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These BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are saucy, sweet, sticky, and utterly irresistible. Marinated in a flavorful BBQ-teriyaki blend with garlic and ginger, the chicken comes out tender and juicy. Paired with grilled pineapple, red bell pepper, and sweet onion, these kabobs bring tropical flair to your summer grill or indoor kitchen. Perfect for cookouts, weeknight dinners, or serving with coconut rice and a cold drink.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

⅔ cup barbecue sauce
⅔ cup teriyaki sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1½-inch pieces
1 sweet onion, cut into 1½-inch pieces
2 tablespoons canola oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

In a medium bowl, mix together barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, garlic, and ginger. Set aside ½ cup for later.

Place chicken and the remaining marinade in a large Ziploc bag or bowl and marinate for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours.

Preheat the grill to medium heat.

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

Grill skewers, turning occasionally, for about 10 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Brush with reserved marinade during the last 1–2 minutes of cooking. Serve immediately.

Nutrients (Estimated Per Serving)

Calories: ~300–400 (dependent on portion size and sauce)
Protein: ~30g
Carbohydrates: ~20–25g
Fat: ~12–15g
Sugar: High (due to BBQ and pineapple)
Sodium: Varies by sauce brand

The Tropical Flavor Fusion That Makes These Kabobs Irresistible

The true beauty of this dish lies in its flavor-packed marinade. Combining barbecue sauce and teriyaki sauce forms a rich, sticky glaze that’s both smoky and sweet. Barbecue sauce brings its signature boldness and depth, while teriyaki adds umami and a hint of Asian-inspired sweetness. When infused with minced garlic and freshly grated ginger, the result is a marinade that penetrates the chicken with layers of bold flavor while keeping it incredibly juicy.

Once on the grill, the sugars in the marinade begin to caramelize, creating those irresistible crispy edges and deep golden color. The glaze clings to the chicken and vegetables, forming a lacquered finish that makes these kabobs pop with flavor and visual appeal.

Why Pineapple and Chicken Are the Ultimate Grilled Pair

Pairing pineapple with savory proteins is a time-honored culinary tradition in Hawaiian and Pacific Rim cooking, and these kabobs showcase that sweet-and-savory magic perfectly. Fresh pineapple doesn’t just add a burst of juicy flavor—it also tenderizes the chicken thanks to its natural enzymes.

Grilled pineapple undergoes a beautiful transformation. As it caramelizes, its sweetness intensifies, and it develops a slightly smoky flavor that complements the glaze. The pairing of pineapple with the BBQ-teriyaki marinade brings balance to the savory richness of the chicken and creates a perfect bite every time.

Veggie Companions That Add Texture and Depth

These kabobs wouldn’t be complete without their colorful vegetable counterparts. Red bell peppers provide crunch and a mild sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the glaze, while sweet onions develop rich, caramelized notes as they cook. Together, these veggies add more than just visual appeal—they bring texture, balance, and earthy contrast to the juicy meat and fruit.

For those looking to mix it up, other veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or even cherry tomatoes can be added. The key is to keep the pieces roughly the same size as the chicken for even cooking and cohesive skewers.

Grilling Tips for Kabob Perfection

Cooking kabobs may seem straightforward, but there are a few key tips to get the most flavor and texture from every skewer:

Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning, or use metal skewers for convenience.
Cut all ingredients to similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
Preheat your grill or pan to medium heat before placing the skewers to get that perfect char.
Brush with oil lightly to prevent sticking and enhance grill marks.
Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches 165°F to avoid overcooking or undercooking.

During the final minutes of grilling, brushing on the reserved marinade adds a final layer of flavor and gloss without risking cross-contamination from raw meat.

Easy to Prepare, Even Easier to Love

One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is how easy it is to prep in advance. The marinade can be whipped up in minutes, and the chicken can be left to soak in all that flavor for up to 8 hours. That means you can marinate the chicken in the morning and simply thread the skewers and grill them after work.

The quick grilling time—just 10 minutes—makes this an incredibly efficient dinner option. And because kabobs can be made in large batches, it’s also a smart choice for feeding a crowd at cookouts or family dinners.

Serving Ideas to Elevate the Meal

These kabobs pair wonderfully with a variety of sides to create a full tropical-inspired meal. Here are a few favorites:

Coconut rice or jasmine rice to soak up the sticky glaze
Grilled corn with lime and cotija cheese for a Mexican-Hawaiian fusion
Chilled cucumber salad or mango slaw for a refreshing contrast
Hawaiian rolls to turn the kabobs into sliders
Grilled plantains or pineapple fried rice for a Caribbean spin

If you’re serving guests, consider a platter presentation with extra chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and crushed chili flakes for those who like a little heat.

A Healthy Yet Indulgent Choice

Despite the bold flavor and sticky-sweet glaze, these kabobs can be a healthy choice when paired with light sides. Lean chicken breast provides plenty of protein (around 30g per serving), while the grilled veggies and fruit add fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins like vitamin C and beta carotene.

The sugars come mostly from natural pineapple and the sauce, which can be adjusted by choosing lower-sugar versions of BBQ or teriyaki sauce. The total calories typically range from 300–400 per serving, making it an excellent balance between indulgent and wholesome.

For those watching their sodium or sugar intake, homemade teriyaki and barbecue sauces can offer better control over those ingredients.

Conclusion

These BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are a celebration of summer on a stick. With their tropical flair, smoky caramelization, and savory-sweet glaze, they bring a burst of flavor that’s as vibrant as it is satisfying. Whether you’re serving them at your next backyard BBQ, preparing for a casual weeknight dinner, or meal-prepping flavorful lunches, these kabobs are guaranteed to steal the spotlight.

What makes this recipe truly stand out is its simplicity. It requires minimal prep, uses easy-to-find ingredients, and delivers show-stopping flavor every time. One bite of the tender chicken, charred pineapple, and sticky glaze, and you’ll be hooked.

If you’re looking for a way to spice up your grilling routine and bring a taste of the tropics to your table, these kabobs are the answer. Serve them hot off the grill, gather your favorite people, and enjoy a meal that’s bold, bright, and bursting with island vibes.

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