Get ready to fire up the grill with these irresistible BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs, a sweet and savory delight that brings a taste of the tropics to your backyard. This recipe is your shortcut to a delicious, easy, and incredibly satisfying meal perfect for any occasion, offering vibrant flavors and a delightful grilling experience.
Key Ingredients for BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch wedges
- 1/4 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (plus more for brushing)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for at least 30 minutes)
How to Make BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
Whipping up these BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs is a breeze, promising a burst of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This recipe is incredibly simple to follow, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks, with a preparation time of just 25 minutes and a grilling time of about 10-15 minutes. The juicy chicken, caramelized pineapple, and tender vegetables combine for a truly satisfying and memorable meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, soy sauce, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This sweet and savory marinade will be the flavor powerhouse of your kabobs.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or for a deeper flavor, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours.
- Assemble the Kabobs: Thread the marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, bell pepper pieces, and red onion wedges onto the prepared skewers, alternating the ingredients. Aim to distribute them evenly for consistent cooking. Don’t overcrowd the skewers; leave a little space between each piece so they cook evenly.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F or 190-200°C). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Kabobs: Place the assembled kabobs on the preheated grill. Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender-crisp and slightly charred. During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the kabobs with additional BBQ sauce for an extra layer of glaze.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, ensuring a more tender and flavorful bite. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious taste of summer!
Why You’ll Love This BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
You’ll absolutely adore these BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs for their explosion of tropical sweetness and savory grilled perfection, a delightful departure from standard chicken kabobs. The star of the show is undoubtedly the dynamic duo of succulent chicken and caramelized pineapple, creating a flavor profile that’s both refreshing and deeply satisfying, reminiscent of sunny beach vacations. Making these at home means you get restaurant-quality taste without the hefty price tag, making them an economical yet impressive option for any gathering, proving you don’t need to spend a fortune for a spectacular meal.
The vibrant combination of tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and slightly smoky, charred vegetables is simply irresistible, offering a complete and flavorful dining experience on a stick. If you’re a fan of teriyaki chicken kabobs, you’ll find these offer a brighter, fruitier twist that’s equally delicious. So, gather your ingredients, preheat that grill, and prepare to be amazed by how easy and delicious these BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are – they’re calling your name for your next delicious meal!
Storing and Reheating Tips
To store any leftover BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerated kabobs will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked kabobs in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat, place the kabobs on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. For a quicker reheat, microwave them, though this may result in a slightly less crispy texture. If reheating from frozen, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Final Thoughts
These BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoky, offering a vibrant and utterly delicious grilling experience. Don’t hesitate to give them a try; you’ll be delighted by how easy and rewarding this recipe is for any occasion.
BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, soy sauce, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This sweet and savory marinade will be the flavor powerhouse of your kabobs.1/4 cup your favorite BBQ sauce, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or for a deeper flavor, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Thread the marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, bell pepper pieces, and red onion wedges onto the prepared skewers, alternating the ingredients. Aim to distribute them evenly for consistent cooking. Don’t overcrowd the skewers; leave a little space between each piece so they cook evenly.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, 1/2 fresh pineapple, 1 red bell pepper, 1 green bell pepper, 1 red onion, wooden or metal skewers
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F or 190-200°C). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Place the assembled kabobs on the preheated grill. Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender-crisp and slightly charred. During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the kabobs with additional BBQ sauce for an extra layer of glaze.1/4 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
- Once cooked, remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, ensuring a more tender and flavorful bite. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious taste of summer!