There is something truly magical about the combination of sweet pineapple and smoky grilled chicken, which is exactly why the BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites to whip up for friends and family. This dish bursts with vibrant colors and a symphony of flavors, marrying tangy barbecue sauce with the warm, aromatic notes of teriyaki, garlic, and ginger. Each bite offers a juicy, caramelized finish that keeps everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or just craving something fresh and exciting for dinner, these kabobs deliver a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe is super straightforward because the ingredients are simple, fresh, and each plays a vital role in flavor, texture, or color. From the tender chicken to the crisp bell pepper and juicy pineapple, every component shines.
- Barbecue sauce: Adds that classic smoky, tangy base that makes your kabobs irresistible.
- Teriyaki sauce: Brings a sweet-savory depth and beautiful glaze to the chicken pieces.
- Garlic, minced: Gives an aromatic warmth that complements both the sauces and veggies.
- Freshly grated ginger: Introduces a fresh, slightly spicy zing that wakes up the palate.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, easy to cut into uniform chunks for even grilling.
- Fresh pineapple chunks: Provide juicy bursts of sweetness that perfectly balance the savory flavors.
- Red bell pepper: Adds crunch, vivid color, and subtle sweetness to brighten the kabobs.
- Sweet onion: Contributes natural sweetness and softness once grilled to complement all the textures.
- Canola oil: Helps to lightly coat the skewers for crisping without sticking.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate every bite.
How to Make BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by mixing the barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger in a medium bowl. This sauce is where all the magic begins, building a bold, tangy, and aromatic base that will soak right into the chicken, making each bite bursting with flavor.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Next, toss the chunks of chicken breast into a resealable bag and pour in all but 1/2 cup of the marinade, reserving that for basting later. Let the chicken soak up those vibrant flavors for at least two hours or, if you can be patient, overnight. This slow marinating process transforms the chicken into juicy, deeply flavored morsels that will caramelize beautifully on the grill.
Step 3: Assemble Your Kabobs
Now for the fun part! Carefully thread the marinated chicken chunks, fresh pineapple pieces, red bell pepper, and sweet onion onto skewers in any pattern you like. A good mix of colors and textures not only looks appealing but makes every bite exciting. Once assembled, brush your kabobs lightly with canola oil and sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for that balanced seasoning.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Heat your grill to medium-high and place the skewers on the grate. Turn them every few minutes to ensure even cooking and beautiful grill marks. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, about 10 minutes, then brush generously with the reserved marinade to add a final punch of sticky, saucy goodness. Let them sizzle on the grill for 1-2 more minutes to set the glaze perfectly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once off the grill, serve your kabobs immediately for that fresh, smoky, juicy experience. The mix of tender chicken, caramelized pineapple, and sweet grilled veggies will have you hooked from the very first bite.
How to Serve BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes can take your BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe from great to unforgettable. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or green onions on top for a burst of color and freshness. A squeeze of lime juice adds a zesty brightness that complements the sweet and smoky flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded meal, serve these kabobs alongside fluffy coconut rice, a crisp green salad, or even grilled corn tossed with a little chili-lime butter. You can also keep it simple with some warm pita bread or a light cucumber salad to refresh the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not get a bit creative? Try serving your kabobs on a platter lined with extra pineapple rings and sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds. You could even use colorful veggies on skewers to match your party’s theme or build individual kabob plates with small bowls of dipping sauces on the side for guests to customize their bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any kabobs left over (though that rarely happens), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making for a tasty next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked marinated chicken pieces separately before assembling the kabobs. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and then assemble and grill as usual. Cooked kabobs don’t freeze as well due to texture changes, so it’s better to grill fresh whenever possible.
Reheating
For reheating, gently warm the kabobs in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also give them a quick turn on a hot grill or a cast-iron skillet to bring back some of that fresh-off-the-barbecue flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have a bit more fat and stay extra juicy on the grill, which works great with the marinade in this BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe. Just adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers before grilling?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling prevents them from burning or catching fire, helping you grill safely and successfully.
Can I make the marinade spicier?
Of course! Feel free to add a dash of cayenne pepper, some chopped fresh chilies, or a splash of hot sauce to the marinade to give the kabobs a spicy kick that suits your palate.
What if I don’t have a grill? Can I cook kabobs indoors?
No grill? No problem! You can cook these kabobs under the broiler, on a grill pan, or even a hot cast-iron skillet. Just keep an eye to avoid burning and turn skewers often for even cooking.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
Marinating the chicken for at least 2 hours is ideal to absorb those beautiful flavors, but you can marinate overnight for even deeper taste. Avoid going beyond 24 hours as the acid from the sauces may start to break down the texture too much.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing quite like the joy of biting into perfectly grilled BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe that bring together vibrant, fresh ingredients with that irresistible sweet and smoky glaze. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat. If you’re looking for a dish bursting with flavor, beautiful colors, and sunny vibes, these kabobs are waiting to become your next delicious go-to. So grab your skewers, fire up the grill, and get ready to impress everyone you’re lucky enough to share them with!
Print
BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 27 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are a perfect combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. Tender chicken chunks are marinated in a flavorful blend of barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, garlic, and ginger, then threaded onto skewers with fresh pineapple, red bell pepper, and sweet onion. Grilled to perfection and brushed with a tangy reserved sauce, these kabobs make a delicious and colorful meal perfect for summer cookouts or quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Marinade
- â…” cup barbecue sauce
- â…” cup teriyaki sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 sweet onion, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade. Reserve ½ cup of this marinade separately and set aside for later use during grilling.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken chunks into a large Ziploc bag or a sealed container. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken, seal, and refrigerate. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor, turning occasionally to ensure all pieces absorb the marinade evenly. When ready to cook, drain the chicken pieces.
- Assemble Kabobs: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken chunks alternately with pineapple chunks, red bell pepper pieces, and sweet onion pieces onto skewers. Brush each assembled skewer lightly with canola oil, then season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Grill Kabobs: Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. Use a food thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). During the last 1-2 minutes of grilling, brush the kabobs with the reserved marinade sauce for extra flavor and caramelization.
- Serve: Remove the kabobs from the grill once cooked through and sauced. Serve immediately while hot for the best taste experience. These kabobs pair wonderfully with a side of rice, fresh salad, or grilled vegetables.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling helps prevent them from burning.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure the barbecue and teriyaki sauces are certified gluten-free.
- Chicken can be substituted with firm tofu or shrimp for alternative protein options.
- For extra smoky flavor, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the marinade.
- Marinating overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
