Bbq Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe

Get ready to fire up the grill for an absolute summer showstopper—Bbq Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe are here to steal the spotlight! Imagine juicy chunks of tender chicken, vibrant red peppers, sweet onions, and the magical pop of fresh pineapple, all caramelized and sticky from a smoky-sweet blend of barbecue and teriyaki sauce. This dish is a total crowd-pleaser, perfect for backyard gatherings or a breezy weeknight dinner that’s anything but ordinary. There’s nothing like threading these colorful morsels onto skewers, grilling until charred and glossy, then diving into a feast that’s savory, fruity, and completely irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Trust me, you won’t need a crazy-long list to create major flavor with these kabobs. Each ingredient plays a big part in bringing out the perfect balance of saucy, tangy, savory, and sweet in every bite.

• Barbecue sauce: A smoky, sticky base for the marinade that builds bold flavor and irresistible caramelization on the grill.
• Teriyaki sauce: Sweet and salty, this sauce layers in that essential umami punch and helps everything stay extra juicy.
• Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic gives an aromatic depth that melds beautifully with both sauces.
• Freshly grated ginger: Adds a zingy warmth that brightens the flavors and gives the marinade a little lift.
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Choose fresh, plump chicken for the most tender, grill-friendly kabobs.
• Fresh pineapple chunks: The magic ingredient—sweet pineapple chars beautifully and melds with the savory chicken.
• Red bell pepper: For a pop of bright color and crunchy, sweet flavor in each bite.
• Sweet onion: When grilled, it turns wonderfully soft and caramelized, tying everything together.
• Canola oil: Brushing the skewers helps achieve that perfect blistered exterior on the grill.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the other flavors to life.

How to Make BBQ PINEAPPLE CHICKEN KABOBS

Step 1: Mix Up the Saucy Marinade

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. The combination should look wonderfully glossy and smell mouthwatering. Don’t forget to scoop out 1/2 cup of this mixture and set it aside for later basting—trust me, that’s the secret to an extra saucy finish on these BBQ PINEAPPLE CHICKEN KABOBS.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken pieces in a large Ziploc bag or bowl, then pour in the marinade (not the reserved portion). Make sure every piece of chicken is generously coated—give the bag a few gentle turns to work the marinade in. Let the chicken hang out in the fridge for at least 2 hours and up to 8 hours; the longer, the better for ultimate tenderness and flavor.

Step 3: Skewer Time!

When your chicken is ready, drain off the marinade. Now comes the fun part: alternate threading the marinated chicken, juicy pineapple chunks, bright bell pepper squares, and sweet onion pieces onto skewers. Brush them all over with a little canola oil, then sprinkle salt and black pepper to taste. The colors alone will have you grinning!

Step 4: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium heat. Lay the assembled skewers directly onto the grill grates and cook, turning every few minutes, until the chicken is golden and cooked through—about 10 minutes total. You’re looking for beautiful grill marks and a tempting char on the edges.

Step 5: Baste and Finish

With about 1–2 minutes left, grab your reserved marinade and brush it generously over the BBQ PINEAPPLE CHICKEN KABOBS. Let them sizzle just long enough for the sauce to get bubbly and caramelized—this extra step takes your kabobs to flavor town and seals in all that juicy goodness.

How to Serve BBQ PINEAPPLE CHICKEN KABOBS

Garnishes

A little flourish goes a long way here! Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or parsley over your kabobs just before serving for a burst of herby color. If you love heat, a few thinly sliced green onions or a scatter of red pepper flakes can add an extra punch without overpowering those bold barbecue and pineapple flavors.

Side Dishes

These kabobs are incredible with a side of coconut rice, a crisp green salad, or even some buttery grilled corn. If you’re looking for something extra summery, try a watermelon and feta salad or a bright lime slaw. Each adds a refreshing contrast to the sticky-sweet kabobs, making the whole meal feel like a mini tropical getaway.

Creative Ways to Present

For a seriously fun BBQ spread, arrange your BBQ PINEAPPLE CHICKEN KABOBS on a long platter piled high with extra pineapple wedges and lime halves. Or, serve them over a bed of fluffy rice for a build-your-own bowl moment. At parties, separate the skewers and serve as party bites—everyone will want to dive in!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, slide any remaining chicken, pineapple, and veggies off the skewers and tuck them into an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for lunches or quick dinners!

Freezing

If you want to stash some away for later, simply place the cooled, cooked pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze for up to 2 months. To preserve texture, it’s best to freeze the kabob ingredients off the stick instead of as assembled skewers.

Reheating

Warm your leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring gently until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, covered, for about a minute per serving. If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating so everything stays tender and juicy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are slightly fattier, which means even more juiciness and flavor—just make sure to trim any excess fat before cutting into 1-inch pieces.

Do I have to use fresh pineapple?

Fresh pineapple is best for this recipe, since it caramelizes so beautifully on the grill, but well-drained canned pineapple works in a pinch if you’re short on time or out of season.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No worries! You can broil the kabobs in the oven by setting them on a foil-lined baking sheet and rotating every few minutes until cooked and blistered, just like BBQ PINEAPPLE CHICKEN KABOBS grilled outdoors.

Can I prep these in advance for a party?

Definitely! You can marinate the chicken overnight and thread the kabobs a few hours ahead—just keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to grill.

Is there a vegetarian version?

For a veggie spin, swap the chicken for cubes of extra-firm tofu or portobello mushrooms, and use your favorite barbecue sauce with a splash of extra teriyaki for maximum flavor. The method for BBQ PINEAPPLE CHICKEN KABOBS works beautifully with vegetables too!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something that’s equal parts fun, festive, and downright delicious, you absolutely need to try these BBQ PINEAPPLE CHICKEN KABOBS. They’re a guaranteed hit with foodies and picky eaters alike, and once you try that sweet, smoky, and saucy combo, you’ll want to make them on repeat. Fire up your grill, grab those skewers, and let the cookout magic begin!

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