If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, mouthwatering dish that captures the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, then the BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe is your new best friend. Juicy chicken chunks marinated in a luscious blend of barbecue and teriyaki sauces, combined with tender pineapple, crisp bell peppers, and sweet onions, all grilled to perfection on skewers—this recipe brings summer right to your table. It’s an irresistible combination that’s perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or just because you deserve a delicious treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and fresh, each playing a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe a true standout. From the tangy sauces to the crisp veggies, every component adds something special.
- â…” cup barbecue sauce: Adds smoky sweetness and a rich glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
- â…” cup teriyaki sauce: Brings a savory, umami depth that complements the barbecue sauce perfectly.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses bold, aromatic flavor to the marinade.
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger: Provides a bright, zesty kick that wakes up the palate.
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks: The main protein, juicy and tender when marinated and grilled.
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks: Adds juicy sweetness and a tropical touch that pairs flawlessly with chicken.
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces: For a pop of color and a crisp, mild flavor.
- 1 sweet onion, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces: Adds sweetness and a subtle sharpness once grilled.
- 2 tablespoons canola oil: Helps to keep kabobs moist and prevents sticking on the grill.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
How to Make BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Marinade
Start by mixing barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger in a medium bowl. This combination provides a multi-layered marinade that’s both smoky and tangy with a hint of fresh spice. Make sure everything is well incorporated for that perfect balance.
Step 2: Marinate Chicken
Place your chicken chunks into a Ziploc bag or a shallow dish, then pour in your marinade. Reserve half a cup of the marinade aside for basting later—that’s key to achieving that glossy, caramelized finish. Let the chicken soak up those flavors for at least 2 hours, or better yet, overnight to really let the magic happen. Remember to turn the chicken a couple of times during marinating for an even flavor boost.
Step 3: Assemble Kabobs
Once your chicken has marinated to perfection, drain off excess liquid to avoid flare-ups on the grill. Thread the chicken pieces, pineapple chunks, red bell pepper, and onion alternately onto your skewers. This colorful arrangement ensures every bite is a delightful mix of sweet, savory, and crunchy. Brush the kabobs lightly with canola oil, then season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for that final flavor lift.
Step 4: Grill Kabobs
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to get those beautiful grill marks and a slight char. Place the kabobs on the grill, turning them often to cook evenly for about 10 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Just before you take them off, brush the reserved marinade onto the kabobs and cook for 1-2 more minutes to achieve that irresistible sticky glaze.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve these kabobs hot off the grill for the best flavor and juicy texture. Their vibrant colors and zesty aroma will make it impossible to wait even a second before digging in!
How to Serve BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or green onions over the kabobs for a burst of fresh color and herbaceous brightness. A few lime wedges on the side are perfect for squeezing over, adding a zesty tang that perfectly balances the sweetness of the pineapple.
Side Dishes
Pair these kabobs with a crisp green salad, fragrant jasmine rice, or grilled corn on the cob to round out the meal. A light coleslaw with a citrusy dressing also complements the rich and smoky flavors beautifully, making every bite exciting and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the plate! Serve the kabobs stacked on a wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces like extra barbecue sauce or a spicy mayo. For a fun party twist, present them poking upright from a bed of rice or couscous in individual cups—perfect for casual gatherings and easy snacking while mingling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the freshness and flavors, so you can enjoy a quick and tasty meal the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the kabobs for a future treat, remove the vegetables and chicken from skewers, then pack the chicken and pineapple separately in freezer-safe bags. Frozen chicken will last up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling again.
Reheating
The best way to reheat these kabobs is on a grill or a grill pan to revive that smoky char and crisp up the veggies a bit. If you’re in a hurry, the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes works well too—just keep an eye to ensure they don’t dry out.
FAQs
Can I use wooden skewers for the BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the ingredients. This helps prevent them from burning on the grill.
Can I substitute the chicken breasts with thighs?
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully as they tend to stay juicier and have a richer flavor. Adjust cooking times slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Is this recipe suitable for an indoor grill or stovetop cooking?
Definitely. You can use a grill pan on your stovetop or even a broiler in your oven. Just watch cooking times closely and turn the kabobs regularly to avoid burning.
What if I don’t have teriyaki sauce?
You can easily substitute it with soy sauce mixed with a little honey or brown sugar for sweetness and a splash of vinegar for tang. This mix mimics teriyaki’s flavor profile quite well.
Can I make the marinade spicier?
For sure! Adding a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the marinade will give your kabobs a nice kick without overpowering the sweet and smoky balance.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about biting into a skewer holding a perfect harmony of BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe flavors—the tangy, sweet, smoky, and succulent all in one. I can’t recommend this recipe enough for those sunny days when grilling outdoors, or anytime you want to brighten up your dinner. Give it a go and watch it become an instant favorite around your table—you’ll be glad you did!
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BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 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 juicy, marinated chicken chunks with sweet pineapple, colorful bell peppers, and onions, all grilled to perfection and glazed with a flavorful barbecue-teriyaki sauce. Perfect for a summer cookout or a quick weeknight dinner, these kabobs offer a delicious balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors.
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
For Cooking and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined. Reserve 1/2 cup of this marinade for later use during grilling.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken chunks in a Ziploc bag or airtight container and pour the remaining marinade over the chicken. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, turning occasionally to ensure even coating. Once marinated, drain the chicken pieces to remove excess marinade.
- Assemble Kabobs: Thread the marinated chicken, fresh pineapple chunks, red bell pepper pieces, and sweet onion pieces alternately onto skewers. Brush the assembled kabobs lightly 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 skewers on the grill and cook, turning occasionally, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (about 10 minutes). During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the kabobs with the reserved marinade sauce and continue to cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to create a flavorful glaze.
- Serve: Remove the kabobs from the grill and serve immediately to enjoy the savory, sweet, and smoky flavors at their best.
Notes
- For best results, marinate chicken overnight to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- You can substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs if preferred for juicier meat.
- Adjust the spice level by adding chili flakes or hot sauce to the marinade if desired.
- Serve with a side of rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
