BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe

If you’re looking for a summery dinner that’s equal parts effortless and impressive, these BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are about to earn a permanent spot in your grilling rotation. Each skewer packs a punch of bold barbecue flavor, juicy chicken, caramelized pineapple, and colorful peppers. Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or want to savor a weeknight meal with a tropical twist, BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are the ultimate way to bring freshness, color, and a burst of sweetness to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs lies in their short ingredient list, each one chosen to give a pop of taste, color, or texture. Nothing complicated here—just a handful of vibrant, everyday ingredients that shine on the grill and play so well together.

• Chicken breast: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breast for tender, lean bites that soak up all that smoky-sweet barbecue sauce.
• Fresh pineapple: This is the kabob’s star—cut into chunks, it caramelizes beautifully on the grill and adds that craveable tropical tang.
• Red bell pepper: Sliced into squares, these bring a sweet crunch and gorgeous red color to every skewer.
• Red onion: Cut into wedges, red onion gains a mellow sweetness and gorgeous char marks over the flames.
• BBQ sauce: Use your favorite variety—classic, smoky, or spicy—to glaze everything with irresistibly sticky flavor.
• Olive oil: A little drizzle keeps things juicy and prevents sticking while grilling.
• Salt and pepper: Just a sprinkle enhances all the natural flavors and balances out the sweetness.
• Wooden or metal skewers: If using wooden, soak them in water for 30 minutes to keep them from burning on the grill.

How to Make BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Marinade

Start by cutting the chicken breasts into even, bite-sized cubes—aim for about 1 to 1.5-inch pieces so they cook evenly. Place the chicken in a mixing bowl, drizzle with olive oil, a pinch of salt and pepper, and two generous tablespoons of your favorite BBQ sauce. Toss well to coat, cover, and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours if you have time). This not only infuses the chicken with barbecue goodness but keeps it extra juicy on the grill.

Step 2: Prep the Pineapple and Veggies

While the chicken marinates, peel and core the fresh pineapple, then slice it into hearty cubes, about the same size as your chicken pieces. Roughly chop the red bell pepper and red onion into similarly-sized chunks or squares. Keeping everything uniform ensures the kabobs cook evenly and look absolutely picture-perfect when served.

Step 3: Skewer and Assemble

Thread the marinated chicken, pineapple, bell pepper, and red onion onto your prepared skewers, alternating for a rainbow effect. Leave just a touch of space between each piece so the heat can circulate and the edges can caramelize. If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to pre-soak them so they don’t burn. The assembly is the fun part—get the kids involved to make it a true family affair!

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Preheat your grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates. Place the kabobs on the grill in a single layer. Cook for 10–12 minutes, turning every 3–4 minutes, until the chicken is beautifully charred and cooked through. During the last couple of minutes, brush on extra BBQ sauce for a glossy, finger-licking finish. The pineapple will get caramelized, the peppers soften, and the aroma is guaranteed to tempt everyone to the table.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once the BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are done, transfer them to a platter and let them rest for a few minutes. This locks in the juices and keeps everything tender. Now they’re ready to be devoured—time to dig in!

How to Serve BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Garnishes

Finish your BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs with a shower of fresh chopped cilantro, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or even sliced green onions. A squeeze of lime over the top right before serving adds a bright, zesty kick that really wakes everything up.

Side Dishes

These kabobs shine alongside fluffy coconut rice, grilled corn on the cob, or a simple mixed greens salad with a citrusy vinaigrette. For a satisfying meal, serve with crusty bread to scoop up all the extra barbecue sauce, or pair with a cool cucumber salad to balance the sticky-sweet flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a backyard BBQ, arrange finished skewers over a bed of fresh greens on a big platter and scatter with colorful edible flowers for a festive vibe. Hosting a party? Slice the skewers off their sticks and serve fajita-style with warm tortillas, salsa, and avocado. These BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs also make a whimsical appetizer at any summer gathering—mini skewers or toothpicks work brilliantly!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover kabobs will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Slide everything off the skewers before storing for easier packing and reheating. The flavors only deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to!

Freezing

You can freeze cooked BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs for up to two months. Place the cooled chicken, pineapple, and veggies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a zipper bag or container. This method helps maintain their texture and prevents sticking.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the kabobs gently in a 350°F oven or in a covered skillet over medium heat until heated through. Splash a spoonful of water or extra BBQ sauce over the top before reheating to keep everything moist and saucy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully in BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs, delivering extra juiciness and a slightly richer flavor. Just be sure to cut them into even pieces for the best grilling results.

Do I have to use a grill?

No grill, no problem! You can bake these kabobs on a lined baking sheet at 425°F, flipping halfway through, or even use an indoor grill pan. They’ll still deliver that irresistible BBQ taste.

Can I make BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the skewers up to a day in advance. Store them covered in the fridge (uncooked), then grill right before serving for the freshest flavor and texture.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

This recipe works with any style BBQ sauce you love, from smoky and spicy to sweet and tangy. Make it your own, or experiment with homemade sauces for personalized flavor.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Definitely! Zucchini, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes are all delicious additions to BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs. Just keep pieces similar size for even cooking.

Final Thoughts

Firing up the grill for BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs is the kind of easy, shareable dinner that makes any meal feel like a celebration. It’s a recipe that invites color, fun, and flavor to your table—so gather your favorite people, put together a few skewers, and enjoy a tropical-inspired feast that’s sure to become a go-to favorite!

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