Easy BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe

Ever had those days when you just cannot face another plain chicken breast? BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are the exact rescue ticket for those “bleh” mealtimes. Trust me, I know the rut. I wanted something easy, but a little—well, exciting! If you’re already a fan of smoky barbecue or even fruity-meets-savory combos (looking at you, Easy Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken), this one’s a slam dunk. It’s basically family-vacation-on-a-stick, plus you don’t have to fuss with a full smoker. Oh, and if you want chicken that shreds like a dream, peep my Easy BBQ Chicken Crockpot Recipe for those slow-cooker days. But today—let’s skewer up some BBQ sunshine!

Why You’ll Love These BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

I’ll get right to the point: this recipe is a weeknight savior. It’s the lazy cook’s secret weapon, but nobody will guess you whipped it together so quick. You get that sweet caramelized pineapple (doesn’t every picky eater love pineapple somehow?) right next to tangy, juicy barbecue chicken. The pieces sort of swap flavors while grilling, getting sticky and charred in the best possible way. The colors even pop on your plate, which always feels fancy, right? Oh, bonus—the smell outside on the grill makes people peek over the fence.

Here’s a real take from Nancy, a regular reader, after her third cookout:

“I made these kabobs for my block party, and no lie, even my picky eater neighbor went back for seconds. They look beautiful and disappear instantly!”

I promise, this is no boring, dried-out chicken situation—just ask anyone who’s tried these!

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

Okay, let’s not make this complicated. The ingredient list is refreshingly short and forgiving. Start with boneless chicken breast or even thighs if you want it juicier. Good quality BBQ sauce is a must—grab your favorite, or even go spicy if you like heat. You gotta have pineapple chunks (fresh is boss, canned is totally fine if you’re in a hurry). Toss in some colorful bell peppers and sharp red onion for bite. Oh, and don’t skip a drizzle of olive oil and a shake of salt and pepper. Sometimes I’ll add garlic powder for a nudge of sass.

That’s it. Don’t worry if you’re missing bell peppers or you doubled up on onions. This is a “clean out the fridge” friendly meal if there ever was one.

How to Make BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs (Step-by-Step)

Here’s my “you can’t mess this up” method. If you have wooden skewers, soak those bad boys in water for not less than 20 minutes, so they don’t char to oblivion. Chop up your chicken and veggies into similar-sized pieces—think chunky, but not impossible to bite.

Then marinate the chicken in your BBQ sauce (twenty minutes is fine, overnight is even better, but honestly, I’ve totally skipped a proper marinade and still ended up happy). Thread everything onto the skewers, alternating chicken with pineapple, peppers, and whatever else looks lonely in the crisper. Brush extra BBQ sauce all over.

Fire up your grill (medium-high, always) and grill the kabobs about 10 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and things start to char. That’s the magic. If you’re inside—broiler on high, same idea. Extra sauce at the end? Absolutely.

Tips for the Best Chicken Kabobs

You want these skewers to be showstoppers? Let’s do it:

• Cut chicken and veggies about the same size. Cooks evenly, saves headaches.
• Don’t crowd the skewers. Air between the pieces makes for way better caramelization.
• Fresh pineapple trumps canned. But hey, no judging—canned works in a pinch.
• Baste with more sauce at the end for even more sticky goodness.

Trust me, following these tweaks is what makes your BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs go from decent to “Holy smokes, what’s your secret?”

What to Serve With This

Honestly, BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs pair with just about anything—I mean, it’s grilled chicken and fruit! Good crowd pleasers:

Crusty bread (to soak up drippings, naturally), some cool ranch salad, or even a quick coconut rice if you wanna get tropical. My friend always insists on crunchy potato chips and coleslaw. No wrong moves here. You could double up the tropical vibes with something like Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken if you’re feeding a crowd.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Let’s be real, leftovers don’t happen often with these—but if you do wind up with extra, toss them in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of water or more BBQ sauce to keep things juicy. The microwave works, but the grill or oven is better if you want to keep that slight char on the outside. (Just don’t let ’em dry out, or you’ll be sad.)

Other Recipes Like This

If pineapple and barbecue are hitting all your buttons, you gotta check out my other favorites. The Best Crockpot Chicken Breast (Easy & Delicious) is great for those “set it and forget it” days. Fancy something different? Try a chicken bacon ranch wrap for a cool and creamy lunch option—especially if you’re all kabob-ed out. Chicken is having a moment, folks, and it’s not just on skewers.

Common Questions

Can I prep these kabobs ahead of time?
Absolutely. Thread them together a few hours before grilling. Stash in the fridge, covered, until you’re ready.

Is the grill a must or can I use the oven?
You do you! Broil them in the oven if the weather’s bad or you’re grill-less. Just keep a close eye—they cook fast.

What’s the best chicken for kabobs?
I use boneless skinless breast or thighs, both turn out juicy if you don’t overcook.

Do I need to marinate the chicken overnight?
Nope! Even 20–30 minutes is fine. Overnight is a bonus for flavor, not a dealbreaker.

Can I freeze cooked kabobs?
Sure, but the veggies and pineapple might get a bit mushy after thawing—so fresh tastes best if you can swing it.

Ready, Set, BBQ—Get Grilling Soon!

So there it is, my laid-back guide to nailing BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs for your next dinner or party. The steps are simple, the flavor’s through the roof, and it’ll make you look like you belong on a cooking show (well, almost). If you’re craving more, check out these BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs for even more inspiration or explore my riff on Easy Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken. Let me know how yours turn out—I swear, this could be your new weeknight go-to. Happy grilling!

Print