Sticky Sweet Grilled Kabobs

This irresistible BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs recipe has become my summer grilling masterpiece. The perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors creates a dish that disappears within minutes at every backyard gathering.

I discovered this recipe during a beach vacation when we needed something special for a sunset dinner. Now it's become our official summer celebration meal that everyone requests by name.

Ingredients

• Barbecue sauce: provides that classic smoky sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the grill
• Teriyaki sauce: adds umami depth and helps tenderize the chicken look for a good quality one without too many additives
• Fresh garlic and ginger: create an aromatic foundation that elevates the entire dish freshly minced makes all the difference
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: ensure quick even cooking choose organic if possible for best flavor
• Fresh pineapple chunks: offer juicy sweetness that intensifies when grilled avoid canned for this recipe
• Red bell pepper: adds vibrant color and slight sweetness select firm peppers with glossy skin
• Sweet onion: provides essential savory notes and caramelizes beautifully when grilled
• Canola oil: prevents sticking and promotes browning use any neutral high heat oil you prefer

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the marinade:

Combine barbecue sauce teriyaki sauce minced garlic and freshly grated ginger in a medium bowl until completely incorporated. The marinade should be thick enough to coat a spoon but still pourable. Reserve half a cup of this mixture for basting during cooking this prevents cross contamination and ensures food safety.

Marinate the chicken:

Place chicken chunks in a large ziplock bag or bowl and pour the remaining marinade over top. Seal tightly and massage the bag to ensure even coating. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours ideally overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat. Turn occasionally if using a bag to ensure even marination.

Assemble the skewers:

Drain the marinated chicken pieces thoroughly. Alternate threading chicken pineapple bell pepper and onion onto skewers creating a colorful pattern. Leave small spaces between ingredients to ensure even cooking. Brush assembled skewers lightly with canola oil and season with salt and pepper to enhance flavors.

Grill to perfection:

Preheat your grill to medium heat around 350°F. Place skewers on the grill and cook with the lid closed turning every 2 to 3 minutes to achieve even browning on all sides. Continue until chicken reaches 165°F internally usually about 10 minutes total depending on your grill and thickness of meat.

Final glazing:

Once chicken is fully cooked brush generously with the reserved barbecue sauce mixture. Allow to cook for 1 to 2 more minutes until the sauce sets and becomes slightly sticky. This final glazing step creates that irresistible caramelized finish that makes these kabobs special.

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The fresh ginger in this recipe is truly non-negotiable. I once tried substituting powdered ginger when I ran out of fresh and while still good it missed that bright zingy quality that makes these kabobs so special. My daughter actually refuses to eat them without the "spicy bits" as she calls the fresh ginger flavor.

Make Ahead Options

These kabobs work beautifully for meal prep or entertaining. You can marinate the chicken up to 8 hours ahead and even assemble the skewers several hours before cooking. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until 30 minutes before grilling. For busy weeknights I often prepare everything in the morning then simply grill when I get home for a quick impressive dinner that tastes like it took hours.

Perfect Pairings

These BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs pair wonderfully with coconut rice which complements the tropical pineapple flavors. A simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich savory kabobs. For a complete meal I often serve them with grilled corn on the cob brushed with a little of the reserved sauce mixture during the last few minutes of cooking.

Indoor Cooking Alternative

No grill? No problem! These kabobs adapt beautifully to indoor cooking. Use a grill pan on high heat for 4 minutes per side then finish in a 375°F oven for 10 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internally. You can also broil them on high for about 10 minutes turning halfway through. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.

Cultural Inspiration

This recipe beautifully blends American barbecue traditions with Asian flavor influences. The teriyaki and ginger represent classic Japanese cooking techniques while the barbecue sauce adds that distinctly American summer grilling profile. This fusion approach creates a universally appealing dish that satisfies diverse palates while still feeling familiar and comforting.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute canned pineapple chunks, but make sure to drain them thoroughly before skewering. Fresh pineapple provides better caramelization and a more vibrant flavor when grilled, but canned will work in a pinch.

→ How long should I marinate the chicken?

For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours and up to 8 hours. This allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat while keeping it tender. Avoid marinating longer than 8 hours as the acidity in the sauces can start to break down the chicken texture too much.

→ Can I make these kabobs in the oven?

Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the skewers on a lined baking sheet. Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through cooking time, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Brush with the reserved sauce in the last 5 minutes of cooking.

→ What can I serve with these kabobs?

These kabobs pair wonderfully with coconut rice, a simple green salad, grilled vegetables, or corn on the cob. For a complete meal, consider serving with a side of coleslaw or a light quinoa salad to balance the sweet and savory flavors of the kabobs.

→ Can I prepare these skewers ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the skewers up to 24 hours in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator. This makes them perfect for entertaining. Just bring them to room temperature for about 20 minutes before grilling for more even cooking.

→ What type of barbecue sauce works best?

A slightly sweet barbecue sauce complements the teriyaki and pineapple flavors best. Honey BBQ or brown sugar-based sauces work particularly well, but feel free to use your favorite variety or adjust based on your preferred level of sweetness or spice.