BBQ Chicken Pineapple Kebabs (Printable)

Tender grilled chicken paired with sweet pineapple and red onion on skewers, glazed in smoky BBQ sauce.

# What You'll Need:

→ Protein & Marinade

01 - 1.1 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, plus extra for brushing
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Vegetables & Fruit

08 - 1 medium red onion, 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

# Directions:

01 - In a large bowl, combine chicken cubes, olive oil, 1/2 cup 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. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning every 3 to 4 minutes and brushing with additional BBQ sauce, until chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
05 - Remove skewers from grill, rest for 2 minutes, and serve warm with additional BBQ sauce on the side.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Quick and easy preparation with just 20 minutes of prep time
  • Perfect balance of sweet pineapple, savory chicken, and smoky BBQ flavors
  • Naturally gluten-free when using the right BBQ sauce
  • Great for meal prep, entertaining, or weeknight dinners
  • Minimal cleanup with everything cooked on skewers
  • Customizable with your favorite vegetables and proteins
02 -
  • Cut all ingredients to uniform 2.5 cm (1-inch) pieces for even cooking
  • Don't overcrowd the skewers—leave small gaps for heat circulation
  • Use chicken thighs instead of breast for extra juiciness and flavor
  • Oil your grill grates before cooking to prevent sticking
  • Make extra marinade to use as a dipping sauce (just don't reuse the marinade that touched raw chicken)
  • For easier flipping, use flat metal skewers instead of round ones
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