These BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs combine the sweet tanginess of pineapple with savory barbecue and teriyaki flavors for a perfect grilling masterpiece. The marinade infuses the chicken with a complex flavor profile, while the colorful vegetables and fresh pineapple create a vibrant and delicious meal. Perfect for summer cookouts or year-round grilling, these kabobs deliver a taste of the tropics right to your backyard.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

– Perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that appeal to both adults and kids
– Easy to prepare ahead of time, making it ideal for entertaining
– Customizable with your favorite vegetables or protein alternatives
– Visually stunning presentation with vibrant colors that brighten any dinner table
– Complete meal on a stick with protein, fruit, and vegetables all in one dish

Ingredients

– Barbecue Sauce: Choose a high-quality barbecue sauce with a flavor profile you enjoy – sweet, smoky, or spicy varieties all work well.
– Teriyaki Sauce: Adds an umami-rich Asian flavor dimension that complements the barbecue sauce perfectly.
– Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides an aromatic base that infuses throughout the marinade.
– Ginger: Freshly grated ginger adds a bright, slightly spicy note that pairs wonderfully with the pineapple.
– Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breast chunks stay juicy when properly marinated and cooked.
– Pineapple: Fresh pineapple chunks caramelize beautifully on the grill and release sweet juices that flavor the entire kabob.
– Red Bell Pepper: Adds vibrant color, sweetness, and a slight crunch to contrast with the tender chicken.
– Sweet Onion: Becomes tender and slightly caramelized when grilled, adding depth of flavor.
– Canola Oil: Helps prevent sticking and promotes beautiful grill marks.
– Seasonings: Simple kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper enhance all the flavors without overpowering.

Variations

Hawaiian Twist
Add cubes of ham alongside the chicken for a Hawaiian pizza-inspired kabob. The saltiness of the ham pairs beautifully with the sweet pineapple and creates a more complex flavor profile.

Spicy Sriracha Version
Add 1-2 tablespoons of sriracha to the marinade for a spicy kick. This variation works especially well for those who enjoy the contrast of sweet and heat. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes over the kabobs before serving.

Vegetarian Option
Replace the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, cut into similar-sized cubes. Marinate the plant-based protein just as you would the chicken, though you may only need 1 hour of marination time instead of 2 hours.

Tropical Expansion
Include additional tropical fruits like mango chunks or peaches alongside the pineapple for an even more fruit-forward kabob experience. These fruits also grill beautifully and complement the flavors in the marinade.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Combine the barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger in a medium bowl, stirring until well incorporated. Set aside a 1/2 cup portion of this mixture for basting later. This reserved portion prevents cross-contamination and ensures you have fresh, uncontaminated sauce for the final glaze.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken chunks in a gallon-sized ziplock bag or large bowl and pour the remaining marinade over it. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight but no longer than 8 hours. Turn the bag occasionally to ensure even marination. When ready to cook, drain the chicken from the marinade, discarding the used marinade.

Step 3: Assemble the Kabobs
Thread the marinated chicken chunks, pineapple pieces, bell pepper, and onion onto skewers, alternating ingredients for both visual appeal and flavor distribution. Brush the assembled kabobs with canola oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the kabobs on the grill and cook, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. Continue until the chicken is completely cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F, which typically takes about 10 minutes. In the final minutes of cooking, brush the kabobs with the reserved barbecue sauce mixture and grill for an additional 1-2 minutes to caramelize the sauce.

Tips for Making the Recipe

– If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning during grilling
– Cut all ingredients into similar-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes) to ensure even cooking
– Don’t overcrowd your skewers—leave a small space between each piece to allow heat to circulate
– Maintain a medium heat on your grill; too high will burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked
– Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F
– For a more consistent cook, consider arranging similar items on the same skewer (all chicken on one, all vegetables on another)

How to Serve

These BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs make a stunning presentation when served on a large platter with fresh herbs scattered around for garnish. You can serve them still on the skewers for a dramatic presentation, or remove the ingredients from the skewers and serve over a bed of coconut rice or quinoa to absorb all the delicious juices.

A side of cool cucumber salad or Asian slaw provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet and savory kabobs. For a complete meal, consider serving with grilled corn on the cob brushed with a bit of the same barbecue-teriyaki glaze.

These kabobs pair wonderfully with tropical beverages like a pineapple mocktail, coconut water, or for adults, a crisp white wine like Riesling or Pinot Grigio that complements the sweet and savory notes.

Make Ahead

These kabobs are perfect for meal prep and can be prepared in stages:

The marinade can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just be sure to reserve the portion for basting before adding raw chicken.

Chicken can marinate for 2 hours minimum, but for best results, marinate overnight (up to 8 hours maximum). Beyond that, the acids in the marinade may start to break down the proteins too much.

You can prepare and assemble the kabobs up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to grill. This makes them perfect for entertaining as you can do all the prep work beforehand.

Leftover cooked kabobs will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They make excellent meal prep and can be reheated in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned pineapple chunks if fresh isn’t available. Just make sure to drain them well and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which can affect grilling. Fresh pineapple will caramelize better, but canned will still provide good flavor.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
The key is not to overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F. The marinade also helps keep the meat moist, which is why the minimum 2-hour marination time is important. Finally, cutting the chicken into evenly sized pieces ensures they all cook at the same rate.

Can I make these kabobs in the oven?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 425°F and place the assembled kabobs on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken reaches 165°F internally. Brush with the reserved sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

What’s the best way to cut pineapple for kabobs?
Start by cutting off the top and bottom of the pineapple. Stand it upright and slice away the outer skin in downward strips. Cut the pineapple in half lengthwise, then into quarters. Remove the core from each quarter, then cut into 1-inch chunks. For kabobs, slightly larger chunks (about 1 to 1.5 inches) work best as they hold up better during grilling.

Conclusion

These BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs bring together the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in a visually stunning presentation that’s sure to impress. The dual sauce marinade infuses the chicken with incredible depth of flavor, while the grilled pineapple adds a caramelized sweetness that elevates this dish beyond ordinary kabobs. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just want to bring some tropical flair to your weeknight dinner, these kabobs deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. Fire up your grill and transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise with these irresistible skewers of deliciousness!

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