BBQ Chicken Pineapple Kebabs (Printable)

Tender grilled chicken with pineapple and red onions, glazed with smoky BBQ sauce for a vibrant flavor.

# 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 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
06 - ½ teaspoon salt
07 - ¼ teaspoon 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 (wooden skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes)

# How-To Steps:

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 refrigerated 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. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning every 3 to 4 minutes and brushing with additional BBQ sauce, until chicken reaches full doneness with light charring.
05 - Remove from grill and rest for 2 minutes. Serve warm with additional BBQ sauce on the side.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Quick and easy with just 32 minutes total time from prep to plate
  • Perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors in every bite
  • Naturally gluten-free when using the right BBQ sauce
  • Great for meal prep, entertaining, or weeknight dinners
  • Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor—ideal for busy cooks
02 -
  • Use chicken thighs instead of breast for extra juiciness and flavor
  • Brush kebabs with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes only to prevent burning
  • Let the grill grates get hot and clean before adding skewers to prevent sticking
  • Cut all ingredients to the same size for even cooking
  • Make extra marinade to use as a finishing sauce—just boil it first for food safety
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