BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, making them an ideal choice for your next summer cookout or quick weeknight dinner. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a fun and easy dinner idea, these kabobs bring a tropical twist to your grilling game. The juicy pineapple pairs beautifully with the smoky, caramelized chicken, while the sweet and tangy BBQ marinade adds an irresistible depth of flavor. This recipe is simple, delicious, and can be customized to suit everyone’s tastes, making it a hit for family meals or gatherings with friends.

If you’re planning a complete meal, why not pair these kabobs with some Breakfast Potatoes Recipe – Easy & Crispy for the perfect side dish? Or if you’re in the mood for a light bite to complement the rich flavors of the kabobs, try the Crescent Roll Breakfast Recipes.

With a few easy grilling tips, you’ll have these tasty kabobs on the table in no time! So, fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy a dish that everyone will love.

Simple Marinade: The Secret to Flavorful BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

The marinade is what makes BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs burst with flavor. This easy mix of ketchup, honey, rice vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper gives the chicken a sweet, tangy, and smoky kick. Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours (or up to 24 hours for more intense flavor) to let all those ingredients soak in.

Once the chicken is marinated, you’re ready to assemble your skewers and fire up the grill for an unforgettable meal!

Chicken Breasts vs. Chicken Thighs

When it comes to choosing the right chicken for your BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs, both chicken breasts and thighs have their benefits. Chicken thighs are juicier and less likely to dry out, making them a top choice for grilling. They hold up well to the heat and stay tender, offering a richer, more flavorful bite.

On the other hand, chicken breasts are leaner and can be a great option if you prefer a lighter dish. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out quickly. To keep chicken breasts juicy, make sure you don’t skip the marinade and keep an eye on the grilling time.

Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference—thighs for juicy tenderness or breasts for a leaner option!

Grilling Methods for Perfect BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Grilling BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs is easy and can be done using a variety of methods, depending on what equipment you have. Here are a few options to consider:

• Charcoal or Propane Grill: For that classic smoky flavor, grilling over direct heat at 375°F is ideal. Cook the kabobs for about 4-5 minutes per side if you’re using chicken breasts, or 6-7 minutes per side for thighs. Be sure to turn the skewers halfway through for even cooking.
• Pellet Smoker: If you have a pellet smoker, it’s a great option for a low and slow cook. Set your smoker to 375°F, and cook the kabobs for the same amount of time as on a regular grill.
• Broiler: No grill? No problem! You can broil the kabobs in your oven for about 5-7 minutes per side. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
• Air Fryer: For a quicker option, air frying works well! Set the air fryer to 375°F and cook the kabobs for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

No matter which method you choose, the goal is to achieve a nice char on the chicken and pineapple while keeping everything juicy and tender. So, fire up whatever cooking method works best for you!

How to Make BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs: Step-by-Step Instructions

Making BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs is simple and straightforward. Here’s how to bring it all together:

1. Marinate the Chicken
   Start by marinating your chicken pieces in the BBQ marinade (ketchup, honey, rice vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper) for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours for more intense flavor. This step is key to ensuring your chicken is flavorful and juicy.
2. Prepare the Skewers
   While the chicken marinates, prep your ingredients. Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes, slice fresh pineapple into chunks, and chop your veggies, like bell peppers and onions, into similar-sized pieces.
3. Assemble the Kabobs
   Once everything is ready, thread the chicken, pineapple, and vegetables onto skewers, alternating the ingredients for a beautiful, colorful kabob. You can use metal or bamboo skewers—just remember to soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
4. Grill the Kabobs
   Preheat your grill to 375°F and cook the kabobs for 4-5 minutes per side if using chicken breasts or 6-7 minutes per side for thighs. Be sure to turn the skewers to get that golden-brown, slightly charred exterior on both the chicken and pineapple.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
   Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve them with your favorite sides, like Breakfast Potatoes Recipe – Easy & Crispy or a fresh Crescent Roll Breakfast Recipe for a complete meal!

There you have it—a simple and delicious BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabob recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!

What to Serve With BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Pairing your BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs with the right sides can take your meal to the next level. Here are a few ideas to complement the sweet, smoky flavors of the kabobs:

• Cheesy Garlic Drop Biscuits: These buttery, cheesy biscuits make a perfect side for soaking up all that delicious BBQ sauce. Plus, they’re quick and easy to make! You can find the recipe here.
• Romaine Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the kabobs. Toss in some cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a handful of crunchy croutons for added texture and flavor.
• Breakfast Potatoes: If you’re in the mood for something hearty, Breakfast Potatoes Recipe – Easy & Crispy is a great option. The crispy texture and savory flavor make it an ideal side dish to pair with the juicy kabobs.
• Grilled Vegetables: You can also grill extra vegetables like zucchini, corn on the cob, or asparagus alongside the kabobs. They’ll pick up a delicious smoky flavor that ties everything together.

These sides will complement the BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs perfectly, making for a well-rounded and satisfying meal!

Nutritional Information

If you’re looking for a balanced, flavorful meal, BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are a great choice. Here’s a basic breakdown of the nutritional content for one serving (2 skewers):

• Calories: 388
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 39g
• Fat: 5g
• Sugar: 37g

The combination of chicken and pineapple provides a good source of protein while keeping things relatively low in fat. The natural sugars from the pineapple make this dish a little sweeter, but it’s a much healthier option compared to other sugary BBQ dishes.

These kabobs can fit nicely into a well-rounded meal plan, whether you’re looking for a healthy dinner or something to serve at a summer cookout. Plus, they’re customizable if you want to add veggies or swap out the chicken for another protein.

And remember, if you’re serving these kabobs with a side like Breakfast Potatoes Recipe – Easy & Crispy, you can adjust the portions to suit your nutritional needs.

Product Recommendations for Grilling BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

To make sure your BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs turn out perfectly, having the right tools can make all the difference. Here are some recommended products that will elevate your grilling experience:

• Metal Skewers: These are a must-have for grilling kabobs. Unlike bamboo skewers, metal skewers won’t burn and can be reused time and time again. They’re also easier to handle on the grill. You can find a good set at most kitchen supply stores.
• Bamboo Cutting Board: A sturdy bamboo cutting board is perfect for prepping your chicken, pineapple, and veggies. It’s durable, easy to clean, and gentle on your knives.
• 8-Inch Chef’s Knife: A sharp chef’s knife is essential for chopping up the chicken, pineapple, and vegetables into even pieces. An 8-inch blade gives you control and precision for all your cutting tasks.
• Wire Whisk: To mix up your marinade, a simple wire whisk is all you need. It helps combine the ingredients smoothly, ensuring an even coating on your chicken.

With these tools, you’ll have everything you need to prepare and grill your BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs like a pro!

Recipe Card

BBQ Chicken Pineapple Skewers

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• Author: Jake
• Total Time: 1 hours
• Yield: 8 12-inch skewers

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Description

These easy BBQ chicken pineapple skewers are fantastic! Moist, flavorful chicken pieces next to sweet, juicy pineapple make it the perfect summer meal for cookouts or quick dinners.

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Ingredients

• ⅔ cup (180 g) ketchup
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon garlic, finely minced or 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon sweet or smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon coarse, kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ½ to 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 medium pineapple
• 2 medium bell peppers, any color
• 1 medium red onion

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Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together ketchup, honey, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, paprika, salt, chili powder, and pepper.
2. Place chicken pieces in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the chicken, toss to coat, and refrigerate for 2 to 24 hours.
3. Preheat grill to medium/medium-high heat.
4. Cut pineapple, peppers, and onions into 1 to 1 1/2-inch pieces.
5. Thread chicken, pineapple, peppers, and onions onto skewers, alternating as desired.
6. Grill skewers, flipping once, until chicken is cooked through—about 4-5 minutes per side for breasts and 6-7 minutes per side for thighs.
7. Serve immediately.

Notes

Fresh pineapple works best, but canned chunks can be used. The marinade also works well for whole grilled chicken. You can skip the veggies if preferred or try broiling or air frying if no grill is available.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilled
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 skewers
• Calories: 388
• Sugar: 37g
• Sodium: 824mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 39g
• Cholesterol: 109mg

Keywords: BBQ, chicken, pineapple, skewers, grilled, summer

Other Recipes Like This

If you enjoyed making BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs, you might want to try out these other delicious skewers and grilled recipes on our site. They bring the same flavorful grilling techniques and tropical vibes, perfect for your next cookout or weeknight dinner:

• Grilled Honey Chicken Skewers: These skewers are drizzled with a sweet honey glaze that complements the smoky chicken perfectly. They’re quick to prepare and ideal for a summer meal.
  Check out the recipe here!
• Balsamic Beef Kebabs: If you’re in the mood for something a little different, these tender beef kebabs are marinated in a balsamic vinegar-based dressing, offering a savory yet tangy flavor.
  Find the recipe here!
• Chicken Kabob Grilling Tips: Learn everything you need to know about grilling the perfect chicken kabobs, from choosing the right cuts of meat to the best grilling techniques.
  Discover the tips here!

Feel free to explore these recipes for more grilling inspiration! Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just looking for a tasty dinner idea, these options are sure to satisfy.

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