Summer evenings spent on the porch, the sizzle of the grill, and the sweet aroma of barbecue sauce wafting through the air—that’s what memories of our family gatherings always bring to mind. Growing up, my family had a tradition that revolved around these warm, sun-drenched nights. Every summer, we’d get together for what we lovingly called “Grill Fest,” a gathering of close family and friends where the centerpiece was always a homemade feast. This BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs recipe is a beloved part of those gatherings and holds a special place in my heart.
I still remember the first time I made these kabobs. It was a particularly memorable summer—my cousin was visiting from out of town, and the whole family was excited to catch up. We wanted to make something that would impress but also capture that quintessential summer flavor. That’s when this recipe came into play. I was inspired by the blend of tangy barbecue sauce and sweet pineapple, which seemed like the perfect combination to evoke those sunlit memories.
As I prepared the marinade, the mingling scents of teriyaki sauce, garlic, and ginger took me back to those simpler times. The pineapple chunks were particularly nostalgic; they reminded me of the pineapple upside-down cakes my grandmother used to bake. As the chicken marinated, we all gathered around the grill, sharing stories and laughter. My cousin’s eyes lit up as he took his first bite, and the kabobs were an instant hit. It wasn’t just the flavor that made them special—it was the way they brought everyone together, the way they turned a regular evening into something extraordinary.
Now, whenever I prepare these kabobs, it’s like reliving that perfect summer night all over again. The ease of the recipe, combined with the burst of flavors, makes it a go-to for any gathering. Whether you’re planning a casual family dinner or a festive barbecue, these BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to make, but they pack a punch of flavor that feels like a celebration in every bite.
So, fire up the grill, gather your loved ones, and let this recipe help create new memories. Because some dishes aren’t just about eating—they’re about the moments shared and the stories told around the table.
How to Make BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2/3 cup teriyaki sauce
- 2/3 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 sweet onion, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the teriyaki sauce, barbecue sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Set aside 1/2 cup of this mixture for later use.
- Place the chicken cubes in a large resealable bag or bowl. Pour the remaining sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring it is well-coated. Refrigerate and marinate for a minimum of 2 hours, or up to 8 hours, turning the bag or stirring occasionally. After marinating, discard the excess sauce.
- Thread the marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, bell pepper pieces, and onion onto skewers, alternating as you go. Brush the assembled kabobs lightly with canola oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the kabobs for approximately 10 minutes, turning them every few minutes to cook evenly. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- In the final 1-2 minutes of grilling, brush the kabobs with the reserved sauce mixture to add extra flavor.
- Serve the kabobs hot and savor your delicious BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs!
Storing Suggestion
Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked kabobs for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Cooking Tips
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight. If you don’t have skewers, you can cook the kabobs in a grill pan or oven. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the kabobs with a side of rice or quinoa and a fresh salad. They pair well with a cool, tangy yogurt sauce or a side of grilled vegetables.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or beef if desired. For a different flavor, try using a spicy barbecue sauce or adding some chili flakes to the marinade.
Seasonal Variations
In the summer, you can add seasonal vegetables like zucchini or cherry tomatoes to the skewers. In the fall, try adding apple chunks for a different sweet flavor.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains soy and gluten from the teriyaki and barbecue sauces. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free versions of these sauces. If you have a soy allergy, you can substitute the teriyaki sauce with a soy-free alternative.
FAQ:
Can I use frozen pineapple chunks for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen pineapple chunks. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess moisture before using them in the kabobs.
How can I make the kabobs spicier?
Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the marinade for an extra kick of heat.
What can I use if I don’t have skewers?
If you don’t have skewers, you can cook the ingredients in a grill pan or on a baking sheet in the oven. Just make sure to arrange them in a single layer for even cooking.
Can I prepare these kabobs in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the kabobs and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before grilling. This can help the flavors meld together even more.
What is the best way to reheat leftover kabobs?
The best way to reheat leftover kabobs is to use a grill or oven to maintain the texture. Heat at a medium temperature until the chicken is heated through, about 5-10 minutes.
Can I use a different type of sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different sauces like honey mustard or sriracha for unique flavor profiles.
BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients
- 2 cups pineapple chunks fresh
- 2 pounds chicken breasts boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2/3 cup teriyaki sauce
- 2/3 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 red bell pepper chopped into 1 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 sweet onion chopped into 1 1/2-inch pieces
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger freshly grated
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, blend together the teriyaki sauce, barbecue sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Take out 1/2 cup of the mixture and set it aside.
- Place the chicken chunks into a large Ziploc bag or bowl. Pour the remaining sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure it's fully coated. Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours in the refrigerator, flipping the bag or stirring occasionally. After marination, remove the chicken from the sauce.
- Assemble the skewers by alternating pieces of chicken, pineapple, bell pepper, and onion. Lightly coat the assembled skewers with canola oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat. Arrange the skewers on the grill, cooking them for about 10 minutes, turning them every few minutes to ensure even cooking. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- During the last 1-2 minutes of grilling, brush the skewers with the reserved sauce mixture to enhance the flavor.
- Serve the kabobs hot and enjoy your flavorful BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs!
