Grilled BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Everyone Will Love

There’s something about warm weather that makes me crave the grill. Maybe it’s the sound of food sizzling over the flame or the smell of smoky BBQ drifting through the air. Growing up, summers meant backyard cookouts and colorful skewers stacked with juicy meats and vegetables. One dish that always brought the whole family running? BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs.

The sweet burst of pineapple paired with smoky grilled chicken, kissed with barbecue sauce, is unbeatable. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a Fourth of July bash or a quiet weekend dinner, BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs bring tropical flair to any table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for something easy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing, this is it. These kabobs are:

• Quick to prep and cook (ready in under 30 minutes)
• Naturally gluten-free and customizable
• Perfect for family meals, cookouts, or meal prep
• A balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors

Plus, this recipe gives you an excuse to use that grill that’s been waiting all winter.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make a batch of BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs:

For tools, a sturdy pair of grill tongs and either wooden or metal skewers will do the trick. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.

Preparing the Marinade

The marinade adds a bold layer of flavor to your kabobs.

Basic BBQ Marinade:

• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
• Pinch of chili flakes for heat

Whisk the ingredients in a bowl. Add your diced chicken and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the juicier and more flavorful it becomes.

Assembling the Kabobs

Skewering ingredients is both fun and forgiving.

How to Build the Kabobs:

• Start with a piece of chicken
• Add pineapple, then bell pepper, and onion
• Repeat until the skewer is filled, leaving a little space at the ends

Aim for consistency in size to ensure even cooking. If using metal skewers, there’s no need to soak — plus, they conduct heat for quicker cooking.

Grilling Instructions

Grill prep and timing are key for juicy kabobs.

Step-by-Step:

• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F)
• Lightly oil the grates or spray with non-stick cooking spray
• Place kabobs on the grill and cook 10–15 minutes, turning every 3–4 minutes
• Brush with extra marinade as they cook for more flavor and a sticky glaze

Chicken should reach an internal temp of 165°F. The pineapple should be slightly charred and caramelized.

Serving Suggestions

These kabobs pair well with many sides:

• Coconut rice or jasmine rice
• Grilled corn on the cob
• Cucumber salad or coleslaw
• Warm pita or flatbread

Want a dipping sauce? A mix of BBQ sauce and a little lime juice makes a great drizzle.

Variations to Try

You can personalize these kabobs with just a few tweaks.

Flavor Ideas:

• Spicy BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs: Add hot sauce to the marinade
• Teriyaki Twist: Replace BBQ sauce with teriyaki for an Asian fusion option
• Tropical Bacon Kabobs: Wrap chicken chunks in bacon for extra richness

Ingredient Swaps:

• Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu
• Use canned pineapple (drained) if fresh isn’t available
• Add zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers? Lucky you.

Storage:

• Place kabobs (removed from skewers) in an airtight container
• Store in the fridge for up to 3 days

Reheating:

• Reheat gently on the grill or in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes
• Avoid microwaving if possible — it can make the chicken rubbery

Kabobs also freeze well. Wrap them in foil and store in freezer bags for up to 2 months.

Whether you’re planning a cookout or just want something different for dinner, BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs deliver in every way. They’re colorful, juicy, and loaded with the sweet-savory punch we all love in summer grilling. For more creative meal ideas, check out our collection of grilled recipes and easy chicken dinners on My Mama Recipes.

BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs: Sweet, Smoky, and Perfect for Grilling Season

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• Author: Manar Annan
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Sweet, smoky, and perfect for grilling, these BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs combine juicy marinated chicken, fresh pineapple, and colorful vegetables for a flavor-packed summer dish that’s easy to prep and perfect for cookouts or weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5–2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cubed

• 1 medium fresh pineapple, cut into chunks

• 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped

• 1 red onion, cut into wedges

• ½ cup BBQ sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)

• 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)

• Pinch of chili flakes (optional)

• Wooden or metal skewers

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Instructions

• In a bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, olive oil, garlic, soy sauce, ginger, and chili flakes.

• Add chicken cubes and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

• If using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes before assembling.

• Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F).

• Thread chicken, pineapple, bell peppers, and onion onto skewers, alternating ingredients.

• Lightly oil grill grates and place kabobs on the grill.

• Grill for 10–15 minutes, turning every 3–4 minutes and brushing with extra marinade.

• Cook until chicken reaches 165°F and pineapple is slightly charred.

• Serve hot with sides like rice, corn, or salad.

Notes

Fresh pineapple is preferred for grilling, but canned can be used if well-drained.

Chicken can be swapped with shrimp or tofu for variation.

Leftovers store well and can be frozen for up to 2 months.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: bbq pineapple chicken kabobs, grilled chicken skewers, pineapple chicken recipe, summer grilling recipes, easy kabob recipes, backyard bbq ideas, bbq dinner ideas