BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Imagine the sizzle of juicy chicken and sweet pineapple hitting a hot grill, releasing an irresistible aroma that draws everyone to your backyard. These BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs deliver the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors in every colorful bite. The caramelized pineapple chunks add a tropical sweetness that complements the smoky BBQ chicken in ways that will transform your summer grilling game. You’ll learn how to create perfectly balanced skewers with tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and vibrant vegetables all coated in a mouthwatering BBQ glaze.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are about to become your go-to summer grilling recipe for so many good reasons. First, they’re incredibly versatile – perfect for casual weeknight dinners, yet impressive enough for weekend entertaining. The contrasting textures create a sensory experience that’s truly satisfying: tender, juicy chicken pieces alongside sweet, caramelized pineapple chunks and slightly charred vegetables.

What makes these kabobs special is the flavor fusion that happens on the grill. The natural sugars in the pineapple caramelize beautifully while helping to tenderize the chicken. Meanwhile, the BBQ sauce creates a sticky, delicious glaze that coats everything perfectly. It’s a complete meal on a stick!

The visual appeal can’t be overlooked either – the vibrant colors from the red bell peppers, purple onions, green zucchini, and golden pineapple make these grilled pineapple chicken skewers as beautiful as they are delicious. Plus, they’re customizable to your preferences and ready in under 30 minutes of active cooking time. What’s not to love?

Ingredients

For these delicious BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs, you’ll need:

• 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1½-inch cubes
• 1 fresh pineapple, peeled and cut into 1½-inch chunks (about 3 cups)
• 2 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), cut into 1½-inch pieces
• 1 large red onion, cut into 1½-inch chunks
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced into ½-inch rounds
• ¾ cup (180ml) BBQ sauce, plus extra for brushing
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) honey
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) lime juice
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Metal or wooden skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before grilling)

Pro Tips

Marinate for Maximum Flavor: While you can cook these BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs right after assembly, allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) dramatically improves flavor penetration and tenderness. The acidity from the pineapple naturally tenderizes the chicken while the marinade ingredients infuse it with flavor. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will make a difference.

Master the Cutting Technique: Cut all ingredients to a uniform size (approximately 1½-inch pieces) to ensure even cooking. This is perhaps the most overlooked yet critical step for perfect kabobs. Chicken pieces that are too small will dry out before the vegetables are done, while pieces that are too large will remain undercooked when everything else is ready.

Perfect Your Grilling Method: For the ideal char without drying out the chicken, start with a hot grill (around 400°F/204°C) and practice proper timing. Grill the kabobs for 12-15 minutes total, turning every 3-4 minutes to ensure even cooking on all sides. Brush with additional BBQ sauce only in the final 5 minutes of cooking to prevent burning while still achieving that delicious caramelized glaze.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together ½ cup BBQ sauce, olive oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, lime juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined. This marinade will infuse your chicken with incredible flavor while also helping to tenderize it.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, tossing to ensure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, though 2-4 hours will yield the best results. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will become.

Step 3: Prepare the Skewers

If using wooden skewers, ensure they’ve been soaking in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. When you’re ready to assemble, drain the chicken from the marinade (discard used marinade). Begin threading the ingredients onto skewers in an alternating pattern: chicken, pineapple, bell pepper, onion, zucchini, and repeat. Leave a small space between each piece to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Preheat and Prepare the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (approximately 400°F/204°C). Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking. For those using an oven, preheat your broiler and position a rack about 6 inches from the heating element.

Step 5: Grill the Kabobs

Place the assembled BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs on the preheated grill. Cook for 12-15 minutes total, turning every 3-4 minutes to ensure even cooking on all sides. In the final 5 minutes of cooking, brush the remaining 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce over the kabobs to create a delicious glaze.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

Your kabobs are done when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and shows no pink when cut into. The pineapple should have visible grill marks and be slightly caramelized, while the vegetables should be tender-crisp.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove the BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, ensuring maximum tenderness. Serve hot with additional BBQ sauce on the side if desired.

Variations

Spicy Hawaiian Twist: Give your BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs a fiery island flair by adding 1-2 tablespoons of sriracha sauce to your BBQ marinade. Include chunks of fresh mango alongside the pineapple, and finish with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes after grilling. This variation creates a beautiful sweet-heat balance that’s reminiscent of Hawaiian-inspired cuisine.

Mediterranean Style: Transform these kabobs with Mediterranean flavors by swapping the BBQ sauce for a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, and fresh rosemary. Use chunks of red onion, cherry tomatoes, and zucchini as your vegetables. After grilling, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and fresh chopped parsley for a bright finish that pairs wonderfully with the sweet pineapple.

Vegetarian Option: For a plant-based version, substitute the chicken with extra-firm tofu or tempeh, cut into similar-sized cubes. Marinate the tofu in the same BBQ mixture for at least 2 hours before skewering. Add mushroom caps and eggplant chunks to enhance the umami flavors that complement the sweet pineapple perfectly. These vegetarian pineapple BBQ kabobs offer the same delicious contrast of sweet and savory flavors.

Storage and Serving

Store any leftover BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, remove the ingredients from the skewers before storing. Reheat gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a tablespoon of water to help reintroduce moisture.

For a complete meal presentation, serve these colorful kabobs over a bed of coconut-lime rice, which beautifully complements the tropical pineapple flavors. The rice catches all the delicious juices from the kabobs, creating an irresistible base for your meal.

Another excellent serving option is to remove everything from the skewers and wrap in warm flour tortillas with avocado slices and a dollop of sour cream for quick and delicious pineapple chicken tacos. For a lighter option, serve alongside a fresh green salad with a citrus vinaigrette, allowing the warm kabobs to slightly wilt the greens for a delightful contrast in temperatures.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned pineapple chunks in a pinch. Just be sure to drain them very well and pat dry with paper towels before skewering. Fresh pineapple provides better caramelization and a firmer texture, but canned will still give you good flavor in these BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs.

How do I prevent my wooden skewers from burning?
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes (preferably 1 hour) before using them. For extra protection, wrap the exposed ends with aluminum foil before grilling.

Can I make these kabobs in the oven?
Absolutely! Place the assembled kabobs on a baking sheet lined with foil and broil on high, 6 inches from the heat source, for 12-15 minutes, turning every 4-5 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

Why is my chicken dry even though I followed the recipe?
The most common reason is overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to check when the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and remove it promptly. Also, ensure your chicken pieces are all similar in size for even cooking.

Can I prepare these kabobs ahead of time?
You can marinate the chicken and prepare all the ingredients up to 24 hours in advance, but it’s best to assemble the skewers shortly before cooking. Pre-assembled raw kabobs can become soggy if left too long.

Conclusion

These BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are summer grilling at its finest — juicy, sweet, and savory with a perfect char that brings together tropical flavors and classic BBQ in every bite. They’re the kind of dish that transforms a regular weeknight dinner into a special occasion and makes backyard gatherings something to remember. The combination of tender chicken, caramelized pineapple, and colorful vegetables delivers not just a meal, but an experience that appeals to all the senses. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, these kabobs promise to impress while being surprisingly simple to prepare.

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