BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

The tropical twist on classic BBQ chicken kabobs is here! With juicy pineapple chunks and a savory-sweet marinade of teriyaki and barbecue sauces, these kabobs are bursting with summery flavor. Grilled to perfection alongside red bell peppers and onions, every bite is a dance of sticky, smoky, and sweet.

Perfect for a backyard gathering or an easy weekday grill, these skewers are the essence of sunshine on a stick. The ginger-garlic marinade infuses the chicken with incredible taste, while the caramelized edges from the grill offer irresistible texture. Pair with coconut rice or a simple green salad for a complete and crowd pleasing meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• ⅔ cup barbecue sauce

• ⅔ cup teriyaki sauce

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks

• 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks

• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1½-inch pieces

• 1 sweet onion, cut into 1½-inch pieces

• 2 tablespoons canola oil

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, garlic, and ginger. Reserve ½ cup of the mixture and set aside.

2. In a large bowl or gallon-size Ziploc bag, combine the remaining marinade with the chicken pieces. Let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours and up to 8 hours, turning occasionally.

3. Preheat grill to medium heat.

4. Drain chicken from marinade and thread onto skewers alternately with pineapple chunks, bell pepper pieces, and onion slices.

5. Brush kabobs with canola oil and season with salt and pepper.

6. Grill the skewers for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

7. Brush with the reserved marinade during the last 1-2 minutes of grilling for extra flavor.

8. Serve immediately, hot off the grill.

Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Kcal: ~310 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

The Ultimate Summer Crowd-Pleaser: BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

When it comes to summer grilling, nothing quite captures the spirit of the season like the sweet and smoky fusion of BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs. This dish isn’t just visually stunning with its colorful medley of golden pineapple chunks, vibrant red bell peppers, and charred chicken it’s also a powerful explosion of flavors that blend Asian and American barbecue traditions into a single mouthwatering experience.

More than just another grilled skewer, this recipe exemplifies how a simple marinade and a few fresh ingredients can be transformed into a dish worthy of any backyard cookout or festive gathering. But to truly appreciate this delightful meal, let’s dig into its flavor profile, cultural inspirations, cooking versatility, nutritional aspects, and practical serving tips.

A Perfect Flavor Balance: Sweet Meets Savory

What sets BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs apart is their remarkably balanced flavor profile. The combination of barbecue sauce and teriyaki sauce in the marinade provides a smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet foundation. These flavors are deepened by the aromatic undertones of freshly minced garlic and grated ginger, which lend a bold Asian-inspired twist.

As the chicken soaks in the marinade, it absorbs a medley of flavors that caramelize beautifully on the grill. Add to that the natural sweetness and acidity of fresh pineapple which helps tenderize the meat while delivering a burst of juiciness and you’ve got a skewer that hits every note: umami, sweet, tangy, and spicy.

The char from grilling enhances this contrast. Pineapple, when exposed to flame, develops a slightly smoky edge and richer flavor. The chicken, coated with a sticky glaze, creates the perfect balance of crispy edges and juicy tenderness inside.

A Blend of Culinary Cultures

At its core, BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are a culinary fusion melding the rich, smoky traditions of American barbecue with the savory-sweet flavors commonly found in Asian cuisine, particularly Japanese teriyaki. The use of skewers, or kabobs, is a technique that spans global food cultures from Middle Eastern shish kebabs to Japanese yakitori to Southeast Asian satay.

This dish brings together these global elements into a crowd-pleasing format that’s easy to prepare and even easier to serve. The incorporation of teriyaki a sauce rooted in Japanese cooking that combines soy sauce, mirin, and sugar with Western-style BBQ sauce creates a cross-cultural experience that broadens the palate without overwhelming it.

Versatility for All Occasions

One of the standout features of BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs is their adaptability. They can be served in countless ways: over a bed of jasmine or coconut rice, wrapped in flatbreads or tortillas, or alongside grilled vegetables for a lighter, low carb option.

This recipe is just as at home at a casual weeknight dinner as it is at a summer party or festive holiday barbecue. And it doesn’t stop there these kabobs are easily prepped ahead of time, which makes them ideal for entertaining. Simply marinate the chicken the night before and refrigerate until you’re ready to grill. This not only infuses the chicken with deeper flavor but also allows you to focus on enjoying your gathering rather than cooking during it.

The skewers also work well on various cooking surfaces. If a grill isn’t available, they can be made in a grill pan on the stove or even in the oven under the broiler, giving you flexibility regardless of the weather or kitchen setup.

Tips for Success

To get the most out of this dish, there are a few techniques and tips to keep in mind:

1. Marinate for Maximum Flavor: While 2 hours is the minimum, marinating the chicken overnight will deliver maximum tenderness and flavor. The acidity from the pineapple helps break down proteins, leading to exceptionally juicy results.

2. Uniform Cutting: Keep your chicken, pineapple, and vegetables cut into even, bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate.

3. Soak Wooden Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning on the grill.

4. Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers: Leave a little space between pieces on the skewer to allow heat to circulate and ensure everything cooks evenly.

5. Use a Thermometer: Chicken is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. A quick read thermometer takes the guesswork out of grilling.

6. Glaze Last: Apply the reserved marinade during the final minutes of cooking to avoid burning the sugars and to add a glossy, flavorful finish.

A Nutritional Snapshot

Not only are BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs delicious, they also offer a nutritional edge. Chicken breast is a lean source of protein, low in saturated fat and high in essential nutrients like niacin and selenium. Pineapple brings a boost of vitamin C and digestive enzymes like bromelain, which help break down protein.

While the barbecue and teriyaki sauces do introduce added sugar and sodium, these can be moderated by choosing reduced-sodium versions or making your own sauces from scratch. The addition of vegetables bell peppers and onions adds fiber, antioxidants, and color, making the dish as nutritious as it is beautiful.

This meal is also naturally gluten-free if you opt for gluten-free sauces, and can easily be adjusted for keto or paleo lifestyles with a few ingredient swaps.

What to Serve With BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Pairing these kabobs with complementary sides elevates the entire meal. Here are a few suggestions:

• Coconut Rice or Jasmine Rice: These lightly fragrant grains complement the sweet-savory marinade beautifully.

• Grilled Corn on the Cob: Adds crunch and a buttery sweetness.

• Cucumber Salad or Pickled Slaw: A cool, acidic contrast to balance the richness of the kabobs.

• Grilled Flatbread: Makes it easy to turn these skewers into wraps or pita pockets.

• Tropical Fruit Salad: Keeps the summery vibe alive with flavors like mango, papaya, and kiwi.

A Showstopper for Every Season

BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are more than just a meal they’re an experience. From the sizzle of the grill to the aroma of caramelizing pineapple and smoky chicken, this dish evokes memories of summer evenings, backyard laughter, and shared meals under the open sky.

Yet its appeal isn’t limited to summer alone. With the right adjustments, these kabobs can be enjoyed year-round, bringing a burst of tropical sunshine to the coldest months. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish offers a satisfying, flavor-packed escape to paradise in every bite.

Conclusion: 

If you’re looking to upgrade your grilling repertoire or simply want to bring a splash of sunshine to your dinner plate, BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are a must-try. They’re easy to prepare, endlessly versatile, and packed with global flavors that appeal to a wide audience.

Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just getting started, this recipe offers simplicity without compromising on taste. It’s a dish that invites creativity, brings people together, and reminds us of the joy of cooking with fresh ingredients.

BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs aren’t just food they’re a celebration on a stick.