Name: BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: ⅔ cup barbecue sauce; ⅔ cup teriyaki sauce; 3 cloves garlic minced; 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger; 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch chunks; 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks; 1 red bell pepper cut into 1 ½-inch pieces; 1 sweet onion cut into 1 ½-inch pieces; 2 tablespoons canola oil; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

These BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are packed with sweet and savory flavors that make for the perfect summer meal.
The combination of barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, and fresh pineapple adds a deliciously tropical twist to your chicken, while the grilled bell pepper and onion provide the perfect crunch.
Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or enjoying a weeknight dinner, these kabobs are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs offer a perfect balance of flavors:
The grilled chicken is marinated in a blend of barbecue sauce and teriyaki sauce, giving it a rich, smoky-sweet flavor.
The addition of fresh pineapple adds a burst of tropical sweetness, which pairs beautifully with the savory bell pepper and onion.
Grilling the kabobs brings out the best of all the ingredients, creating a tender, juicy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for summer grilling.

Ingredient Highlights

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the perfect protein for kabobs, providing a lean and tender texture.
Pineapple: The fresh pineapple chunks add a sweet and juicy element that contrasts beautifully with the savory marinade.
Bell Pepper & Onion: Bell peppers and sweet onions add both color and crunch to the kabobs, complementing the chicken and pineapple perfectly.
Marinade: The blend of barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, garlic, and ginger infuses the chicken with rich, savory flavors.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Marinating the Chicken: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours (or up to 8 hours). The longer it marinates, the more flavorful the chicken will be.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh pineapple works best in this recipe. Canned pineapple won’t provide the same texture and juiciness when grilled.
Grilling Temperature: Make sure to grill the kabobs over medium heat to ensure the chicken cooks evenly without burning.
Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers: Allow some space between each piece of chicken and vegetable to ensure even grilling.

How to Make BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a medium bowl, combine barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger.
Reserve ½ cup of the marinade and set it aside for later use.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
In a gallon-sized Ziploc bag or large bowl, combine the remaining marinade with the chicken chunks.
Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours.
Occasionally turn the bag to ensure the chicken marinates evenly.
After marinating, drain the chicken from the marinade.

Step 3: Assemble the Kabobs
Thread the marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, bell pepper, and onion pieces onto skewers.
Brush the kabobs with canola oil and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 4: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium heat.

Step 5: Grill the Kabobs
Place the skewers on the grill and cook, turning occasionally, for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Brush the kabobs with the reserved barbecue sauce mixture and continue grilling for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the kabobs immediately after grilling.
Pair with a side of rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Serving Ideas

These BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are perfect for pairing with grilled corn on the cob, rice, or a fresh fruit salad.
For a lighter meal, serve them with a crisp green salad or cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast to the sweet and savory kabobs.
They also make an excellent addition to a BBQ or family gathering.

Storage

Leftover kabobs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on a grill for a few minutes to restore their texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with pork or beef. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times as these meats may take longer to cook.

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before using. This gives the flavors time to meld together.

Can I grill these kabobs on a stovetop grill pan?
Yes, if you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can use a stovetop grill pan to cook the kabobs. Just be sure to cook them in batches to ensure they grill evenly.

Can I freeze the kabobs before grilling?
Yes! You can assemble the kabobs ahead of time and freeze them. Just be sure to thaw them in the refrigerator before grilling.

Final Thoughts

These BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for grilling season.
With the sweet and savory combination of pineapple, chicken, and a tangy marinade, they’re sure to be a hit at your next cookout or family dinner.
Easy to prepare and even easier to eat, these kabobs will quickly become a favorite.