If you’re hunting for that perfect summer meal that hits all the high notes—sweet, smoky, tangy, and seriously satisfying—look no further than BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs. This vibrant dish brings tender chicken, juicy pineapple, crisp bell peppers, and red onion together in an irresistible, easy-to-grill combo. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and a quick homemade marinade, you’ll have a colorful crowd-pleaser that’s as joyful to serve as it is to eat. Fire up the grill and get ready to fall in love with BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these kabobs lies in their simplicity—each ingredient has a role to play, whether that’s adding a pop of color, a smoky depth, or a juicy contrast. Gathering everything ahead of time makes prep a breeze and ensures your BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs turn out perfectly every single time.
- Chicken Breasts: Lean, boneless, and skinless, these soak up the marinade beautifully and grill up juicy and tender.
- Fresh Pineapple Chunks: Adds a burst of tropical sweetness and keeps the kabobs delightfully moist.
- Red Bell Pepper: Brings a mild, sweet flavor and eye-catching color contrast.
- Green Bell Pepper: Offers a slight crunch and classic peppery note to balance the other flavors.
- Red Onion: A little sharpness turns sweet as it grills, tying all the flavors together.
- Barbecue Sauce: Coats the chicken with tangy, smoky goodness and caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
- Olive Oil: Helps the marinade cling to the chicken and prevents sticking on the grill.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a punch of savory depth without any prep.
- Smoked Paprika: Infuses the kabobs with a subtle smokiness, intensifying that BBQ flavor.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Season to taste so every bite is deliciously balanced.
- Wooden or Metal Skewers: Just remember to soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
How to Make BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by tossing your chicken cubes into a large bowl along with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good mix, ensuring every piece is evenly coated. Pour in a generous amount of barbecue sauce, stirring again so the marinade hugs every morsel. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, though up to 2 hours will give you even bolder flavor. The longer it sits, the more infused with BBQ magic your chicken becomes!
Step 2: Prep the Pineapple and Vegetables
While the chicken is soaking up all those smoky, garlicky notes, chop your pineapple, bell peppers, and red onion into uniform, 1-inch pieces. This ensures everything cooks evenly and makes your kabobs look extra tempting. Prepping your produce ahead of time also means you can assemble your skewers in no time flat when the chicken is ready.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Fire up your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are glowing and covered with a thin layer of gray ash; for gas grills, aim for a temp of about 375 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. A hot, clean grill is the secret to those gorgeous char marks and smoky flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Kabobs
Now comes the fun part! Thread the marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, bell pepper pieces, and red onion onto your skewers, alternating for a rainbow effect. Leave a little space between each item so the heat can circulate and everything cooks evenly. Not only do BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs look beautiful, but this step ensures every bite is a perfect medley of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Place the assembled kabobs on the preheated grill. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally so each side gets kissed by the flames. Brush on extra barbecue sauce during the last few minutes for an irresistible glaze. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is fully cooked and the edges have a light char—just the way a great kabob should be.
How to Serve BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
Garnishes
Garnishing takes your BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs from backyard casual to absolutely stunning. A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley adds a bright pop of color and herbaceous zing. For a touch of heat, scatter on a few sliced green onions or a pinch of red pepper flakes. A quick squeeze of lime over the top is my secret weapon—trust me, it makes every flavor sing.
Side Dishes
These kabobs are ultra-versatile, pairing beautifully with all your summer favorites. Fluffy rice or coconut rice soak up that extra BBQ and pineapple juice. Try a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette to keep things light and fresh. Grilled corn on the cob or roasted sweet potatoes make crave-worthy, hearty sides. No matter what you choose, BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs always steal the show.
Creative Ways to Present
Set out the kabobs on a wooden platter for a rustic family-style feel, or serve each person a pair over a bed of rice for a colorful main course. For a playful twist, slide the ingredients off the skewers and toss them into a grain bowl or stuff into warm pitas with crunchy slaw and extra BBQ sauce. However you serve them, BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs always make a memorable centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let your kabobs cool completely before removing them from the skewers. Transfer everything to an airtight container and refrigerate. BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making them great for meal prep or quick next-day lunches.
Freezing
Want to enjoy the smoky-sweet magic of BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs later on? Simply freeze cooked kabob pieces (remove them from the skewers first) in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag once they’re firm. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
To warm up leftovers, spread them on a baking sheet and heat in a 350°F oven until hot, about 10 to 12 minutes. You can also toss them into a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second bursts. Add an extra drizzle of barbecue sauce before reheating to keep everything juicy and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Absolutely! While fresh pineapple caramelizes beautifully and adds a natural tang, canned pineapple chunks work in a pinch. Just drain them well to avoid excess moisture on the grill.
What type Main Course
Go with your favorite barbecue sauce—whether it’s smoky, sweet, or spicy. If you want to mix things up, try a honey BBQ or a chipotle-style sauce for a unique twist on classic BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Marinating the chicken (even for just 30 minutes) keeps it incredibly juicy, and grilling over medium-high heat seals in the moisture. Avoid overcooking by removing kabobs as soon as the chicken is opaque and the juices run clear.
Can I make these in the oven instead of grilling?
You sure can! Arrange your assembled kabobs on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil about 6 inches from the heat for 12 to 15 minutes, turning once and brushing with extra barbecue sauce halfway through.
Are BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs gluten-free?
They absolutely can be, as long as your barbecue sauce is gluten-free. Always double-check the label to be sure, and you’re all set for a worry-free meal!
Final Thoughts
If you’re dreaming about a dish that brings sunshine to the table and smiles all around, give BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs a try. They’re easy, colorful, and bursting with flavor—a guaranteed hit for any occasion. Your grill (and your taste buds) will thank you!
Print
BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are a perfect combination of sweet and savory, with tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and colorful bell peppers grilled to perfection. A delicious and easy dish for summer cookouts or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
- ½ cup barbecue sauce (plus extra for brushing)
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and ½ cup barbecue sauce. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Prepare the Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Assemble Kabobs: Thread chicken, pineapple, bell peppers, and onion onto skewers.
- Grill: Cook kabobs for 10–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.
- Finish: Brush with more barbecue sauce in the last few minutes of grilling. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade.
- Kabobs can also be cooked under the broiler if a grill isn’t available.
- Great served over rice or with a fresh summer salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 kabobs
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
