BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe
If you’re craving something juicy, sweet, and smoky all in one bite, you’re going to love this BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe. This dish brings together tender chicken chunks perfectly marinated in a zesty blend of barbecue and teriyaki sauces, balanced beautifully by the tropical sweetness of fresh pineapple. Grilled to perfection, these kabobs offer a delightful combination of flavors and colors that not only please the palate but also brighten up any meal. Whether it’s a family dinner or a weekend cookout, these kabobs will quickly become a favorite on your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the best way to ensure your BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe bursts with flavor and has the ideal mix of texture and color. Each component plays a key role in creating that irresistible sweet-savory balance.
- Barbecue sauce: Adds smoky, tangy richness that forms the base of the marinade.
- Teriyaki sauce: Brings a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to complement the barbecue sauce.
- Garlic (minced): Provides a savory punch that elevates the marinade.
- Freshly grated ginger: Adds a hint of warmth and zest to brighten the marinade.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that stays tender and juicy when grilled.
- Fresh pineapple chunks: Offer sweet, juicy bursts that perfectly cut through the savory flavors.
- Red bell pepper: Provides crunch and vibrant color to the kabobs.
- Sweet onion: Adds mild sweetness and caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
- Canola oil: Keeps the kabobs from sticking and helps achieve that perfect char.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the other flavors.
How to Make BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by mixing barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger in a medium bowl. This combination creates a marinade that’s bursting with layers of flavor—smoky, sweet, and a little bit spicy—which will soak into the chicken and make every bite irresistible.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the cut chicken chunks into a Ziploc bag and pour the marinade over them. Remember to reserve about half a cup of the marinade for later grilling glaze. Seal the bag and massage the marinade into the chicken. For best results, let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours or even overnight in the fridge, turning occasionally so every piece is coated perfectly.
Step 3: Assemble the Kabobs
Once marinated, drain the chicken pieces to avoid excess liquid. Thread the chicken, pineapple chunks, red bell pepper, and onion pieces alternately onto skewers. Brushing the assembled kabobs with canola oil and seasoning them with kosher salt and fresh black pepper prepares them for grilling and ensures they won’t stick to the grill grates.
Step 4: Grill the Kabobs
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the kabobs on the grill and cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be perfectly cooked and safe to eat. During the last few minutes of cooking, brush the kabobs with the reserved marinade sauce and grill for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to get that beautiful glossy finish and extra flavor kick.
How to Serve BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or green onions add a lovely pop of color and fresh aroma that complements the smoky sweetness of the kabobs. A wedge of lime on the side is perfect for squeezing over the top, bringing a bright, citrusy zing to every bite.
Side Dishes
These kabobs pair wonderfully with fluffy jasmine rice or a light cucumber salad. You can also serve them alongside grilled corn on the cob or a cool coleslaw to balance the warm grilled flavors with something crisp and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, try serving the kabobs on a wooden serving board lined with banana leaves for a tropical vibe. You can also consider plating the kabobs on a bed of mixed greens topped with diced fresh pineapple for a colorful, eye-catching dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days and remain flavorful, making for an easy and tasty meal the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze any leftover cooked kabobs by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. For best quality, consume within 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, place the kabobs on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, grill them briefly to regain that freshly-grilled flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat for this BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken is the traditional choice, you can substitute with pork tenderloin or even shrimp for a different take. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is cooked perfectly.
What’s the best way to prevent the kabobs from sticking to the grill?
Brushing canola oil on both the grill grates and the kabobs themselves helps prevent sticking. Also, ensure your grill is properly preheated before placing the skewers on it.
Can I prepare the kabobs without grilling?
Yes, if you don’t have access to a grill, you can broil the kabobs in your oven or cook them on a stovetop grill pan. Just keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure safety and juiciness every time.
Can I make the marinade spicier?
Definitely! Adding a dash of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce to the marinade will give your kabobs a nice kick without overpowering the sweet flavors.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s fun to make and bursting with vibrant flavors, the BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe should be at the top of your list. It’s wonderfully simple but impressively tasty, perfect for any occasion where you want food that speaks to your soul as well as your appetite. Give it a try and watch these kabobs disappear faster than you can say “barbecue!”
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BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
These BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, combining juicy chicken chunks marinated in a zesty barbecue and teriyaki sauce with fresh pineapple, red bell pepper, and sweet onion. Grilled to perfection, these kabobs offer a delightful smoky flavor with a juicy, tender texture that’s ideal for summer cookouts or easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Marinade
- ⅔ cup barbecue sauce
- ⅔ cup teriyaki sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
Main Ingredients
- 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 the barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. Mix well and reserve 1/2 cup of the marinade to use later for basting.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken chunks into a Ziploc bag or airtight container and pour in the remaining marinade. Seal the bag or container and refrigerate, allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight, turning occasionally to ensure even flavor absorption. When ready, drain the excess marinade from the chicken.
- Assemble Kabobs: Thread the marinated chicken chunks, pineapple chunks, red bell pepper pieces, and sweet onion pieces alternately onto skewers. Once assembled, brush the kabobs with canola oil to prevent sticking and season them with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Grill Kabobs: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook, turning occasionally, for about 10 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring it is fully cooked and juicy. During the last 1-2 minutes of grilling, brush the kabobs with the reserved marinade sauce to add extra flavor and caramelization.
- Serve: Remove the kabobs from the grill and serve immediately while hot. These kabobs pair wonderfully with a side salad, rice, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- To prevent the wooden skewers from burning on the grill, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before assembling the kabobs.
- For a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the marinade.
- Make sure the chicken pieces are similar in size to ensure even cooking.
- These kabobs can also be cooked under a broiler if a grill is not available, turning occasionally for even cooking.
- Leftover kabobs can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated on a grill or stovetop skillet.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
