If you are craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and vibrant colors, you are going to love this BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe. Each juicy piece of chicken is perfectly marinated to soak up the smoky barbecue and tangy teriyaki sauces, while sweet pineapple chunks add a tropical zing that surprises and delights with every bite. This recipe is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual treat, combining tender meat, caramelized fruit, and crisp vegetables that grill to perfection. Whether it’s a casual weeknight or a weekend gathering, these kabobs will bring excitement and satisfaction to your table with minimal effort but maximum wow factor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of straightforward, fresh ingredients is all you need for this mouthwatering BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe. Each item plays a vital role in balancing taste, texture, and color—ensuring every skewer has that irresistible grilled charm and layered complexity.
- â…” cup barbecue sauce: Provides that smoky, tangy base and caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
- â…” cup teriyaki sauce: Adds a rich, slightly sweet soy depth that complements the barbecue flavors.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a pungent kick that brightens the marinade.
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger: Offers a zesty warmth and subtle spice.
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks: The tender protein star that absorbs all those vibrant marinades.
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks: Bursts of juicy sweetness that contrast perfectly with savory chicken.
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces: Adds a crisp bite and vivid red color to each kabob.
- 1 sweet onion, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces: Imparts mild sweetness and softens beautifully when grilled.
- 2 tablespoons canola oil: Keeps the kabobs moist and prevents sticking on the grill.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the natural flavors.
How to Make BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger until fully combined. This marinade is the flavor powerhouse for your kabobs, marrying sweet, savory, and aromatic notes that will soak into every piece of chicken.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken chunks in a large Ziploc bag or a shallow dish, then pour in the marinade, reserving about 1/2 cup for later. Seal or cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight. This step is crucial because it allows all those rich flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, making every bite tender and juicy.
Step 3: Assemble the Kabobs
Drain the chicken from the marinade and begin threading the pieces onto skewers, alternating with pineapple chunks, red bell pepper, and onion pieces. Once assembled, brush each kabob with canola oil and sprinkle lightly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for balanced seasoning.
Step 4: Grill the Kabobs
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the kabobs on the grill, turning occasionally so they cook evenly. Grill until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 10 minutes. During the last few minutes, brush the kabobs with the reserved marinade sauce and continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes. This final glaze creates a gorgeous, sticky coating packed with flavor.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe is ready for the taking! Serve these beauties hot off the grill, allowing the smoky, sweet, and savory elements to shine. They’re sure to be the star of any meal, effortlessly impressing your friends and family.
How to Serve BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or green onions adds a refreshing pop of color and herbal brightness that complements the sweet and savory profile of the kabobs. For a little extra zing, a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the top just before serving elevates the flavors to another level.
Side Dishes
These kabobs team wonderfully with simple, crisp sides like a light cucumber salad or coconut rice. Grilled corn on the cob or a fresh garden salad bring balance and freshness, making the entire meal feel like a vibrant celebration of summer grilling.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the kabobs over a bed of quinoa or mixed greens for a colorful, nutritious presentation. For a crowd-pleasing twist, arrange skewers vertically in a hollowed-out pineapple for a tropical-themed feast that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe, pop any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making for an easy and flavorful lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save kabobs for longer, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen kabobs will keep well for up to 2 months, allowing you to enjoy this tasty recipe anytime you crave it.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your kabobs is gently on the grill or in a hot oven, which helps keep the chicken tender and preserves the lovely caramelized glaze. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can dry out the meat and soften the veggies.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have a bit more fat, which keeps the meat moist and flavorful during grilling. Just cut them into similar-sized chunks for even cooking.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers before grilling?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading ingredients helps prevent them from burning on the grill.
Can this recipe be made indoors?
Definitely. You can cook the kabobs under the broiler or on a grill pan stovetop, just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn and turn the skewers occasionally.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, the marinated chicken and prepped vegetables can be assembled on skewers ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to grill, making it perfect for an easy dinner when you’re short on time.
What if I don’t have teriyaki sauce?
You can substitute with a mixture of soy sauce, a little brown sugar or honey, and a splash of rice vinegar to mimic the flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that infuses your grill time with exhilarating flavors and vivid freshness. Whether you are gathering with family or impressing friends, these kabobs bring joy and satisfaction effortlessly. I can’t wait for you to try them and experience how simple ingredients come together to create something extraordinary on your plate.
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BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs combine tender marinated chicken with sweet pineapple and colorful vegetables, grilled to perfection for a delicious and easy-to-make summer meal. Marinated in a blend of barbecue and teriyaki sauces with garlic and ginger, these kabobs are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for outdoor grilling or a backyard cookout.
Ingredients
Marinade
- â…” cup barbecue sauce
- â…” cup teriyaki sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 sweet onion, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
Additional
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. Mix well until all ingredients are fully blended. Reserve 1/2 cup of this marinade and set it aside for later use during grilling.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the cut chicken breast pieces into a large Ziploc bag. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and massage to ensure all pieces are evenly coated. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, turning occasionally to maximize flavor absorption. When ready to cook, drain the chicken from the marinade.
- Assemble Kabobs: Thread the marinated chicken pieces, fresh pineapple chunks, red bell pepper pieces, and sweet onion segments alternately onto skewers. Brush the assembled kabobs with canola oil and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Grill Kabobs: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the prepared kabobs on the grill and cook, turning occasionally, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), about 10 minutes. During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the kabobs with the reserved marinade and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to develop a flavorful glaze.
- Serve: Remove the kabobs from the grill and serve immediately while hot and juicy. Enjoy these delicious BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs with your favorite side dishes or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading can prevent them from burning on the grill.
- For a smokier flavor, add a few wood chips to your grill.
- These kabobs can also be cooked on a stovetop grill pan if an outdoor grill isn’t available.
- Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Make sure chicken pieces are cut evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
