BBQ Pineapple Chicken Delight

Featured in Family Dinner Ideas.

BBQ Pineapple Chicken Skewers combine the sweet and savory flavors of grilled chicken, fresh pineapple, bell peppers, and onions. Marinated in a tangy BBQ-teriyaki sauce infused with garlic and ginger, these kebabs are juicy and flavorful. After marinating the chicken, thread it with the vegetables onto skewers, brush with canola oil, and season lightly with salt and pepper. Grill until perfection with a final glaze of reserved sauce. Easy to prepare, these skewers are a vibrant and delicious dinner option for summer gatherings or casual meals.

Fatiha
Updated on Fri, 23 May 2025 18:12:45 GMT
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A plate of food with a fork and knife. | zestplate.com

This tangy BBQ pineapple chicken kabob recipe transforms simple ingredients into a flavor explosion that brings the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky. The caramelized pineapple adds juicy sweetness while the chicken soaks up the umami-rich marinade for a crowd-pleasing summer dinner.

I first made these kabobs for a backyard gathering when friends unexpectedly stayed for dinner. The marinade was quickly assembled from pantry staples, and the kabobs were such a hit that they've become my signature summer dish. Even my picky nephew asks for "those chicken popsicles" whenever he visits.

  • Barbecue sauce: Creates a tangy sweet base layer of flavor use a quality brand with real smoke flavor
  • Teriyaki sauce: Adds umami depth and helps create beautiful caramelization
  • Fresh garlic: Provides essential aromatic notes that bottled alternatives cannot match
  • Ginger: Brings brightness and subtle heat that balances the sweetness
  • Boneless chicken breasts: Ensure quick even cooking look for organic free range for best flavor
  • Fresh pineapple: Offers natural enzymes that tenderize the meat choose one that smells sweet at the stem
  • Red bell pepper: Contributes vibrant color and slight sweetness select firm glossy peppers
  • Sweet onion: Delivers caramelized flavor without overwhelming sharpness Vidalia or Maui varieties work best
  • Canola oil: Prevents sticking and helps achieve beautiful grill marks

How To Make BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Prepare the marinade:
Whisk together barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, minced garlic and grated ginger until thoroughly combined. The mixture should have a glossy appearance with visible specks of garlic and ginger throughout. Be sure to reserve exactly half a cup before adding chicken to prevent cross contamination.
Marinate the chicken:
Place chicken chunks in a sealed container with the marinade, ensuring every piece is coated. Allow to rest in refrigerator for at least 2 hours, though overnight produces the most flavorful results. The acids and enzymes will tenderize the meat while infusing it with flavor.
Assemble the skewers:
Alternate chicken, pineapple, pepper and onion on metal or pre soaked wooden skewers, leaving small spaces between each item to ensure even cooking. For best results, create a pattern that repeats twice on each skewer. Brush lightly with oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Grill to perfection:
Place skewers on a preheated medium heat grill, rotating every 2 3 minutes to develop caramelization on all sides. Cook until chicken reaches 165°F, approximately 10 minutes total. In the final cooking moments, brush generously with the reserved sauce mixture to create a glossy, flavorful glaze.
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A plate of food with a fork on the side. | zestplate.com

The first time I served these kabobs at a family gathering, my grandmother who rarely eats meat took seconds and asked for the recipe. She particularly loved how the pineapple caramelizes on the grill, creating little pockets of intense sweetness that complement the savory chicken. Now whenever I smell that distinctive combination of teriyaki and barbecue sauce, I'm instantly transported to summer evenings with family gathered around the patio table.

Make Ahead Options

These kabobs shine as a prepared ahead meal. You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, and even assemble the skewers completely up to 8 hours before cooking. Store assembled raw kabobs covered in the refrigerator on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This makes them perfect for entertaining since all the prep work happens before guests arrive. Just remember to bring them to room temperature for about 20 minutes before grilling for more even cooking.

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A plate of food with a stick in it. | zestplate.com

Serving Suggestions

These vibrant kabobs pair beautifully with coconut rice, which complements the tropical pineapple notes. For a complete meal, serve alongside a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil. The cool crispness balances the rich, caramelized flavors of the kabobs. If you're hosting a larger gathering, these kabobs make an excellent centerpiece for a DIY rice bowl station where guests can customize their bowls with additional toppings like sliced avocado, shredded carrots, and chopped cilantro.

Ingredient Substitutions

While this recipe shines with chicken, you can easily substitute firm tofu, shrimp, or even pork tenderloin using the same marinade and cooking technique. For a lower sugar version, use sugar free barbecue sauce and coconut aminos instead of teriyaki sauce. Yellow or orange bell peppers work beautifully in place of red, and during winter months when fresh pineapple might not be at its peak, good quality canned pineapple chunks can substitute just be sure to drain them thoroughly before skewering.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but for best results, marinate up to 8 hours for maximum flavor infusion.

→ Can I use other vegetables instead of bell peppers and onions?

Yes, you can substitute with vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes to suit your preferences.

→ What’s the best way to prepare the skewers for grilling?

Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill. For metal skewers, no preparation is needed.

→ How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy and not dry?

Grill the chicken over medium heat and monitor its internal temperature. Remove it from the heat once it reaches 165°F to avoid overcooking.

→ Can I make these skewers ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the skewers a few hours ahead. Keep them refrigerated and grill right before serving for the best taste and texture.

BBQ Pineapple Chicken Skewers

Grilled chicken with pineapple, peppers, onions, and a tangy BBQ-teriyaki glaze.

Prep Time
150 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
170 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Sauces and Seasonings

01 2/3 cup barbecue sauce
02 2/3 cup teriyaki sauce
03 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
05 Kosher salt, to taste
06 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Main Ingredients

07 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
08 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
09 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
10 1 sweet onion, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces

→ Cooking Oils

11 2 tablespoons canola oil

Instructions

Step 01

In a medium bowl, combine barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, garlic, and ginger. Reserve 1/2 cup of the mixture and set aside.

Step 02

In a gallon-size Ziploc bag or large bowl, combine the remaining barbecue sauce mixture and chicken. Marinate for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours, turning occasionally. Drain chicken from the marinade before cooking.

Step 03

Thread chicken, pineapple, bell pepper, and onion onto skewers. Brush with canola oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 04

Preheat grill to medium heat.

Step 05

Place skewers on the grill and cook, turning occasionally, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 10 minutes. Brush skewers with reserved barbecue sauce mixture and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes.

Step 06

Serve skewers immediately while warm.

Tools You'll Need

  • Grill
  • Skewers
  • Ziploc bag or bowl
  • Basting brush

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 7.3 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 18.5 g
  • Protein: 40.2 g