BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs: The Ultimate Summer Grilling Recipe

BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs: Is there anything that screams summer quite like the smoky char of grilled chicken paired with the sweet tang of pineapple? These vibrant kabobs are not just a feast for the eyes, but an explosion of flavor in every bite! I’m thrilled to share my go-to recipe for these crowd-pleasing skewers, perfect for backyard barbecues, potlucks, or even a simple weeknight dinner.

The concept of cooking meat on skewers dates back centuries, with various cultures around the world developing their own unique versions. From the Middle Eastern shish kebab to the Japanese yakitori, skewered meats have always been a convenient and delicious way to prepare food over an open flame. The addition of pineapple, however, brings a tropical twist that elevates these BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs to a whole new level.

What makes these kabobs so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of savory and sweet. The chicken, marinated in a tangy BBQ sauce, becomes incredibly tender and juicy on the grill. The pineapple caramelizes beautifully, adding a burst of tropical sweetness that complements the smoky chicken perfectly. Plus, the colorful combination of chicken, pineapple, bell peppers, and onions makes them visually appealing and incredibly fun to eat. They are easy to prepare, customizable to your liking, and always a hit with both kids and adults. Get ready to fire up the grill and experience the taste of summer with these amazing kabobs!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Pineapple:
• 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks
• For the Vegetables:
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch wedges
• 1 zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
• For the BBQ Sauce:
• 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (I prefer a smoky or sweet variety)
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for tang)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for depth of flavor)
• Other:
• Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning)
• Olive oil spray or cooking oil for the grill

Preparing the Chicken:

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
2. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to tenderize slightly. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be!

Preparing the Vegetables and Pineapple:

1. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the vegetables and pineapple. Make sure everything is cut into roughly the same size pieces (about 1-inch) so they cook evenly on the grill.
2. If you’re using wooden skewers, now is the time to soak them in water. This will prevent them from catching fire on the grill. I usually soak mine for at least 30 minutes.

Making the BBQ Sauce (Optional, if you’re using store-bought):

1. If you’re making your own BBQ sauce, combine your favorite BBQ sauce, honey or maple syrup (if using), apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce in a small saucepan.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. This will allow the flavors to meld together and create a richer, more complex sauce.
4. Remove the sauce from the heat and set aside.

Assembling the Kabobs:

1. Now comes the fun part – assembling the kabobs! You can arrange the ingredients in any order you like, but I usually alternate between chicken, pineapple, and vegetables for a colorful and balanced kabob.
2. Thread the chicken, pineapple, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, red onion, and zucchini onto the skewers. Make sure not to overcrowd the skewers, as this will prevent the ingredients from cooking evenly. Leave a little space between each piece.
3. Repeat until all the ingredients are used up. You should have enough for about 6-8 kabobs, depending on how much you put on each skewer.

Grilling the Kabobs:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-450°F). Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled with olive oil spray or cooking oil to prevent sticking.
2. Place the kabobs on the preheated grill.
3. Grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender and slightly charred. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
4. During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the kabobs generously with the BBQ sauce. This will create a beautiful glaze and add even more flavor. Be careful not to burn the sauce, so keep a close eye on the kabobs.
5. Remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and prevent the chicken from drying out.

Serving Suggestions:

1. Serve the BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs hot off the grill.
2. You can serve them as a main course with your favorite sides, such as rice, quinoa, couscous, or a simple salad.
3. They’re also great as an appetizer or party snack.
4. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color.
5. For an extra touch, serve with a side of extra BBQ sauce for dipping.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for a spicier kick.
• Use different vegetables: Feel free to substitute other vegetables, such as mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or green bell peppers.
• Add bacon: Wrap the chicken cubes in bacon before threading them onto the skewers for an extra layer of flavor.
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with tofu or halloumi cheese for a vegetarian option.
• Oven-baked: If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the kabobs in the oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
• Air Fryer: You can also cook these in an air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the kabobs in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Brush with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Marinating Time: While 30 minutes is the minimum marinating time, you can marinate the chicken for longer, up to 4 hours, for a more intense flavor.
• Skewers: If using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Metal skewers are a great alternative and can be reused.
• Pineapple Prep: If you find it difficult to cut a fresh pineapple, you can buy pre-cut pineapple chunks at most grocery stores.
• BBQ Sauce: Experiment with different BBQ sauce flavors to find your favorite combination. Sweet, smoky, or tangy BBQ sauces all work well with this recipe.

Make Ahead Instructions:

You can prepare the chicken, vegetables, and pineapple ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You can also assemble the kabobs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours. Just make sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. When you’re ready to cook, simply grill or bake the kabobs as directed.

Storage Instructions:

Leftover BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the microwave, oven, or on the grill until heated through.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! These BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are truly a flavor explosion waiting to happen. I know, I know, there are a million kabob recipes out there, but trust me on this one. The combination of the smoky BBQ sauce, the sweet and tangy pineapple, and the perfectly grilled chicken is simply irresistible. It’s a dish that’s guaranteed to impress your family, friends, or even just yourself on a weeknight when you need a little something special.

But why are these kabobs a must-try? Well, beyond the incredible taste, they’re incredibly versatile and easy to customize. They’re perfect for a summer barbecue, a casual weeknight dinner, or even a fun and interactive party where everyone can assemble their own kabobs. Plus, they’re relatively healthy, packed with protein and vitamins, and a great way to get your kids (or picky adults!) to eat their fruits and vegetables. What’s not to love?

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Now, let’s talk about how to make these BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs even more amazing! Here are a few serving suggestions and variations to get your creative juices flowing:

• Rice is Nice: Serve these kabobs over a bed of fluffy rice (white, brown, or even coconut rice would be fantastic) to soak up all that delicious BBQ sauce.
• Quinoa Power: For a healthier option, try serving them with quinoa. It adds a nutty flavor and a boost of protein.
• Salad Sensation: Create a vibrant salad with mixed greens, bell peppers, red onion, and a light vinaigrette to complement the sweetness of the pineapple.
• Wrap it Up: Warm some pita bread or tortillas and create delicious kabob wraps. Add some shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and a dollop of Greek yogurt for a refreshing twist.
• Veggie Variety: Feel free to add other vegetables to your kabobs! Bell peppers (red, yellow, and orange), zucchini, red onion, and cherry tomatoes all work beautifully.
• Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your BBQ sauce or marinate the chicken with some chili flakes.
• Different Proteins: While chicken is the star of this show, you could also use pork tenderloin, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Pineapple Perfection: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of pineapple! Fresh pineapple is always best, but canned pineapple chunks or even grilled pineapple slices work well too.

I truly believe that these BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs will become a staple in your recipe repertoire. They’re simple, delicious, and endlessly adaptable. I’ve made them countless times, and they’re always a hit. I’m confident that you’ll love them just as much as I do.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to the grocery store, gather your ingredients, and get grilling! I can’t wait to hear about your experience. Did you try any of the variations I suggested? Did you add your own special touch? Share your photos and comments below! Let me know what you think, and happy cooking!