Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabob Recipe for Summer Cookouts

BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs combine smoky grilled flavors with fruity sweetness in one of summer's most satisfying dinners.

Whether you fire up the grill for a casual weeknight meal or host friends on a warm weekend evening, kabobs always feel like an occasion.

The contrast between caramelized fruit and savory protein creates a balance that appeals to kids and adults.

Skewers make serving easy and cleanup even easier, which means more time to enjoy the company around you.

Backyard barbecues instantly become more exciting when colorful kabobs hit the grill.

Every bite evokes that perfect combination of char, smoke, and just enough sweetness to keep things interesting.

Head to the recipe below and see how quickly dinner comes together tonight.

Why BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Are Worth Grilling

• Quick Dinner Solution: These kabobs solve your weeknight meal challenge with minimal prep and maximum flavor that keeps everyone at the table happy.
• Grill Party Pleaser: Your friends and family will devour these colorful, tangy kabobs that bring together sweet pineapple and smoky barbecue chicken in one perfect bite.
• Nutrition Packed Plate: Packed with lean protein from chicken and fresh vegetables, these kabobs deliver a balanced meal that feels like a treat without guilt.
• Flexible Cooking Option: Whether cooking on a backyard grill or indoor grill pan, these kabobs adapt easily to whatever cooking surface works for your kitchen setup.

What Ingredients Are Needed for BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

• Chicken Breasts (2 pounds): Boneless and skinless, cut into perfect 1-inch chunks for easy grilling and maximum flavor absorption.
• Barbecue Sauce (2/3 cup): Creates a sweet and tangy base for your kabobs.
• Teriyaki Sauce (2/3 cup): Adds depth and traditional Asian-inspired flavor to the chicken.
• Garlic (3 cloves): Minced for intense, aromatic seasoning throughout the dish.
• Fresh Ginger (1 tablespoon): Brings a bright, spicy undertone that complements the sauces perfectly.
• Pineapple Chunks (2 cups): Fresh and juicy, adding natural sweetness and tropical character to your kabobs.
• Red Bell Pepper (1): Cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces for color, crunch, and subtle sweetness.
• Sweet Onion (1): Sliced into 1 1/2-inch pieces to provide a mild, caramelized flavor when grilled.
• Canola Oil (2 tablespoons): Helps prevent sticking and promotes beautiful grill marks.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Enhances and balances all the kabob flavors.

BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Tools to Prepare

• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining marinade ingredients and coating your chicken chunks evenly.
• Sharp Knife: Helps you slice chicken, pineapple, bell peppers, and onions into consistent, grill-friendly pieces.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for prepping all your kabob ingredients safely.
• Wooden or Metal Skewers: Essential for creating your kabob structure and keeping everything neatly together while grilling.
• Grill or Grill Pan: Delivers those classic char marks and caramelized flavors for your chicken and vegetables.
• Basting Brush: Allows you to evenly coat kabobs with oil and ensure beautiful, golden-brown results.
• Tongs: Helps you safely turn and maneuver kabobs on the hot grill without burning yourself.
• Meat Thermometer: Confirms your chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

How to Make BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Which Tips Prevent BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs from Drying

• Let your chicken soak in that flavor-packed sauce for at least an hour, but overnight is even better for seriously tasty results.
• Alternate chicken and pineapple chunks for a perfect balance of sweet and savory in each bite.
• Keep your grill at medium-high heat and turn kabobs every few minutes to get those beautiful char marks without burning.
• Brush your kabobs with canola oil to prevent sticking and help create a delicious golden-brown exterior.
• After grilling, let your kabobs rest for a few minutes so the juices redistribute, making the chicken extra tender and juicy.

Popular Variations for BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

• Spicy Kick Version: Swap barbecue sauce with sriracha or hot sauce for a fiery flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance, using the same amount of marinade.
• Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, pressing out excess moisture before marinating to help it absorb all those delicious flavors.
• Tropical Herb Blend: Mix in fresh chopped cilantro or mint to the marinade for a bright, fresh twist that brings extra zest to your summer grilling.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tamari instead of teriyaki sauce and check that your barbecue sauce is certified gluten-free to make the whole dish safe for sensitive diets.

Best Accompaniments for BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

• Serving Suggestion: Stack those gorgeous kabobs right on a platter lined with fresh cilantro for a pop of green that makes your dish look restaurant-worthy.
• Pairing Power: Serve these kabobs over coconut rice to soak up all those delicious grilled juices and add a creamy contrast to the charred flavors.
• Side Dish Companion: Toss together a crisp cucumber salad with a light rice vinegar dressing to balance the sweet and smoky kabob profile.
• Drink Match: Grab a cold beer or a crisp white wine like sauvignon blanc to complement the tangy barbecue and sweet pineapple notes.

Best Storage Advice for BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

• Stash leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping the chunks of meat and fruit separate from wooden skewers to maintain texture.
• Warm cold kabobs gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of extra barbecue sauce to keep the chicken moist and prevent drying out.
• Slice cold kabob ingredients off the skewer and toss into a fresh salad for a quick lunch, letting the already-seasoned proteins add instant flavor to your greens.
• Transform remaining kabob ingredients into a quick stir-fry by chopping everything into smaller pieces and sautéing with a touch of extra teriyaki sauce for a speedy meal remix.

BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs FAQs Explained

Summer Grilled BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10-15 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 1x

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Description

Sizzling bbq pineapple chicken kabobs are your ticket to backyard grilling paradise, where sweet and smoky flavors dance together on a skewer. Grab your grill tongs and prepare for a tropical twist that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 sweet onion

Supporting Ingredients:

• ⅔ cup barbecue sauce
• ⅔ cup teriyaki sauce
• 2 tablespoons canola oil

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Whisk together ⅔ cup barbecue sauce, ⅔ cup teriyaki sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a large mixing bowl to create a vibrant marinade.
2. Add 2 pounds of chicken chunks to the marinade, ensuring each piece gets fully coated. Seal the container and refrigerate for minimum 1 hour to develop deep flavor profiles.
3. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling. Heat your grill to 400°F, creating medium-high direct heat zones.
4. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess sauce to drip off. Alternate threading 1-inch chicken chunks, 1 ½-inch pineapple pieces, bell pepper segments, and onion chunks onto prepared skewers.
5. Brush assembled kabobs with 2 tablespoons canola oil. Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper across all surfaces for enhanced seasoning.
6. Place kabobs on preheated grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, rotating periodically to ensure even 400°F heat distribution and beautiful caramelization.
7. Check chicken internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer. Remove kabobs from grill and let rest 3-4 minutes before serving to preserve juiciness.

Notes

• Marinate chicken for at least an hour, but overnight delivers deeper flavor and more tender meat.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning on the grill.
• For a gluten-free version, swap traditional barbecue sauce for a certified gluten-free brand and check teriyaki sauce ingredients.
• If fresh pineapple isn’t available, canned chunks work perfectly – just drain and pat dry before skewering.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
• Category: Chicken
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 to 6
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg