Hey there, fellow food lovers! Are you craving a vibrant, flavorful, and utterly satisfying summer meal? Look no further than these delectable BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs! These aren’t your average chicken skewers; they’re a burst of tropical sweetness and smoky BBQ goodness that will transport your taste buds to paradise. Imagine juicy, tender chicken pieces perfectly charred, mingling with sweet pineapple chunks, crisp red bell pepper, and the subtle sweetness of caramelized onions. The tangy BBQ sauce and rich teriyaki sauce create a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave you wanting more.
What makes these kabobs so special? It’s the perfect balance! The sweetness of the pineapple cuts through the savory chicken and BBQ, while the teriyaki adds a touch of umami depth. The red bell pepper provides a delightful crunch and a vibrant pop of color, making them as visually appealing as they are delicious. Plus, they’re incredibly quick to prepare – perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend BBQ gathering. They’re also incredibly versatile; you can adjust the spiciness, add other vegetables, and even make a vegetarian version (more on that later!).
Picture this: you’re sitting outside on a warm evening, enjoying the company of loved ones, and these flavorful kabobs are the star of the show. The aroma alone will tantalize your senses, setting a relaxed and joyful mood. The taste? Oh, the taste! Each bite is a symphony of textures and flavors – tender chicken, juicy pineapple, smoky BBQ, and a hint of ginger – creating an unforgettable culinary experience. Prepare to be amazed by how easily you can create such a restaurant-quality meal at home.
What You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for these BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs is a breeze! Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need:
- 2 lbs Chicken breasts, boneless, skinless: The star of the show! Choose high-quality chicken for the best flavor and texture.
- 3 cloves Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a pungent aroma and depth of flavor to the marinade.
- 1 tbsp Ginger: Freshly grated ginger adds a warm, slightly spicy note that complements the sweetness of the pineapple.
- 2 cups Pineapple chunks, fresh: The sweetness and juicy texture of fresh pineapple are essential for this recipe. Canned pineapple can be substituted in a pinch, but fresh is always best.
- 1 Red bell pepper: Adds a vibrant color and a satisfying crunch. Feel free to experiment with other bell pepper colors!
- 1 Sweet onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor. Vidalia or Maui onions are excellent choices.
- ⅔ cup Barbecue sauce: Your favorite BBQ sauce will work! Choose one with a good balance of sweet and smoky flavors.
- ⅔ cup Teriyaki sauce: Adds a touch of umami and richness to the marinade. Low sodium is a healthier option.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing its flavor.
- 2 tbsp Canola oil: For lightly coating the chicken and preventing sticking on the grill or skewers.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Here’s a step-by-step guide to making these irresistible BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs:
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Tip: For even cooking, try to make the chicken pieces as uniform in size as possible.
- Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together the canola oil, BBQ sauce, teriyaki sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat completely. Tip: Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor. The longer, the better!
- Prepare the vegetables: Cut the red bell pepper and sweet onion into 1-inch pieces.
- Assemble the kabobs: Thread the marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, red bell pepper, and onion pieces onto skewers. Tip: Leave a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using to prevent burning.
- Grill the kabobs: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Grill the kabobs for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Tip: Use tongs to carefully turn the kabobs to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Serve and enjoy! Remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious flavors!
Tips for Success
To ensure your BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are a resounding success, here are a few extra tips:
Don’t overcrowd the grill. This will lower the temperature and result in uneven cooking. Grill in batches if necessary. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety. For extra flavor, baste the kabobs with extra BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling. If you don’t have a grill, you can bake these kabobs in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Variations to Try
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few variations to try:
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick. Add more veggies: Experiment with other vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms. Vegetarian option: Replace the chicken with firm tofu or halloumi cheese. Tropical twist: Add chunks of mango or papaya along with the pineapple. Sweet and savory glaze: Brush the kabobs with a honey-soy glaze during the last few minutes of grilling for an extra layer of flavor.
Storing and Reheating
Leftover BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave them for 1-2 minutes, or bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through. For freezing, let the kabobs cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat frozen kabobs, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat as directed above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh? A: Yes, you can use canned pineapple, but fresh pineapple will offer a superior flavor and texture. Make sure to drain the canned pineapple well before using it.
Q: How long can I keep the marinated chicken in the refrigerator? A: You can marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. Marinating for longer will enhance the flavor, but don’t let it sit for more than 4 hours to avoid potential food safety concerns.
Q: Can I make these kabobs ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the kabobs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill them. However, it’s best to marinate the chicken separately and add it to the skewers just before grilling to prevent the chicken from becoming too soggy.
Q: What kind of skewers should I use? A: You can use either metal or wooden skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning on the grill.
The Final Word
These BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are a true culinary masterpiece – a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that will leave you craving more. The ease of preparation, combined with the incredible taste and vibrant presentation, makes this recipe a perfect choice for any occasion. So, fire up that grill (or preheat your oven!), gather your ingredients, and get ready for a taste of paradise! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how you enjoyed your culinary adventure. And if you love this recipe, please rate it and share it with your friends and family. Happy grilling!
BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
Equipment
- Skewers Metal or wooden skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before use)
- Grill or Grill Pan
Ingredients
Meat
- 2 lbs Chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
Produce & Condiments
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Ginger, minced
- 2 cups Pineapple chunks, fresh
- 1 Red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 Sweet onion, chopped
- 0.67 cup Barbecue sauce
- 0.67 cup Teriyaki sauce
Seasoning & Oil
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- 1 tsp Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp Canola oil
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes.
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, garlic, ginger, pineapple, bell pepper, and onion. Toss to coat.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, salt, pepper, and canola oil.
- Pour sauce over chicken mixture and toss until evenly coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Thread chicken and vegetables onto skewers.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill kabobs for 5-7 minutes per side, or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
- Serve immediately.