There’s something undeniably magical about summer grilling—the sizzle of food hitting the hot grates, the smoky aroma wafting through the air, and the simple joy of gathering around with friends and family. And when it comes to grilling, few things are as fun and flavorful as BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs.

These kabobs are the perfect combination of sweet, smoky, and savory. Juicy chunks of chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and sweet pineapple get threaded onto skewers, brushed with a rich BBQ glaze, and grilled to perfection. The slight char on the pineapple enhances its natural sweetness, while the BBQ sauce caramelizes beautifully, adding a deep, smoky-sweet flavor.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, planning a weeknight dinner, or just looking for an easy meal that screams summer, these kabobs are a guaranteed hit. Plus, they’re easy to prep ahead of time, making them a stress-free addition to any cookout.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly balanced flavors – The sweetness of the pineapple, the smokiness of the BBQ sauce, and the savory chicken make each bite incredibly satisfying.
• Quick and easy – Simple ingredients and minimal prep mean you can have these kabobs on the grill in no time.
• Great for meal prep – Marinate the chicken ahead of time for even more flavor, and assemble the skewers when you’re ready to cook.
• Kid-friendly – The sweet and smoky flavors make this a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Customizable – Swap out the veggies or adjust the spice level to make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 ½ cups fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• ½ red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Skewers (wooden or metal)

How to Make BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Before you start assembling your kabobs, make sure everything is chopped and ready to go. Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Do the same with the bell peppers, pineapple, and red onion. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss them well to ensure every piece is coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, letting it sit for a few hours or overnight will enhance the flavors even more.

Step 3: Assemble the Kabobs

Thread the chicken, pineapple, bell peppers, and red onion onto the skewers, alternating ingredients for a colorful presentation. Be sure to leave a little space between each piece so they cook evenly.

Step 4: Preheat the Grill

Heat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F). If using a grill pan indoors, preheat it over medium heat and lightly grease with oil.

Step 5: Grill the Kabobs

Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning every few minutes to ensure even cooking. Brush with additional BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling to create a delicious caramelized glaze. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F before removing from the grill.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve them with extra BBQ sauce on the side and enjoy the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors.

Helpful Tips

• Use fresh pineapple for the best flavor and texture. Canned pineapple tends to be softer and may not hold up well on the grill.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
• Marinate for maximum flavor – Even 30 minutes makes a difference, but for the most flavorful chicken, marinate it overnight.
• Don’t overcrowd the skewers – Leaving a little space between ingredients ensures they cook evenly and get that perfect char.
• Watch the heat – If your grill is too hot, the BBQ sauce may burn before the chicken is fully cooked. Medium-high heat is ideal.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Notes

• Adjust the sweetness – If you prefer a less sweet dish, choose a BBQ sauce with a more smoky or tangy profile instead of a sweet one. You can also reduce the amount of pineapple or balance it out with an extra squeeze of lime juice.
• Use metal skewers for convenience – If you grill often, investing in reusable metal skewers is a great option. They don’t require soaking, and they hold up better under high heat.
• Make it spicier – For a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade or drizzle the finished kabobs with sriracha or a spicy BBQ sauce.
• Prevent sticking – Lightly oil the grill grates before cooking to prevent the kabobs from sticking. This also helps get those perfect grill marks!
• Even cooking tip – Try to keep the chicken pieces uniform in size so they cook at the same rate. If some pieces are much larger than others, they may take longer to cook, leading to uneven results.
• Serving ideas – These kabobs pair beautifully with coconut rice, grilled corn, a fresh green salad, or a side of garlic butter potatoes.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftover kabobs in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a hot skillet or microwave in short bursts until warmed through.

Freezer: If you want to freeze them, remove the chicken and veggies from the skewers and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake these instead of grilling?

Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F and place the kabobs on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked.

What other vegetables can I use?

Feel free to add zucchini, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or even asparagus for extra variety.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! Marinate the chicken and chop the vegetables a day in advance. Assemble the skewers when you’re ready to grill.

What BBQ sauce works best?

Use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or make your own! A honey BBQ or smoky BBQ sauce pairs especially well with the pineapple.

Related Recipes

If you loved these BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs, you might also enjoy:

• Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry
• Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken
• Hawaiian Chicken with Coconut Rice
• Teriyaki Chicken & Pineapple Foil Packets – Sweet, Savory & Juicy!

Conclusion

BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are everything you want in a summer meal—easy, flavorful, and fun to eat! The smoky char from the grill, the sweetness of the pineapple, and the tangy BBQ glaze create an irresistible combination that will keep everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re making these for a casual weeknight dinner or a big backyard barbecue, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

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