Bbq Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe

There’s something magical about the smoky-sweet aroma of BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs sizzling on the grill during a warm summer evening. The juicy chunks of chicken, caramelized pineapple, and colorful bell peppers bring a vibrant mix of flavor and texture that’s perfect for cookouts, backyard parties, or a quick family dinner.

I first made these kabobs for a last-minute barbecue, trying to use up some leftover chicken and canned pineapple. They turned out to be the star of the show—crispy edges, sticky BBQ glaze, and bursts of tangy fruit. Now, they’re my go-to dish whenever I want something crowd-pleasing and effortless.

Let’s dive into what makes these kabobs irresistible.

Why You'll Love This BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe

Get ready to meet your new favorite grilling recipe. These BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are a fun, flavor-packed twist on traditional barbecue—and they’re easier than you think.

First, they’re incredibly quick and simple. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can get these kabobs on the grill in under 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

They’re also budget-friendly. Using boneless chicken thighs, canned pineapple, and seasonal veggies means you won’t break the bank to feed a crowd.

These kabobs are family-approved and customizable. Kids love the sweetness of the pineapple, and you can easily mix in different vegetables or switch up the protein to suit your preferences.

And let’s not forget how gorgeous they look on the plate. The golden glaze, bright pineapple, and rainbow of peppers make this dish just as appealing to the eyes as it is to the tastebuds.

Ready to gather your ingredients? Here’s what you’ll need.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs is in their simplicity. A few fresh ingredients and pantry staples come together to create a bold, crave-worthy flavor.

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the protein of choice here. They’re juicier and more forgiving on the grill than chicken breasts, which can easily dry out. Plus, they soak up the BBQ marinade beautifully, making every bite flavorful and tender.

Pineapple brings the sweet-tart contrast that makes these kabobs sing. You can use canned chunks packed in juice for convenience, or fresh pineapple if you have it on hand. Either way, the sugars caramelize on the grill for a smoky-sweet finish.

Bell peppers add color, crunch, and a hint of bitterness that balances the sweetness of the pineapple and sauce. I like to use a mix of red, green, and yellow for visual appeal, but feel free to use what you have.

Red onion adds a savory edge and grills up beautifully between the softer pineapple and chicken pieces. Its natural sweetness comes out after a few minutes over the flames.

You’ll also need a good BBQ sauce—something smoky and a little sweet works best. You can use store-bought or homemade. Optional: a splash of soy sauce or pineapple juice in the marinade to amp up the flavor.

Don’t forget skewers! If you’re using wooden ones, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Metal skewers work great and are reusable.

How To Make This BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe

Making these kabobs is as easy as chopping, threading, and grilling. Let’s walk through it step by step.

Start by cutting your chicken thighs into evenly sized, bite-sized chunks. Try to keep them uniform so they cook evenly. Toss the chicken with about half of your BBQ sauce (reserve the rest for brushing later), and if desired, a splash of soy sauce or pineapple juice. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prep the rest.

While the chicken is marinating, prep your pineapple, peppers, and onion. Cut them into chunks roughly the same size as your chicken pieces. This helps everything cook evenly and keeps the skewers balanced.

Now it’s time to assemble your skewers. Alternate pieces of chicken, pineapple, peppers, and onion on each skewer. Don’t pack them too tightly—give a little space so the heat can circulate and everything can caramelize properly.

Heat your grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the kabobs on the grill and let them cook for about 10–12 minutes, turning every few minutes so they cook evenly on all sides. Brush with additional BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking for that glossy, sticky finish.

You’ll know the kabobs are done when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has a light char on the edges. The veggies should be slightly softened but still have some bite.

From start to finish, this dish takes about 25–30 minutes—quick enough for weeknights, impressive enough for guests.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (and that’s a big if), these kabobs store well in the fridge. Remove the meat and veggies from the skewers and transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the grilled kabob contents. Lay them flat in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To reheat, place the pieces in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or BBQ sauce to keep them moist. You can also microwave them in short bursts, though they may lose a bit of texture.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can tweak it based on your mood or what’s in your fridge.

Want to switch up the protein? Try shrimp for a seafood twist—they cook even faster than chicken. Just be sure to reduce the grilling time to avoid overcooking.

Looking for a vegetarian option? Swap the chicken for extra-firm tofu or portobello mushrooms. Both absorb marinade well and hold up nicely on the grill.

Not a fan of pineapple? Try mango or peach slices for a similar sweet effect. These fruits also caramelize well and bring a slightly different flavor profile.

Add more veggies to bulk it out—zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or even corn chunks work great on skewers and grill beautifully.

And don’t be afraid to play with the sauce. Use a spicy chipotle BBQ for heat, a honey-based version for added sweetness, or mix in a bit of garlic and lime juice for extra zing.

No matter how you customize these kabobs, they’re sure to bring big flavor and big smiles to the table. Have fun with it and make it your own!

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