If you’re craving a burst of tropical sweetness combined with smoky, tangy BBQ flavor, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Pineapple BBQ Chicken Kabobs Recipe. Picture juicy chicken cubes, charred to perfection alongside colorful bell peppers, red onions, and caramelized pineapple chunks, all kissed by a sticky, flavorful barbecue glaze. It’s a vibrant, mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for summer grilling or anytime you want a fun, bright meal that gets everyone excited at the table. Trust me, once you try these kabobs, they’ll become your go-to for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or an easy crowd-pleasing treat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You really only need a handful of simple, fresh ingredients to create this stunning burst of flavor. Each one plays a crucial role: the chicken brings hearty protein, the peppers and onions add crunch and color, while the pineapple lends sweetness and juiciness that balance perfectly with the tangy barbecue sauce. Let’s look at exactly what you’ll want on hand before you start grilling.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 pound): Cubed for quick grilling and even cooking.
- Green peppers (2 small): Cut into 1.5 inch squares for vibrant color and mild flavor contrast.
- Red peppers (2 small): Adds sweetness and a pop of beautiful red to your kabobs.
- Red onion (1 whole): Chunked to bring a mild sharpness that softens beautifully on the grill.
- Pineapple chunks (2 cups): Use fresh or canned for juicy sweetness that caramelizes when grilled.
- Barbecue sauce (3/4 cup): The luscious base of your marinade providing tangy, smoky depth.
- Pineapple juice (3 tablespoons): Intensifies the pineapple flavor and tenderizes the chicken slightly.
- Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): A subtle umami boost that ties the marinade together perfectly.
How to Make Pineapple BBQ Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Step 1: Assemble the Kabobs
Start by threading your chicken cubes, green and red pepper pieces, onion chunks, and pineapple onto skewers in an alternating pattern. Alternating the ingredients ensures every bite is a delightful mix of savory, sweet, and crunchy textures. Using colorful peppers and onion along with golden pineapple chunks not only amps up the flavor but makes the kabobs visually irresistible.
Step 2: Marinate
Whisk together your barbecue sauce, pineapple juice, and soy sauce to create a flavorful marinade that perfectly balances sweet, smoky, and savory notes. Place your assembled kabobs in a shallow dish and brush on about one-third of this marinade, making sure to spoon it out to keep things hygienic (never dip the brush directly). Let the kabobs marinate in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to soak up that irresistible tang.
Step 3: Grill the Kabobs
Preheat your grill to medium and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place your kabobs on the grill and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, turning frequently. This frequent turning helps cook the chicken evenly and ensures every side is beautiful and charred just right. As they cook, brush with the remaining marinade to keep the kabobs moist and layered with flavor. When the chicken is cooked through and your vegetables are tender but crisp, you’re ready to serve!
How to Serve Pineapple BBQ Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or chopped green onions adds a fresh herbaceous note that complements the smoky barbecue beautifully. For a little extra zing, a light drizzle of lime juice over the finished kabobs lifts all those delicious flavors even further. A few sesame seeds lightly toasted on top can also bring a little crunchy nuttiness that’s surprisingly addictive.
Side Dishes
Pineapple BBQ Chicken Kabobs pair wonderfully with simple sides that don’t compete but rather complement their bold flavor. Think fluffy coconut rice for a tropical vibe or a crisp garden salad with a citrus vinaigrette to brighten the meal. Grilled corn on the cob or a refreshing coleslaw with a hint of sweetness would also round out the plate perfectly and keep the summery spirit alive.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, consider serving your kabobs on a large wooden board with small bowls of extra barbecue sauce and pineapple chutney for dipping. You can also slide the cooked kabobs off the skewers and serve the chicken and veggies over a bed of warm quinoa or mixed greens for a deconstructed salad style. Wrapping a few pieces of kabob in warm tortillas with some slaw creates a fun and casual handheld meal that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the kabobs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop even more after sitting overnight, making the next day’s meal just as tasty. Simply remove the kabobs from the skewers for easier storage.
Freezing
While fresh is best for kabobs, you can freeze the cooked chicken and vegetables separately to maintain quality. Freeze in individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, and use within 2 months for optimal flavor. Avoid freezing the marinade or pineapple as their texture may change after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until warmed through, turning once midway. You can also reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth over medium heat, which helps keep the chicken juicy and vegetables tender without drying out the kabobs.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a bit more juiciness and flavor. Just be sure to cut them into even cubes so they cook evenly along with the vegetables and pineapple.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers before grilling?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading your ingredients helps prevent them from burning on the grill, ensuring safe and easy cooking.
Can I make these kabobs in the oven instead of grilling?
You can! Arrange the kabobs on a baking sheet lined with foil and roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through and brushing with remaining marinade until the chicken is cooked and edges are slightly caramelized.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this Pineapple BBQ Chicken Kabobs Recipe?
Definitely! Replace the chicken with firm tofu cubes or thick slices of portobello mushrooms. They soak up the marinade wonderfully and grill beautifully alongside the peppers, onions, and pineapple.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I add heat?
This recipe is mild and kid-friendly, but feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes before grilling if you prefer a bit of heat.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the joy of grilling kabobs that deliver a perfect harmony of sweet pineapple, smoky chicken, and vibrant vegetables. This Pineapple BBQ Chicken Kabobs Recipe is an absolute winner that’s simple to prepare, endlessly enjoyable, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Next time you fire up the grill, give these kabobs a go—you’ll be sharing this favorite with friends and family for years to come!
Print
Pineapple BBQ Chicken Kabobs Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 kabobs
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
These Pineapple BBQ Chicken Kabobs are a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, combining tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, red onion, and juicy pineapple chunks. Marinated in a tangy BBQ sauce mixture and grilled to perfection, these kabobs make a delicious and vibrant meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into cubes)
- 2 small green peppers (cut into 1.5 inch squares)
- 2 small red peppers (cut into 1.5 inch squares)
- 1 red onion (cut into chunks)
- 2 cups pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
Marinade
- 3/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 3 tablespoons pineapple juice (from can or fresh drippings)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Instructions
- Assemble kabobs: Thread chicken cubes, green and red pepper squares, red onion chunks, and pineapple chunks alternately onto skewers to create colorful kabobs.
- Marinate: In a small bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, pineapple juice, and soy sauce. Place the assembled kabobs in a shallow dish and brush about one-third of the marinade onto them, making sure to spoon out the marinade first to avoid contaminating the rest. Refrigerate and let marinate for 15-20 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Grill: Preheat a grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the kabobs on the grill and cook for 12-15 minutes, turning frequently to ensure even cooking. Brush remaining marinade on the kabobs throughout grilling. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked through and vegetables are tender.
Notes
- Use wooden or metal skewers; if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before assembling to prevent burning.
- You can substitute the barbecue sauce with your favorite homemade or store-bought variety for different flavor profiles.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for variety.
- Make sure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Serve kabobs with a side of rice or salad for a complete meal.
