Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·Leave a Review

When warm weather hits, there’s no better way to celebrate than firing up the grill and preparing a vibrant, flavorful meal like BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs. This colorful dish combines the savory depth of barbecue and teriyaki sauces with the natural sweetness of fresh pineapple, creating a harmony of flavors in every bite. These kabobs are juicy, sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky — the perfect combination for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner.

The marinade is the star here, a bold blend of barbecue sauce, teriyaki, garlic, and ginger that infuses the chicken with layers of sweet-savory flavor. Paired with bell peppers and onions, each skewer offers a satisfying bite that’s both wholesome and exciting. Not only do these kabobs look beautiful on the plate, but they also deliver bold flavors that make them hard to resist.

Ideal for cookouts, potlucks, or an easy family dinner, these kabobs are incredibly versatile. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or using a stovetop grill pan, BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are a quick, nutritious, and flavorful choice that’s as fun to eat as it is to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet and Savory Fusion: The combination of barbecue and teriyaki sauces with fresh pineapple creates an irresistible flavor profile.
Perfect for Grilling Season: These kabobs are made for summer cookouts and backyard parties.
Quick to Prepare: With a simple marinade and fast cooking time, dinner can be ready in no time.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: The bold yet balanced flavors appeal to all ages.
Colorful and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein, fruits, and veggies for a wholesome, well-rounded meal.

Ingredients

Barbecue sauce
Teriyaki sauce
Garlic
Fresh ginger
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
Fresh pineapple chunks
Red bell pepper
Sweet onion
Canola oil
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Variations

Vegetarian Option

Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh and increase the variety of vegetables.

Sauce Swap

Use honey garlic sauce or a spicy Korean BBQ sauce instead of the teriyaki-barbecue mix.

Spicy Kick

Add chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the marinade for extra heat.

Tropical Twist

Include other fruits like mango or papaya chunks along with the pineapple.

Oven-Friendly

If you don’t have a grill, bake the kabobs in the oven at 400°F for 20–25 minutes.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, combine barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix well.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken chunks to the marinade, tossing to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours for more flavor).

Step 3: Prep the Skewers

While the chicken marinates, soak wooden skewers in water (if using) and chop the pineapple, bell pepper, and onion into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Assemble the Kabobs

Thread marinated chicken, pineapple, pepper, and onion alternately onto the skewers.

Step 5: Preheat the Grill

Heat your grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Grill the Kabobs

Place kabobs on the grill and cook for 10–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is fully cooked and lightly charred.

Step 7: Serve

Remove from the grill and serve hot, garnished with chopped herbs or an extra drizzle of sauce if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Cut all ingredients to similar sizes for even cooking.
Don’t skip soaking wooden skewers — it prevents burning on the grill.
Use fresh pineapple for the best flavor and texture.
Marinate the chicken as long as possible to enhance taste.
Baste kabobs with extra marinade during grilling for added flavor (only if marinade hasn’t touched raw chicken).

How to Serve

Serve BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs hot off the grill with sides such as:

Steamed rice or coconut rice
Grilled corn on the cob
Coleslaw or a fresh summer salad
Garlic bread or pita
A cool cucumber yogurt dip or chili-lime crema

They’re also great served over a salad or wrapped in flatbread for a tropical twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Remove leftovers from skewers and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Marinated raw chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Fully cooked kabobs can also be frozen, but fresh is best for texture.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Microwaving is fine for quick reheating, but may affect texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes, but fresh pineapple has better texture and flavor when grilled.

2. How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least 30 minutes, but up to 8 hours for maximum flavor.

3. Can I cook these kabobs in the oven?

Yes, bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway through.

4. Can I make these kabobs ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the skewers and refrigerate until ready to grill (within 24 hours).

5. Do I need to soak metal skewers?

No, only wooden skewers need soaking to prevent burning.

6. What vegetables can I add?

Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and yellow bell peppers are all great additions.

7. How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

Use a meat thermometer — chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

8. What kind of BBQ sauce works best?

Use your favorite — sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy all work well.

9. Can I grill these indoors?

Yes, use a grill pan or electric grill on medium-high heat.

10. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not necessarily — check your barbecue and teriyaki sauces to ensure they’re gluten-free.

Conclusion

BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs bring together bold, tropical flavors and simple grilling techniques to create a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. With juicy chicken, caramelized pineapple, and crisp vegetables, each skewer is a mouthwatering bite of summer. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just craving something fresh and flavorful, these kabobs are sure to become a go-to recipe in your collection.