BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

I’m excited to share my BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs—juicy grilled chicken, sweet pineapple chunks, and colorful vegetables glazed in smoky barbecue sauce for a perfect balance of savory and sweet.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love these kabobs because they’re fresh, flavorful, and fun to eat. The pineapple caramelizes beautifully on the grill, the chicken stays tender, and the BBQ glaze ties it all together. They’re great for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or even meal prep.

Ingredients

Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks

• Fresh pineapple, cut into chunks

• Bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), cut into chunks

• Red onion, cut into chunks

• BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)

• Olive oil

• Salt and black pepper

• Wooden or metal skewers

Directions

1. If using wooden skewers, I soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.

2. I toss chicken pieces in olive oil, salt, and pepper.

3. I thread chicken, pineapple, bell peppers, and onion alternately onto skewers.

4. I preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.

5. I grill the kabobs for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through.

6. In the last few minutes of grilling, I brush generously with BBQ sauce, letting it caramelize slightly.

7. I serve the kabobs hot, with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: About 4 servings

• Prep time: 20 minutes

• Cook time: 10–12 minutes

• Total time: 30–35 minutes

Variations

• I sometimes marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce for a few hours before grilling for extra flavor.

• I swap pineapple for mango or peaches for a different fruity twist.

• I use spicy BBQ sauce when I want a kick.

• I add zucchini or mushrooms to the skewers for more veggies.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through or microwave briefly, though the grill flavor is best fresh.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes—they stay extra juicy and flavorful on the grill.

Can I bake these instead of grilling?

Yes—I bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15–20 minutes, turning halfway through.

Do I have to use fresh pineapple?

No—canned pineapple chunks work too, but fresh gives a better texture and flavor.

How do I keep chicken from drying out?

I cut the pieces evenly, avoid overcooking, and brush with BBQ sauce near the end for moisture.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes—I assemble the skewers up to a day ahead, store them covered in the fridge, and grill when ready.

Conclusion

I love making BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs because they’re colorful, flavorful, and easy to prepare. They’re a delicious way to combine savory grilled chicken with the sweetness of pineapple for a dish that always feels like summer.