There's something magical about the aroma of smoky barbecue mingling with the sweet scent of grilled pineapple. These BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs offer a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, making them an instant hit at any gathering.

I first discovered this recipe during a summer cookout with friends. With just a few simple ingredients and a hot grill, these kabobs quickly became the star of the evening — and they've held a permanent spot in my grilling rotation ever since.

Let’s dive into why you’ll want to make these BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs part of your next meal.

Why You'll Love This BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Get ready to fall head over heels for your new favorite grilling recipe. These BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are the perfect combination of ease, flavor, and versatility.

First of all, they’re incredibly simple to prepare. With just a bit of chopping and marinating, you’ll have everything ready to skewer and grill in no time. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a backyard party, this recipe won't keep you stuck in the kitchen for long.

The flavor is absolutely irresistible. The tender chunks of chicken soak up the smoky BBQ sauce while the pineapple caramelizes on the grill, adding a burst of juicy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory meat.

They’re also wonderfully budget-friendly. Using basic pantry staples and affordable chicken breast or thighs, you can easily serve a crowd without breaking the bank.

Lastly, this recipe is highly adaptable. You can mix and match your favorite vegetables or even swap out the protein, making it perfect for picky eaters and adventurous cooks alike.

Now that you’re hooked, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make these kabobs shine.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs lies in their straightforward ingredient list, each component adding its own unique touch to the final dish.

Chicken is the star of the show. I typically use boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they grill up quickly and remain juicy when properly marinated. However, boneless chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative if you prefer a richer, more flavorful bite.

Pineapple adds that signature sweetness. Fresh pineapple is ideal, offering vibrant flavor and perfect caramelization on the grill. If fresh isn’t available, high-quality canned pineapple chunks (drained well) can work in a pinch.

Barbecue sauce ties everything together with its smoky, tangy goodness. I like to use a thick, slightly sweet BBQ sauce to complement the pineapple. Feel free to experiment with your favorite store-bought brand or even a homemade version.

Bell peppers and red onions add color, crunch, and extra flavor. The peppers soften slightly on the grill while maintaining a bit of bite, and the onions sweeten as they cook, balancing the flavors beautifully.

As for equipment, you’ll need skewers (metal or soaked wooden skewers both work) and a grill or grill pan. A set of tongs and a basting brush will also come in handy for easy turning and saucing.

How To Make This BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Making these kabobs is as easy as it is fun. Let’s walk through the simple steps to create this delicious dish.

Start by preparing the marinade. In a large bowl, combine a generous amount of your chosen barbecue sauce with a splash of pineapple juice, a bit of olive oil, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until smooth and well blended.

Cut your chicken into evenly sized cubes, about 1 to 1½ inches each. This ensures they cook uniformly on the grill. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, though a few hours or even overnight will infuse the most flavor.

While the chicken marinates, prep your vegetables and pineapple. Slice the bell peppers into chunks similar in size to the chicken, peel and cut the red onion into wedges, and cube the fresh pineapple. Keeping the pieces uniform helps everything cook evenly.

When you’re ready to assemble, thread the marinated chicken, pineapple, bell peppers, and onions onto the skewers, alternating for a beautiful presentation. Don’t pack them too tightly; leaving a bit of space between each piece helps the heat circulate and ensures thorough cooking.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the kabobs on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning every few minutes to achieve even grill marks and caramelization. During the last few minutes, brush additional barbecue sauce over the kabobs to create a glossy, flavorful glaze.

In about 30 minutes total — including prep and cook time — you’ll have a platter of smoky, juicy, and sweet BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs ready to serve. The aroma alone will have everyone gathered around the grill!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (though that’s rare in my house), these kabobs store wonderfully for later enjoyment.

Allow the kabobs to cool completely before removing the meat and veggies from the skewers. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken and vegetables. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months.

When reheating, gently warm the kabobs in a 300°F oven until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, though the texture is best preserved with oven reheating.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the things I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can easily adjust it to fit your taste or whatever ingredients you have on hand.

For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the marinade. The heat pairs wonderfully with the sweet pineapple and smoky BBQ sauce.

Swap the chicken for shrimp or pork for a different take on the kabobs. Just adjust cooking times accordingly — shrimp, for example, will cook much faster than chicken.

Try adding other vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms. Their flavors complement the barbecue glaze beautifully and add even more color to your skewers.

If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use a sugar-free or low-sugar barbecue sauce. This keeps the sweetness in check while still delivering big flavor.

Finally, for a tropical twist, sprinkle some shredded coconut over the kabobs just before serving. It adds a fun, unexpected touch that guests will love.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make these kabobs your own. With so many possibilities, you’ll never get bored of this simple yet crowd-pleasing recipe.