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Delicious grilled BBQ pineapple chicken kabobs with colorful vegetables.

Classic Grilled BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

These Classic Grilled BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are a perfect blend of sweet and savory, featuring tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and crisp vegetables, all coated in a delicious BBQ glaze. Ideal for a summer cookout, these kabobs are easy to make and packed with flavor.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 4 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • medium bowl
  • whisk
  • grill
  • tongs
  • meat thermometer
  • wooden or metal skewers

Ingredients
  

Chicken & Marinade

  • 1.5 - 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for marinade
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce for marinade
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup for marinade
  • 2-3 cloves garlic minced (for marinade)
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger fresh or paste), optional (for marinade)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Vegetables & Fruit

  • 1/2 large fresh pineapple cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1-2 bell peppers (any color), cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 small red onion cut into 1-inch pieces

For Grilling

  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup favorite BBQ sauce
  • Wooden or metal skewers if using wooden, soak for at least 30 minutes

Instructions
 

Marinade Preparation

  • In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, grated ginger (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper; whisk well.

Chicken Marinade

  • Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Skewer Preparation

  • If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes while the chicken marinates.

Preheat Grill

  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F or 190-200°C) and lightly oil the grates.

Assemble Kabobs

  • Thread the marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, bell pepper pieces, and red onion onto the skewers, alternating ingredients and not packing them too tightly for even cooking.

Grill Kabobs

  • Place the kabobs on the preheated grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Sauce and Finish

  • During the last 3-5 minutes of grilling, brush the kabobs generously with BBQ sauce, turning and brushing to allow the sauce to caramelize without burning.

Rest and Serve

  • Remove the cooked kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute for tender chicken.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika or a tiny bit of cayenne pepper to the marinade for a subtle kick. Ensure your grill is clean before cooking to prevent sticking and flare-ups. You can also prepare the vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the kabobs. To prevent wooden skewers from burning, make sure they are fully submerged in water for the soaking time.