If you are craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings together sweet, smoky, and savory all at once, you’re going to love this BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe. Imagine tender chunks of chicken perfectly marinated in a blend of barbecue and teriyaki sauces, grilled alongside juicy pineapple, bell peppers, and onions for that perfect char and caramelized finish. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal that’s both summery and satisfying. It’s great for weekend cookouts, casual dinners, or whenever you want to impress with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing a key role in creating the dynamic flavor profile and appealing texture of the BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe. From the tangy sauces to the fresh produce, you’ll see how every component contributes to the final magic on your grill.
- â…” cup barbecue sauce: Adds smoky, sweet depth that coats the chicken beautifully.
- â…” cup teriyaki sauce: Brings a savory-sweet umami that complements the BBQ sauce perfectly.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the marinade with aromatic warmth and subtle pungency.
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger: Offers a zingy, fresh brightness to balance the sweet and savory.
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks: The star protein that’s lean and cooks quickly on the grill.
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks: Provide juicy sweetness and a tropical tang.
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces: Adds vibrant color and a mild, sweet crunch.
- 1 sweet onion, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces: Contributes caramelized sweetness when grilled.
- 2 tablespoons canola oil: Helps keep kabobs from sticking and ensures even grilling.
- Kosher salt, to taste: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Adds a hint of heat and depth to the marinade and seasoning.
How to Make BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by combining the barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a medium bowl. Whisk these together until they form a smooth, harmonious marinade. Don’t forget to set aside about half a cup of this mixture for glazing later—that final touch will elevate the flavor once the kabobs hit the grill.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Next, place your chicken chunks in a large sealable bag or bowl, then pour most of the marinade over them. Seal it up, or cover the bowl tightly, and let the chicken soak in all those delicious flavors in the refrigerator for at least two hours. If you can plan ahead, overnight marination will make the chicken incredibly tender and flavorful. Toss the chicken around occasionally to ensure even coverage of the marinade.
Step 3: Assemble the Kabobs
Once marinated, drain the chicken well to avoid flare-ups on the grill. Thread the chicken, pineapple chunks, red bell pepper pieces, and onion pieces onto skewers in an alternating pattern. This creates a beautiful balance of color and flavor on each skewer. Lightly brush the kabobs with canola oil, and season them with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste for just the right seasoning.
Step 4: Preheat the Grill
Fire up your outdoor grill or heat a grill pan over medium heat. Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled so your kabobs don’t stick and you get those perfect grill marks.
Step 5: Grill the Kabobs
Place the kabobs on the grill and cook, turning every couple of minutes so each side gets evenly charred and cooked. It usually takes about 10 minutes for the chicken to reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F. For the last few minutes, brush the kabobs with the reserved barbecue sauce mixture to build a sticky, flavorful glaze that really makes these kabobs shine.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, carefully remove the kabobs from the grill and serve them hot. The combination of smoky chicken, caramelized pineapple, and grilled veggies creates an irresistible medley of flavors that will have everyone going back for seconds.
How to Serve BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or sliced green onions. These add a vibrant burst of color and extra layers of flavor that complement the savory and sweet notes perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair these kabobs with light and fresh sides such as a crisp garden salad, coconut rice, or grilled corn on the cob. The refreshing crunch balances the smoky texture of the kabobs, making the whole meal feel well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving your kabobs on a large wooden board with extra pineapple chunks and lime wedges for squeezing. For a fun twist, place them atop lettuce leaves or pita pockets for an easy handheld meal that’s perfect for casual get-togethers or picnics.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This keeps the chicken tender and prevents the grilled veggies from becoming soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked kabobs by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to two months. Just defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, use an oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat gently on a grill or stovetop to maintain that charred flavor while preventing the chicken from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great choice because they stay juicy and flavorful, especially on the grill. Just cut them into similar-sized chunks to ensure even cooking time.
Is it necessary to soak wooden skewers before using them?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading helps prevent them from burning on the grill, making your kabob experience much safer and easier.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or large mushroom chunks. Marinate and grill them the same way for a delicious vegetarian take on the BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe.
How long should I marinate the chicken for best results?
At least two hours is ideal to let the flavors fully penetrate, but overnight marination will give you the most tender and flavorful chicken every time.
What if I don’t have a grill? Can I cook these kabobs indoors?
Yes, a grill pan on the stove or even a broiler in your oven works great. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning and turn frequently for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor, colorful, and easy to prepare, this BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe is a fantastic go-to. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines the best of tangy, sweet, and smoky in every bite. Grab your skewers, fire up the grill, and get ready for a meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Print
BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors with tender marinated chicken, juicy pineapple chunks, and vibrant vegetables grilled to perfection. Marinated in a delicious combo of barbecue and teriyaki sauce with garlic and ginger, these kabobs deliver a tasty and colorful meal ideal for outdoor grilling and summer gatherings.
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
Finishing
- 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 the mixture is well combined. Reserve 1/2 cup of this marinade for later glazing.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken chunks in a gallon-size Ziploc bag or large bowl. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken, seal the bag or cover the bowl, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight, turning occasionally to ensure even marination.
- Assemble the kabobs: Drain the chicken from the marinade. Thread the chicken pieces, pineapple chunks, red bell pepper pieces, and sweet onion pieces alternately onto skewers for a colorful presentation. Brush the kabobs lightly with canola oil and season them with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Preheat the grill: Heat an outdoor grill or grill pan to medium heat. Clean the grates thoroughly and oil them lightly to prevent sticking.
- Grill the kabobs: Place the assembled kabobs on the preheated grill. Cook, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, approximately 10 minutes. During the last 1-2 minutes, brush the kabobs with the reserved barbecue sauce mixture to create a flavorful glaze.
- Serve: Remove the kabobs from the grill and serve immediately. Garnish as desired for a beautiful presentation and enjoy the delightful combination of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent burning on the grill.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper based on personal taste.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked to 165°F for food safety.
- These kabobs can be made with other proteins or vegetables as preferred.
