If you’re ready to take your backyard grilling game to a whole new level, you’ll adore these irresistible Grilled BBQ Pineapple Chicken Skewers. Juicy chicken marinated in a sweet and smoky blend, paired with caramelized pineapple, crisp peppers, and onions—they’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser for summer cookouts or an easy weeknight dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Spectacular Flavor Combo: The sweet-tangy pineapple and smoky BBQ sauce create an explosion of flavor in every single bite.
- Family & Party Favorite: Colorful, fun, and hand-held, these Grilled BBQ Pineapple Chicken Skewers always disappear first at any gathering.
- Customizable & Healthy: Load up your skewers with plenty of veggies or swap ingredients for your preferences—these are just as nutritious as they are delicious!
- Easy Prep & Make Ahead Friendly: The simple marinade comes together fast and you can prep everything in advance, so grilling is a breeze even on busy days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes these Grilled BBQ Pineapple Chicken Skewers so special is how a few basic ingredients can create such a delicious, colorful meal. Each one has a role to play, from tenderizing the chicken to bringing bursts of sweetness and irresistible charred goodness.
- Barbecue Sauce: Adds smoky, sweet, and tangy depth to the marinade—use your favorite store-bought or homemade version.
- Teriyaki Sauce: Brings a savory, umami-rich dimension and helps keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Fresh Garlic: For zippy, aromatic flavor that livens up the marinade.
- Freshly Grated Ginger: Adds a subtle warmth and brightness that pairs beautifully with pineapple and chicken.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Easy to cube for skewering and become wonderfully juicy after marinating.
- Fresh Pineapple Chunks: Sweet, juicy bursts that caramelize perfectly on the grill.
- Red Bell Pepper: For a pop of color and a gentle, sweet crunch.
- Sweet Onion: Layers of mild flavor that get deliciously tender and slightly charred.
- Canola Oil: Brushed on before grilling to keep everything from sticking and help with those crave-worthy grill marks.
- Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Season to taste—essential for rounding out all those big flavors!
Variations
These Grilled BBQ Pineapple Chicken Skewers give you plenty of room to get creative! Whether you’re working with what you have on hand, adapting for dietary needs, or just eager to mix up the flavors, the possibilities are endless and oh-so-tasty.
- Swap the Protein: Try boneless thighs for extra juiciness, or use tofu or shrimp for a delicious twist.
- Add More Veggies: Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms make fantastic additions and add even more color and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Stir a spoonful of sriracha or chili flakes into the marinade if you love a hint of heat.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free BBQ and teriyaki sauce so everyone at your table is included.
How to Make Grilled BBQ Pineapple Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together the barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, freshly minced garlic, and ginger in a medium bowl. Set aside half a cup of the mixture for basting later—this is the secret to extra flavor at the end! Add the cubed chicken to the marinade in a large bowl or Ziploc bag, making sure every piece is coated. Pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours (overnight for the juiciest results!), giving it a turn or two so the marinade can work its magic.
Step 2: Thread the Skewers
Once your chicken has had time to soak up all those bold flavors, it’s time to build the skewers! Alternate threading marinated chicken chunks, juicy pineapple, red bell pepper, and sweet onion onto skewers. Brush everything lightly with canola oil and season generously with kosher salt and pepper. This not only adds flavor, but also helps prevent sticking on the grill.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium heat. Lay the skewers directly onto the grate and cook, turning every few minutes for even char. After about 10 minutes, or once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, brush them with your reserved BBQ marinade and grill for another 1-2 minutes. This final glaze gives them that irresistible sticky-sweet finish—you’ll know they’re ready when they look lacquered and gorgeous!
Step 4: Serve Hot and Enjoy!
Transfer your freshly grilled BBQ Pineapple Chicken Skewers to a platter and serve immediately while they’re hot, caramelized, and smoky. Don’t be surprised if there are no leftovers—these skewers tend to disappear quickly!
Pro Tips for Making Grilled BBQ Pineapple Chicken Skewers
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: For the juiciest and most flavorful chicken, let it soak in the marinade overnight if you have the time—it’s totally worth the wait!
- Uniform Chopping is Key: Cut your chicken and veggies to similar sizes (about 1 to 1.5 inches) so everything cooks evenly and looks impressive on the skewer.
- Pre-Soak Wooden Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning on the grill.
- Double Up on Pineapple: If you’re a fan of that caramelized sweetness, add extra pineapple between each chunk of chicken for golden, juicy bursts in every bite.
How to Serve Grilled BBQ Pineapple Chicken Skewers
Garnishes
Scatter a handful of freshly chopped cilantro or parsley over the hot skewers for a vibrant pop of color and a touch of herbal freshness. A squeeze of lime right before serving also wakes up all those savory-sweet flavors and looks gorgeous on the platter.
Side Dishes
These Grilled BBQ Pineapple Chicken Skewers pair beautifully with simple sides like coconut rice, grilled corn on the cob, or a cool cucumber salad. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside garlic bread or a light quinoa pilaf to really round things out.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual gatherings, offer the skewers straight from a rustic wooden board with little ramekins of extra sauce for dipping. You can also slide everything off the skewers and pile it over a big platter of rice for a family-style tropical feast. For the ultimate party trick, stick the skewers upright in a pineapple half for an eye-catching, festive centerpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Grilled BBQ Pineapple Chicken Skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Remove the pieces from the skewers for easier storing, and enjoy them cold in a salad or reheated for another tasty meal.
Freezing
You can freeze the chicken and veggies (cooked or uncooked) in the marinade for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and if uncooked, skewer and grill as directed once fully defrosted. The texture stays best if the pineapple is added fresh just before grilling.
Reheating
For best results, reheat chicken and veggies in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to keep things nice and juicy. You can also warm them in the microwave in short bursts, but be careful not to overcook the chicken.
FAQs
-
Can I bake these skewers instead of grilling?
Absolutely! Arrange your assembled Grilled BBQ Pineapple Chicken Skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F for about 15-18 minutes, flipping once, until the chicken is cooked through. Finish with a quick broil to get those caramelized edges and brush with the reserved sauce before serving.
-
Do I have to use fresh pineapple, or can I use canned?
Fresh pineapple gives the best texture and caramelizes beautifully on the grill, but canned pineapple chunks work in a pinch. Just be sure to drain them very well so they char instead of steam.
-
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the most flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken at least 2 hours and up to overnight. Shorter marinating time will still taste good, but longer makes it even better!
-
Can I prepare Grilled BBQ Pineapple Chicken Skewers ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate and assemble the skewers up to a day ahead, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to grill. This makes them ideal for prepping before a party or busy weeknight.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the color and joy these Grilled BBQ Pineapple Chicken Skewers bring to the table! I hope they become a staple at your grill-outs and family dinners—don’t be surprised if you catch yourself craving that sweet, smoky flavor combo all year long. Enjoy every bite!
Print
BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Supreme Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are a delicious combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Perfect for grilling season, these kabobs are easy to make and bursting with juicy pineapple, tender chicken, and colorful veggies.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 2/3 cup barbecue sauce
- 2/3 cup teriyaki sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
Kabobs:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 sweet onion, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, garlic, and ginger. Reserve 1/2 cup and set aside.
- Marinate Chicken: In a Ziploc bag or bowl, combine chicken with marinade. Marinate for 2 hours to overnight, turning occasionally. Drain chicken.
- Assemble Kabobs: Thread chicken, pineapple, bell pepper, and onion onto skewers. Brush with canola oil, season with salt and pepper.
- Grill Kabobs: Preheat grill, cook skewers, turning occasionally, until chicken reaches 165°F, about 10 minutes. Brush with reserved sauce and cook for 1-2 more minutes.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning.
- Feel free to customize kabobs with additional veggies like cherry tomatoes or mushrooms.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 kabob
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
