There’s nothing like the tantalizing aroma of BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs sizzling on the grill, coaxing your taste buds into a joyous dance. Juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and a hint of smoky char create a flavor explosion that is simply irresistible. Greek chicken bowls Picture yourself biting into these kabobs and feeling the warmth of summer evenings, laughter echoing in the background, and the unmistakable taste of grilled perfection melting in your mouth.
This dish brings back memories of family cookouts where my aunt would whip up her legendary kabobs as if she had a magic wand. Each bite felt like a mini-vacation to the tropics, even if we were just in our backyard. Whether it’s a sunny weekend gathering or a spontaneous weeknight dinner, BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs promise to elevate any occasion and leave everyone craving more.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These kabobs are not only easy to prepare but also pack incredible flavor with every bite
- Their colorful presentation makes them an eye-catching addition to any table
- You can easily customize the ingredients for dietary preferences or what you have on hand
- Perfect for grilling season but versatile enough for oven baking on rainy days
Every time I serve these kabobs, friends and family can’t resist asking for seconds, which always warms my heart.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work best; adjust based on how many people you’re feeding.
- Fresh Pineapple: Use ripe pineapple for maximum sweetness; you can also use canned if fresh isn’t available.
- Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers add crunch and sweetness; pick red, yellow, or green based on your preference.
- Red Onion: A few wedges lend a slightly sweet flavor that balances nicely with the other ingredients.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle of oil keeps everything moist while helping to achieve that perfect char on the grill.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce enhances flavor without overwhelming it; feel free to adjust according to taste.
- Garlic Powder: Just a sprinkle adds depth and richness to your marinade; opt for fresh garlic if you prefer.
- Honey: A touch of honey helps caramelize the kabobs while providing a hint of sweetness that complements savory flavors.
- Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens up the marinade and adds zing; it’s an essential ingredient!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, and lime juice until combined. brown sugar garlic chicken This aromatic blend will infuse your chicken with incredible flavor. no bake banana split dessert garlic parmesan chicken bake.
Marinate the Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into cubes and place them in a resealable bag. Pour marinade over chicken and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
Prepare Your Veggies: While your chicken marinates, chop fresh pineapple into chunks and bell peppers into squares. Slice red onion into wedges; these will add color and texture to your kabobs.
Assemble Your Kabobs: Thread marinated chicken cubes onto skewers alternately with pineapple chunks, bell pepper squares, and onion wedges. Be creative! Mix colors and shapes for visual appeal.
Grill Those Kabobs: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place kabobs on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
Savor and Enjoy: Once done, remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes before digging in. Serve with extra lime wedges or your favorite dipping sauce for an unforgettable experience!
Now that you know how easy it is to whip up BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs at home, get ready for lots of compliments! These kabobs are bound to become a summer staple that you’ll want to share again and again. Happy grilling! For more inspiration, check out this Easy Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe.
You Must Know
- BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are not just flavorful; they bring vibrant colors and tropical vibes to your table
- The juicy chicken blends beautifully with the sweet pineapple, making every bite a mini-vacation for your taste buds
- Perfect for summer barbecues or cozy family dinners
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken and pineapple together for at least 30 minutes. Then, grill on medium-high heat for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and has beautiful grill marks.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or tofu if you want a twist. Experiment with different marinades like teriyaki or spicy chili paste to customize the flavor profile to your liking. For more inspiration, check out this Honey Mustard Chicken recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on a skillet over low heat to maintain juiciness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly juicy kabobs, avoid overcooking the chicken; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F
- Use soaked wooden skewers to prevent burning on the grill
- Adding colorful bell peppers can enhance both flavor and presentation, making your kabobs pop!
Sometimes, I serve BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs at gatherings, and everyone raves about them! It’s always heartwarming when friends ask for the recipe—feels like my culinary skills are finally getting some recognition!
FAQ
What type of chicken works best for BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best as they stay moist during grilling.
Can I make BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs in the oven?
Yes, bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How do I prevent my kabobs from sticking to the grill?
Always preheat your grill and lightly oil the grates before grilling kabobs.
BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs offer a delightful taste of summer with juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and vibrant veggies all grilled to perfection. This easy recipe is perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners, promising a flavor-packed experience that will have everyone asking for more.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), cubed
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), chopped
- 1 small red onion, cut into wedges
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, and lime juice.
- Place the cubed chicken in a resealable bag and pour the marinade over it. Marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- While marinating, chop pineapple and bell peppers; slice the red onion.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers alternately with pineapple, bell pepper, and onion.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat and cook kabobs for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until chicken is cooked through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 kabob (about 150g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
