BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe
If you’re craving a vibrant and mouthwatering dish that brings together sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors in one delightful bite, this BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe is your new go-to. Imagine tender chunks of chicken, marinated to perfection in a luscious blend of barbecue and teriyaki sauces, paired with juicy pineapple, crisp red bell pepper, and sweet onion, all grilled to lovely charred perfection. This recipe not only excites your taste buds but also lights up your plate with colorful, irresistible kabobs, perfect for summer cookouts, family dinners, or anytime you want something wholesome and fun to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to making this BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe truly shine. Each item on the list is simple but plays an essential role, bringing balanced layers of flavor, texture, and visual zest to the kabobs.
- Barbecue sauce: Adds smoky sweetness that defines the kabob’s signature flavor.
- Teriyaki sauce: Provides a savory-sweet depth and boosts the umami notes.
- Minced garlic: Lends pungent aromatics to brighten the marinade.
- Freshly grated ginger: Gives a spicy, warm kick that complements the sweetness.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base, cut into bite-sized, grill-friendly chunks.
- Fresh pineapple chunks: Brings juicy tropical sweetness and acts as a natural tenderizer.
- Red bell pepper: Adds crunch, vibrant color, and mild sweetness.
- Sweet onion: Contributes caramelized sweetness and complementary texture.
- Canola oil: Helps prevent sticking and promotes even grilling.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the marinade.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds subtle, warming spice layers.
How to Make BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together the barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. This liquid gold is the heart of your kabobs, marrying sweet, tangy, and spicy notes that will soak into every bite of chicken. Be sure to reserve about half a cup of this mixture before using it for marinating—it’ll become your finishing glaze.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your chicken chunks in a large Ziploc bag or bowl, then pour over the marinade. Seal or cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours—overnight if possible for maximum flavor infusion. Toss the chicken occasionally to ensure every piece gets fully coated, resulting in tender, flavorful bites.
Step 3: Assemble the Kabobs
Drain the chicken from the marinade to avoid too much dripping on the grill. Alternate threading the chicken chunks, pineapple pieces, red bell pepper, and sweet onion on skewers. This pattern creates a perfect balance of juicy, sweet, and savory elements on each kabob. Finally, brush the assembled skewers with canola oil and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for that perfect seasoning touch.
Step 4: Preheat the Grill
Get your grill or grill pan warmed up to medium heat and clean the grates well. A lightly oiled surface is crucial to prevent sticking and to achieve those iconic grill marks that make kabobs look and taste amazing.
Step 5: Grill the Kabobs
Lay the kabobs gently on the grill and cook them, turning occasionally, until chicken pieces are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. The grilling time is usually about 10 minutes. During the last couple of minutes, generously brush the kabobs with the reserved barbecue-teriyaki glaze from earlier—this final step adds a sticky, flavorful coating that glistens beautifully under the heat.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, carefully remove the kabobs from the grill and serve immediately. These kabobs deliver a stunning presentation and a tantalizing flavor punch that never fails to impress.
How to Serve BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or green onions can add a fresh, herbal note that contrasts perfectly with the rich marinade. For some extra zest, a wedge of lime on the side brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing acidity.
Side Dishes
Serve your kabobs alongside fluffy jasmine rice, grilled corn on the cob, or a crisp green salad to balance richness with lightness. A cool cucumber salad dressed in lemon and a touch of chili flakes also pairs beautifully to complement the sweet and smoky flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the kabobs deconstructed over a bed of coconut rice or tossed in a vibrant grain bowl with fresh greens and avocado slices. Alternatively, create a festive platter with the kabobs arranged around a bowl of dipping sauce made from extra reserved glaze mixed with a hint of chili for heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover kabobs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To keep them tasty and moist, store them with a little of the reserved sauce or wrap tightly in foil to lock in moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze marinated chicken chunks before assembling the kabobs. Arrange the skewered kabobs on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before grilling for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in an oven preheated to 350°F, wrapped in foil, for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet on medium-low heat, turning regularly and adding a splash of water or sauce to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add even more flavor to your kabobs. Just cut them into similar-sized chunks to ensure even cooking.
What type of skewers should I use? Do I need to soak them?
Both metal and wooden skewers work well. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the ingredients to prevent burning on the grill.
Is it okay to marinate the chicken for less than 2 hours?
You can marinate for as little as 30 minutes if you’re short on time, but the flavors won’t be as deeply infused. For the best taste and tenderness, stick to at least 2 hours.
Can I make this recipe indoors without a grill?
Yes! A grill pan or broiler in the oven can give you nice charred edges and cook the kabobs evenly. Just keep a close eye to prevent burning since indoor heat sources can be intense.
What can I substitute if I don’t have teriyaki sauce?
A mix of soy sauce and honey with a splash of rice vinegar works nicely as a homemade substitute, offering that characteristic sweet-salty balance needed for this recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe that makes it a winner every time. It’s vibrant, packed with flavor, and a complete crowd-pleaser whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight or a fun weekend feast. So go ahead, fire up the grill, and bring the irresistible taste of sweet and smoky kabobs to your table—you won’t regret it!
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BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
These BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, marinated in a tangy barbecue-teriyaki sauce with garlic and ginger. Grilled to juicy perfection alongside fresh pineapple, bell peppers, and onions, these kabobs make a vibrant and delicious meal ideal for summer cookouts or a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Marinade
- ⅔ cup barbecue sauce
- ⅔ 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
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger until well combined. Reserve 1/2 cup of this marinade mixture for brushing later.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken chunks in a gallon-size Ziploc bag or a large bowl. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken, seal or cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight. Turn the chicken occasionally to ensure even marination.
- Assemble the Kabobs: Drain the marinated chicken from the marinade. Alternate threading chicken pieces, pineapple chunks, red bell pepper pieces, and sweet onion pieces onto skewers for colorful and flavorful kabobs. Brush the assembled kabobs with canola oil, then season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat an outdoor grill or grill pan to medium heat. Clean and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Kabobs: Place the kabobs on the preheated grill. Cook, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 10 minutes. During the last 1-2 minutes, brush the kabobs with the reserved marinade to add a glossy glaze and extra flavor.
- Serve: Remove the kabobs from the grill and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or parsley if desired for an extra touch of freshness.
Notes
- Ensure chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before assembling to prevent burning.
- Adjust the grilling time based on your grill’s heat intensity.
- For a smoky flavor, use charcoal grilling instead of gas if available.
- These kabobs can be served with rice, salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
