Time to Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high. Lay out your kabobs and grill for 10 to 12 minutes, turning regularly and brushing with extra barbecue sauce for extra flavor. You want the chicken fully cooked and a little char around the edges — that’s when you know the BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are absolute perfection.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once your kabobs are beautifully grilled, let them rest for a few minutes so all those tasty juices can settle. Then get ready to dig in and taste the summer-inspired freshness!
How to Serve BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, or a squeeze of lime juice works wonders over hot BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs, adding an extra layer of brightness and zing to each bite. Even a scattering of toasted sesame seeds creates a beautiful finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Pair your kabobs with fluffy white rice, coconut rice, or a simple quinoa salad for a filling meal. Add grilled corn on the cob, a crisp green salad, or even a scoop of homemade coleslaw to create a fresh and well-rounded picnic plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Slide kabobs off the skewer onto a platter for easy sharing, or serve individually for a restaurant-style look. Try layering them into pita pockets, wraps, or over a vibrant grain bowl to transform BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs into a totally new (and totally delicious) dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Separate the skewers from the fresh garnishes to keep everything tasting vibrant and fresh.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, remove the chicken and veggies from the skewers and store them in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll stay tasty for up to two months; just be sure to thaw thoroughly in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For the freshest flavor, reheat BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until piping hot. A brief zap in the microwave works in a pinch, but the grill or oven helps retain their delicious charred edges.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Canned pineapple works in a pinch, just drain it well and be aware that it might be a bit sweeter and softer than fresh, but your BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs will still taste fantastic.
How can I make these kabobs spicier?
For a kick of heat, add a splash of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade. You can also thread jalapeño slices on the skewers if you really want to fire things up!
Can I bake BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs instead of grilling?
Definitely! Line a baking sheet with foil and bake at 425°F for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through. You’ll still get all those juicy flavors with a slightly different texture.
What other proteins can I use?
Try swapping the chicken breast for boneless thighs, shrimp, or even cubes of firm tofu for a vegetarian version. Each brings its own delicious twist to BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Chicken is safe to eat when its internal temperature reaches 165°F. You’ll also notice the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink in the center — easy signs your BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are good to go.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow friends and family with a dish that’s as colorful as it is crowd-pleasing, give BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs a whirl. They turn even the simplest weeknight into a vacation-worthy meal. Fire up your grill and let this recipe bring a burst of fun, tropical flavor to your table!
Print
BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes (plus marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, with juicy chicken, fresh pineapple, and colorful bell peppers grilled to perfection. They are easy to make and great for summer grilling.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Kabobs:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 small red onion, cut into wedges
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, mix barbecue sauce, pineapple juice, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken, coat well, and marinate for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
- Preheat Grill: Heat grill to medium-high.
- Assemble Kabobs: Thread chicken, pineapple, peppers, and onion onto skewers.
- Grill Kabobs: Grill for 10–12 minutes, turning and basting with sauce until cooked through.
- Serve: Rest kabobs briefly before serving.
Notes
- Fresh pineapple enhances flavor.
- For spicier kabobs, add hot sauce to marinade.
- Kabobs can be baked at 425°F for 20–25 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
