Bbq Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe

There's something magical about the sweet-and-smoky aroma of BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs sizzling on the grill. Juicy chunks of chicken, caramelized pineapple, and colorful bell peppers all come together in a vibrant skewer that screams summer fun.

this Recipe

I first whipped these up for a last-minute cookout with friends, tossing together what I had in the fridge. The result? A huge hit – even the picky eaters were licking their fingers clean. Now, it’s a go-to for quick weeknight grilling and weekend backyard parties alike.

Whether you're planning a cookout, need a fast dinner, or just craving something a little tropical, these kabobs are sure to impress. Let’s dive into what makes them so special.

Why You’ll Love These BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Once you try these kabobs, they’ll become a staple in your warm-weather recipe rotation. Here’s why:

These kabobs are the ultimate time-saver. With minimal prep and quick cooking time, you can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. It’s one of those meals that looks impressive but is secretly simple.

They’re also budget-friendly and family-approved. Chicken, pineapple, and peppers are all affordable ingredients that stretch well for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank. Kids love the sweetness from the pineapple and BBQ glaze, while adults appreciate the balanced flavors.

Cleanup is a breeze too. Since everything is cooked on skewers, there’s no mountain of pots and pans to deal with afterward. It’s a one-grill wonder.

Lastly, these kabobs are super customizable. Swap in different veggies, switch up the sauce, or even try them with shrimp instead of chicken. There are so many fun ways to mix things up depending on your mood or pantry.

Ready to fire up the grill? Let’s talk ingredients.

Ingredients Notes

What makes these BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs truly irresistible is the balance of savory, sweet, and smoky – all thanks to a handful of well-chosen ingredients.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal here. Breasts offer a leaner bite, while thighs stay incredibly juicy on the grill. Either works beautifully, so go with your preference or what’s on sale.

Fresh pineapple is non-negotiable if you want that bold, tropical sweetness and gorgeous caramelization. Canned pineapple chunks can be used in a pinch, but fresh really makes these kabobs sing.

Bell peppers bring in both crunch and color. I love using a mix of red, yellow, and green to make each skewer pop. They also hold up well to grilling without turning mushy.

Red onion adds just the right amount of sharpness to balance the sweet elements. It softens slightly on the grill and adds another layer of flavor complexity.

And of course, BBQ sauce ties everything together. A smoky, slightly sweet sauce works best – think Kansas City or honey-style BBQ. If you want to elevate it, stir in a splash of soy sauce or a squeeze of lime juice for a tangy twist.

You'll also need metal or soaked wooden skewers and a grill or grill pan. If you're cooking indoors, a broiler works in a pinch, though you’ll miss a bit of that classic char.

How To Make These BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Making these kabobs is as easy as it is fun. Here's how to get them just right:

Start by cutting your chicken into even 1½-inch cubes. This ensures everything cooks uniformly. Place the pieces in a bowl and toss them with a few spoonfuls of your chosen BBQ sauce, letting them marinate for at least 20 minutes while you prep the rest.

While the chicken marinates, chop the pineapple, bell peppers, and red onion into similarly sized chunks. This not only helps with even cooking, but also makes the skewers look neat and colorful.

Thread the ingredients onto skewers in a repeating pattern – chicken, pineapple, pepper, onion – leaving a little space between each piece so the heat can circulate. If using wooden skewers, make sure they've soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.

Preheat your grill to medium-high and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the kabobs directly over the heat, cooking for about 10-12 minutes total. Turn them every 3-4 minutes, basting with more BBQ sauce as they cook. You're looking for golden grill marks, caramelized edges, and juicy chicken all the way through.

Once done, transfer the kabobs to a platter and let them rest a couple of minutes before serving. Total time? Just around 25-30 minutes from start to finish – fast, fresh, and seriously flavorful.

Storage Options

If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), these kabobs store really well.

In the fridge, place the cooked kabobs in an airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 4 days and still taste fantastic reheated or cold.

You can also freeze the cooked kabobs by removing the meat and veggies from the skewers and sealing them in freezer-safe bags. They’ll last up to 2 months. For best results, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

To reheat, warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or microwave on 50% power in 1-minute increments until heated through. For a crispier finish, toss the pieces back in a hot skillet for a couple of minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs is how easily they adapt to your tastes or what you have on hand.

Try swapping the chicken for shrimp or pork if you're in the mood for something different. Shrimp cooks even faster and pairs beautifully with the same sweet-savory profile.

For a vegetarian twist, substitute tofu or tempeh and load up on extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes. Just be sure to press the tofu well and use a high-smoke-point oil if grilling.

Switch up the BBQ sauce for a different vibe – use a Korean-style gochujang BBQ sauce for heat, or a mango-chipotle version for a tropical kick.

If you're short on fresh pineapple, try grilled peaches or nectarines for a fun stone-fruit alternative. They caramelize just as nicely and add a different kind of sweetness.

And don’t be afraid to add more heat! A dash of cayenne or a few slices of jalapeño on the skewers can really spice things up.

Feel free to get creative – the grill is your playground, and these kabobs are your canvas. Happy grilling!

Print