Light up the grill and savor summer in every smoky bite of these BBQ pineapple chicken kabobs, where caramel‑sweet pineapple meets tender, juicy chicken on a skewer. These BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are a quick, flavorful way to bring vibrant, tropical energy to your dinner table—ideal for weeknights or your next backyard cookout.
What Makes These BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Irresistible
- Delicious sweet and smoky flavor combo
- Easy to prep and grill in under 30 minutes
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or sauces
- Great for entertaining or family meals
Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Pineapple Skewers
- 1 ½ pounds of boneless chicken breast (skin removed), sliced into bite‑size cubes
- 1 fresh pineapple, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped into squares
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped into squares
- 1 red onion, chopped into chunks
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (any variety you like)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers — soak wooden or bamboo sticks in water for about 30 minutes to prevent scorching on the grill.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil and soy sauce, then dust with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly, cover, and chill for a minimum of 30 minutes so the flavors can infuse.
Step 2: Prep the Veggies
While the chicken marinates, chop your pineapple, peppers, and onion into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Step 3: Assemble the Kabobs
Thread chicken, pineapple, peppers, and onion onto skewers in any order you like.
Step 4: Grill the Kabobs
Preheat your grill to medium-high. Grill the kabobs for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally. During the last few minutes, brush BBQ sauce over each side.
Step 5: Serve
Lift the BBQ pineapple‑chicken skewers off the grill, set them on a platter to rest for 2–3 minutes, and serve with a small bowl of extra barbecue sauce for dipping.
Storage Tips for Your Pineapple BBQ Chicken Recipe
Transfer any remaining kabobs to a tightly sealed container and refrigerate them—they’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to three days. To enjoy them again, simply warm them up on the grill or in the oven until heated through. For longer storage, marinated chicken and chopped pineapple can be frozen separately for up to 2 months. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked by checking that it hits an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Perfect Pairings for Your BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
These kabobs taste amazing served over fluffy rice, paired with a refreshing salad, or next to some smoky grilled corn on the cob. They also pair well with tropical drinks like pineapple juice spritzers or lime-infused iced tea.
Conclusion
Ready to upgrade your grilling game? BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are simple, colorful, and bursting with bold flavor. Try them out tonight and bring a taste of the tropics to your table.
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What Is the Best Thing to Marinate Meat In?
FAQs About BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
Can I bake the kabobs instead of grilling?
Yes—bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway and brushing with sauce near the end.
What veggies work well here?
Zucchini, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes make great additions or substitutions.
Is canned pineapple okay?
For the best flavor and grill marks, fresh pineapple is ideal—but if you’re short on time, well-drained canned pineapple can be a handy alternative.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the skewers a few hours ahead and keep covered in the fridge until ready to grill.
BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are the ultimate summer meal—juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and colorful vegetables grilled to perfection. Brushed with your favorite barbecue sauce and served with classic sides like rice, grilled corn, and fresh salad, this easy-to-make dish is bursting with tropical flavor and char-grilled goodness.
Ingredients
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1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
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1 fresh pineapple, peeled and cut into bite-sized chunks
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1 red bell pepper, cut into 1.5-inch squares
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1 green bell pepper, cut into 1.5-inch squares
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1 red onion, cut into wedges
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½ cup BBQ sauce, plus more for serving
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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12 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions
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Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine chicken, olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. -
Prepare the Vegetables and Pineapple
While the chicken marinates, cut pineapple, bell peppers, and red onion into even chunks to ensure uniform cooking. -
Assemble the Kabobs
Thread chicken, pineapple, bell pepper, and red onion onto soaked skewers, alternating for a colorful presentation. -
Grill the Kabobs
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place kabobs on the grill and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally. Brush with BBQ sauce during the last 2–3 minutes of grilling. -
Serve
Remove kabobs from grill, let rest for 2–3 minutes, and serve hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
Notes
Substitutions: You can swap pineapple for mango or peaches if desired.
Vegetables: Zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes also work well.
Indoor Option: If you don’t have a grill, broil the kabobs on high for 10–12 minutes, turning once.
Meal Prep Tip: You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for deeper flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 kabobs
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: BBQ pineapple chicken kabobs, grilled chicken skewers, summer chicken recipe, pineapple chicken skewers, tropical grilled chicken