BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs: A Sweet & Smoky Summer Favorite

BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are the ultimate summer meal—colorful, juicy, and packed with bold flavor. Whether you’re planning a weekend BBQ or just craving something different for dinner, these skewers deliver smoky grilled chicken and sweet caramelized pineapple in every bite. This guide walks you through the story behind the dish, ingredients, prep, cooking tips, and serving ideas. We’ll also answer popular questions like whether canned pineapple works or what sides to serve. Along the way, we’ll link to other delicious recipes from Paula’s Kitchen, like our garlic parmesan chicken skewers and sweet chili chicken.

The Story Behind BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

How BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs became a family favorite

BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs have a nostalgic charm that brings me right back to sunny backyard evenings, laughter in the air, and the smell of the grill dancing through the breeze. One summer, I threw together a few simple ingredients—chicken, pineapple, bell peppers, and BBQ sauce—and skewered them for fun. What I didn’t expect was how quickly everyone fell in love. That sweet-tangy glaze caramelizing over juicy chicken and grilled pineapple became a household staple.

This dish is now my go-to for summer cookouts or quick weeknight meals that don’t skimp on flavor. It’s a little tropical, a little smoky, and completely satisfying. Plus, the combo of BBQ sauce and pineapple adds a unique depth that makes these kabobs unforgettable. And if you’re into smoky-sweet profiles, I highly recommend trying my huli huli chicken too—it carries a similar island-inspired vibe that’s equally crowd-pleasing.

Print

Why BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are always a hit

There’s something about this dish that’s both playful and sophisticated. The vibrant pineapple chunks not only look beautiful on the skewer but also balance the smoky richness of the chicken. When grilled, pineapple caramelizes on the outside and becomes tender inside, bringing out deep tropical notes.

Every bite is juicy, sticky, sweet, and slightly charred in the best way. These kabobs also pair wonderfully with both casual and elevated side dishes. You can serve them with a tangy Greek lemon rice or even go bold with our cheesy mac and cheese meatloaf casserole for a full-on comfort feast.

BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Ingredients & Prep Tips

Essential ingredients for the perfect skewers

To make juicy and flavorful BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs, start with these staples. Chicken thighs are best for their tenderness, but chicken breast works if you prefer a leaner cut. Fresh pineapple is non-negotiable—the flavor just doesn’t compare to canned, though in a pinch, canned chunks can work. Bright bell peppers and red onions add crunch and color. And for the BBQ sauce, choose one that’s slightly tangy with some brown sugar or honey for caramelization.

Here’s a clear overview of the essentials:

Ingredient	Quantity
Chicken thighs (or breasts)	2 lbs
Fresh pineapple chunks	2 cups
Bell peppers (assorted colors)	2 medium
Red onion, sliced	1 large
BBQ sauce	1 cup

For best flavor, marinate your chicken for at least 1 hour in BBQ sauce with garlic, lime juice, and olive oil. This tenderizes the meat and locks in flavor. Overnight marination yields the juiciest kabobs.

And if you love bold, quick-prep dinners, try these chicken gyros or garlic butter chicken bites with creamy pasta—they’re fast, flavorful, and ideal for busy nights.

Pro tips for grilling BBQ pineapple chicken kabobs

Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning, then alternate pieces of chicken, pineapple, pepper, and onion on each stick. Don’t pack them too tightly—space allows the heat to circulate and caramelize each side evenly. Preheat your grill to medium-high and oil the grates to avoid sticking.

Grill the kabobs for 10–12 minutes, turning every 2–3 minutes and basting with extra BBQ sauce as they cook. The key is to char the outside slightly while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful. Your kitchen will smell incredible, and your guests will be asking for seconds.

Serve these alongside mashed potato cheese puffs for a creative twist, or go classic with our garlic butter steak and potato foil packets for a protein-packed BBQ feast.

Cooking Methods & Serving Ideas for BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Grill, oven, or air fryer? Pick your method

The classic way to prepare BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs is on the grill—it brings out that perfect smoky char. But if the weather doesn’t cooperate, don’t worry! You’ve got options. Oven-baked kabobs are just as flavorful and surprisingly easy. Just preheat your oven to 425°F, place your skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet, and cook for 20–25 minutes, flipping once halfway. Want quicker cooking? Use an air fryer at 375°F for 12–14 minutes, flipping once.

No matter how you cook them, the key is keeping the chicken juicy while letting the pineapple caramelize. And always baste with extra BBQ sauce in the final minutes for that sticky, irresistible glaze. If you’re looking for a similar oven-friendly dish, give our monterey chicken spaghetti a try—it’s hearty, bold, and crowd-pleasing.

For those who love grill marks, nothing beats a charcoal or gas grill. The direct heat not only cooks the kabobs fast but also gives those iconic lines and flavors. If you’re grilling alongside other items, pair these skewers with our hot honey chicken biscuits for a spicy-sweet flavor profile your guests will rave about.

Perfect pairings for your pineapple chicken skewers

So, what sides go well with BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs? Think balance—pair sweet and smoky with something creamy, zesty, or starchy. A chilled sunshine salad adds freshness and crunch, while our creamy pasta salad provides a smooth, cool contrast.

Craving comfort? Go for cheesy ranch potatoes and smoked sausage—the richness pairs beautifully with the fruity grilled flavor of the kabobs. You can even create a kabob bowl by serving the skewers over Greek lemon rice for a quick and satisfying meal prep idea.

These kabobs also work great with dipping sauces—try a garlic-lime aioli or even a light mango salsa. Whether you’re serving at a family gathering or prepping lunches for the week, BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs bring a balanced flavor punch to every plate.

BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs FAQs & Final Tips

Top tips to get the most flavor from your kabobs

To get that perfect balance of char and moisture, always preheat your grill or oven fully before placing the kabobs. This locks in juices while forming that irresistible golden crust on the outside. Want deeper flavor? Add a touch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to your marinade for extra complexity. And if you’re short on time, even a 30-minute marinate makes a difference.

Another pro tip: slice your pineapple thick enough to stay juicy on the grill but not so large that it overshadows the chicken. And remember—don’t toss the leftover BBQ marinade! Use it to brush over the kabobs during cooking for a glossy, caramelized finish. Looking for a dish to complement this? Try our garlic butter chicken bites with creamy pasta for a bold and satisfying plate, or keep it handheld with chicken gyros for a fun mix-and-match dinner spread.

Now let’s dive into the most common questions around BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs.

Serving Up the Final Word

There’s a reason BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs have become a Paula’s Kitchen favorite—they’re easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. The combination of smoky BBQ sauce, juicy chicken, and sweet pineapple creates a meal that’s as fun to eat as it is to serve. Whether you’re grilling on the patio, baking in the oven, or tossing them in the air fryer, these kabobs always bring summer to the table.

Next time you need something vibrant, quick, and crowd-approved, grab your skewers and get grilling. And while you’re at it, explore more vibrant recipes like huli huli chicken or garlic parmesan chicken skewers to keep the flavors fresh and exciting.

FAQs