If you’re craving something vibrant, juicy, and packed with a delightful balance of sweet and smoky flavors, this BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender chicken bites marinated in a luscious blend of barbecue and teriyaki sauce, threaded alongside fresh pineapple, red bell pepper, and sweet onion, then perfectly grilled to charred, caramelized goodness. It’s a fun, colorful dish that brightens any table and delivers big on flavor, whether you’re feeding the family or entertaining friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe shines because of its simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create a symphony of taste and texture. Each component plays an important role, from the tangy marinades that tenderize the chicken, to the juicy pineapple and crisp veggies that add bursts of sweetness and crunch.
- ⅔ cup barbecue sauce: Adds a smoky, tangy base that coats the chicken beautifully.
- ⅔ cup teriyaki sauce: Brings a subtle sweetness and umami depth that balances the barbecue flavors.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the marinade with aromatic warmth.
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger: Adds a bright, slightly spicy kick that elevates the dish.
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks: Tender and lean protein, perfect for skewering and grilling.
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks: Sweet and juicy, these caramelize on the grill for a delicious contrast.
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces: Adds vibrant color and a mild sweetness.
- 1 sweet onion, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces: Offers a slightly sharp bite that softens when grilled.
- 2 tablespoons canola oil: Keeps the kabobs from sticking to the grill and adds a subtle richness.
- Kosher salt, to taste: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Provides a mild heat and depth.
How to Make BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together the barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger in a medium bowl. This marinade is the heart of your kabobs, delivering a gorgeously balanced flavor that’s sweet, tangy, and just a little spicy. Be sure to set aside half a cup of this mixture to brush on the kabobs later for a shiny, delicious glaze.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Pop the chicken chunks into a large resealable bag or bowl, then pour over the majority of the marinade. Letting the chicken soak in these bold flavors for at least two hours, or overnight if you have the time, really tenderizes the meat and deepens the taste. Make sure to turn the chicken occasionally so every bite is irresistibly juicy and flavorful.
Step 3: Assemble the Kabobs
Drain the chicken pieces to avoid soggy kabobs and start threading your skewers. Alternate chicken, pineapple chunks, red bell pepper, and sweet onion for a colorful, balanced kabob that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Once assembled, brush with canola oil, then season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the natural sweetness and bring out the smoky grilled notes.
Step 4: Preheat the Grill
Get your grill or grill pan to a medium heat, making sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled. This preparation prevents sticking and helps you get those gorgeous grill marks that scream “barbecue!”
Step 5: Grill the Kabobs
Place the kabobs on the grill and turn them occasionally so each side gets perfectly charred. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, which should take about 10 minutes. During the last couple of minutes, brush on the reserved marinade to create a caramelized glaze that seals in all the juices and elevates the flavor to the next level.
Step 6: Serve
Once off the grill, serve your BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe immediately to enjoy the juicy, freshly grilled taste at its best. The combination of smoky chicken, caramelized pineapple, and tender veggies will make it impossible to resist second helpings.
How to Serve BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes add a fabulous finishing touch. Sprinkle chopped cilantro or thinly sliced green onions over the kabobs to introduce a bright herbal note. A squeeze of lime juice just before serving adds an extra layer of zest that complements the sweet and smoky flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
These kabobs pair wonderfully with fluffy white rice or a vibrant quinoa salad to soak up all those delicious juices. For a refreshing contrast, serve alongside a crisp green salad or some grilled corn on the cob brushed with butter and a hint of chili powder.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the kabobs over a bed of coconut rice and drizzle with a little extra barbecue sauce for a tropical feel. You can also deconstruct the kabobs and toss the grilled ingredients into a fresh tortilla with avocado and a dollop of sour cream for delicious BBQ pineapple chicken tacos. The possibilities are endless and just as tasty!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making for easy meals or snacks during the week.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the kabobs, it’s best to do so before grilling. Assemble the skewers and freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling fresh.
Reheating
To reheat cooked kabobs, warm them gently in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, a quick grill or stovetop grill pan heat can refresh the flavors and give you a bit of that crispy char again.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and more forgiving on the grill, making them a fantastic alternative for this BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers before grilling?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes helps prevent them from burning on the grill, ensuring safe and easy handling.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap chicken for firm tofu or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini for a tasty vegetarian version of this BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe.
What can I use if I don’t have teriyaki sauce?
A mix of soy sauce, a little honey or brown sugar, and a splash of rice vinegar or orange juice can mimic teriyaki’s sweet-salty flavor quite well.
How long should I marinate the chicken for best flavor?
At least 2 hours is great, but marinating overnight really lets the flavors penetrate deeply and tenderize the chicken thoroughly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful and satisfying about threading colorful ingredients onto skewers and grilling them to perfection, and this BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe captures that spirit beautifully. It’s a dish that brings both flavor and fun to your table, and I promise you’ll want to make it again and again. So why wait? Fire up the grill and enjoy every bite of this exciting flavor adventure!
Print
BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are a delicious and colorful combination of marinated chicken, fresh pineapple, bell peppers, and onions, grilled to perfection and glazed with a tangy barbecue-teriyaki sauce. Perfect for a summer cookout or a flavorful family dinner, these kabobs deliver a balance of sweet and savory flavors with tender, juicy chicken and vibrant vegetables.
Ingredients
Marinade
- ⅔ cup barbecue sauce
- ⅔ 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 the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger until well combined. Reserve 1/2 cup of this mixture and set aside for glazing later.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken chunks in a gallon-size Ziploc bag or large bowl. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken, seal or cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight, turning occasionally to ensure even marinating.
- Assemble the Kabobs: Drain the chicken from the marinade. Thread the chicken pieces alternately with pineapple chunks, red bell pepper pieces, and sweet onion pieces onto skewers for an appealing color and flavor combination. Brush the assembled kabobs with canola oil, then season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your outdoor grill or grill pan to medium heat. Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent the kabobs from sticking.
- Grill the Kabobs: Place the kabobs on the grill and cook, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, approximately 10 minutes. In the last 1-2 minutes of grilling, brush the kabobs with the reserved barbecue-teriyaki sauce mixture for a flavorful glaze.
- Serve: Remove the kabobs from the grill and serve immediately. Garnish as desired to enhance presentation and flavor.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
- Use soaked wooden skewers or metal skewers to prevent burning on the grill.
- Make sure to oil the grill grates to avoid sticking.
- Check the internal temperature of chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking.
- These kabobs can also be cooked under a broiler if a grill is not available.
