Grilling outdoors fills the air with delicious aromas and brings joy to any gathering. Today, we’re making Grilled BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Kabobs that take just about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. The sweet flavors of the pineapple combined with the savory BBQ chicken create a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for summer barbecues.
This recipe is ideal for families looking for a quick weeknight dinner or for entertaining friends at a weekend gathering. You can prepare the chicken and veggies in advance and store them in the fridge, making this an easy, stress-free option to impress your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy pieces of chicken intermingle with sweet pineapple for a perfect bite.
- Quick cooking time ensures you’re eating within 30 minutes.
- Simple assembly makes it a fun activity for kids and adults alike.
- Barbecue sauce adds irresistible flavor that enhances every ingredient.
What You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients to make the kabobs:
For the Kabobs
- 1 1/2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1" cubes
- 2 cups pineapple, cut into 1" cubes (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup red onion, cut into 1" pieces
For the Sauce
- 3/4 cup barbecue sauce, divided
Note: You can use any preferred barbecue sauce for this recipe.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Chicken can be replaced with pork or shrimp.
- Pineapple can be swapped for bell peppers.
- Use red onion in place of yellow onion.
- Barbecue sauce can be homemade or store-bought.
How to Make It
Start with these simple steps to create your kabobs.
Soak skewers
Approximately 30 minutes before cooking, soak wooden skewers in water. If using metal skewers, skip this step.
Coat chicken
In a medium bowl, coat the chicken breast pieces with 1/2 cup of the barbecue sauce. Set aside the remaining 1/4 cup of sauce for brushing later.
Prepare ingredients
Place the pineapple and onions in separate bowls, which is helpful for assembling the skewers.
Assemble skewers
To assemble the skewers, alternate pieces of chicken with the pineapple and onion chunks.
Preheat grill
When ready to cook, preheat your outdoor charcoal or gas grill. You can also use an indoor grill pan. Spray non-stick grilling spray on the grill grates to help prevent sticking.
Grill kabobs
Once the grill reaches 400 degrees, add the skewers. Grill for approximately 6-7 minutes per side, brushing with the remaining 1/4 cup of sauce after turning.
Serve
Remove from the grill and serve skewers individually, or with pieces removed from skewers. Enjoy right away.
How to Store It
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3 days.
Freezer: No, grilled skewers do not freeze well.
Reheat: Use a microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat on the grill for 3-4 minutes.
Tips for Best Results
- Choose uniform sizes for chicken and vegetables for even cooking.
- Keep an eye on the grill temperature to avoid burning.
- Use fresh pineapple for the best flavor and texture.
- Brush sauce on the kabobs only after flipping to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh summer salad for a complete meal.
- Serve with grilled corn on the cob for a quintessential BBQ.
- Enjoy outside with friends for a festive atmosphere.
