BBQ Chicken Pineapple Kebabs (Printable)

Grilled chicken paired with pineapple and red onion, brushed with tangy BBQ glaze for a flavorful, easy dish.

# What You Need:

→ Protein & Marinade

01 - 1.1 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - ½ cup BBQ sauce, plus extra for brushing
03 - 1 tbsp olive oil
04 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
05 - ½ tsp garlic powder
06 - ½ tsp salt
07 - ¼ tsp black pepper

→ Vegetables & Fruit

08 - 1 medium red onion, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
09 - 1 medium pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks

→ Assembly

10 - 8 wooden or metal skewers (soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes)

# Directions:

01 - In a large bowl, combine chicken cubes, olive oil, BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor.
02 - Preheat grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F.
03 - Thread chicken, pineapple, and red onion alternately onto skewers, starting and ending with chicken pieces for structural stability.
04 - Place skewers on the grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning every 3 to 4 minutes and brushing with additional BBQ sauce, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
05 - Remove kebabs from grill and rest for 2 minutes. Serve warm with additional BBQ sauce if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Ready in just 32 minutes from prep to plate—perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous cookouts
  • A gluten-free option when paired with the right BBQ sauce, making it inclusive for various dietary needs
  • The combination of tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and smoky red onion creates an irresistible sweet-and-savory balance
  • Easy to customize with different proteins or vegetables based on what you have on hand
  • Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing, these colorful skewers make eating fun and delicious
02 -
  • Cut all ingredients to a uniform 2.5 cm (1-inch) size for even cooking and beautiful presentation
  • Don't flip the skewers too often—let them develop those gorgeous grill marks by allowing 3–4 minutes per side
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) for food safety
  • If your pineapple is very ripe and soft, it may cook faster than the chicken—consider using slightly firmer fruit
  • Let the kebabs rest for 2 minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and tender
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