BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

These BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs are my summertime grilling go to juicy chunks of chicken with caramelized edges and vibrant pops of pineapple bell pepper and sweet onion all slathered in a sticky barbecue teriyaki glaze that clings to every bite This recipe brings that festival feeling to your backyard with no fuss and big crowd appeal

Ingredients

• Barbecue sauce: rich and sweet with smoky flavor choose a thick sauce for best cling
• Teriyaki sauce: this builds layers of umami and a little extra sweetness buy a brand low in sugar for balance
• Garlic: fresh cloves only for pungency jarred just does not pop
• Ginger: freshly grated for its kick and perfume avoid dry powder stick to the real root
• Chicken breasts: boneless and skinless for lean protein look for firm pink pieces skip anything mushy
• Pineapple: fresh only for real bite and juiciness canned is too limp and syrupy
• Red bell pepper: brings color and balance pick one with taut shiny skin
• Sweet onion: rounds out the flavor pick one that feels heavy for its size always skip soft spots
• Canola oil: makes for a golden grilled finish and prevents sticking go for high quality oil for a cleaner flavor
• Kosher salt and fresh black pepper: for seasoning freshly ground makes a real difference

Step by Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

In a medium sized bowl mix barbecue sauce teriyaki sauce garlic and ginger until smooth Using about half the mixture coat chicken pieces well Save the rest in a covered container in the fridge Let chicken marinate in the sauce ideally for at least two hours up to eight hours This helps the meat soak up flavor and tenderness

Assemble Skewers:

Thread chicken pineapple red bell pepper and onion onto sturdy skewers Alternate the pieces for color and balance If using wooden skewers soak them in water first for at least thirty minutes to stop any burning

Season and Oil:

Brush each skewer lightly with canola oil for a glossy finish Season evenly with salt and pepper on all sides This keeps the kabobs juicy and adds a touch of crust

Preheat the Grill:

Heat your grill to medium Let it get fully hot so the kabobs sear instead of steaming You want clear grill marks for flavor

Grill the Kabobs:

Lay each skewer directly over the heat Let the pieces cook about ten minutes turning every two to three minutes for even color and doneness When chicken is cooked through with no pink inside and a thermometer reads one hundred sixty five degrees it is ready

Glaze and Finish:

With just a few minutes left brush reserved barbecue sauce mixture over the kabobs Let them sizzle for another two minutes so the glaze turns shiny and sticky

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The fresh pineapple always reminds me of summer cookouts with my sister who claims it is her favorite grilled fruit My family loves to fight over the charred pineapple corners the sweet tanginess is unbeatable

Storage Tips

Once cooled to room temperature store any remaining kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge They are best eaten within two days You can also pull the meat and veggies off the skewers and toss into salads or wraps for easy lunches

Ingredient Substitutions

Chicken thighs will stay extra juicy if you prefer dark meat Swap red bell pepper for yellow or orange for a sweeter twist If you cannot find sweet onion regular yellow onion works fine Pineapple can be replaced with mango chunks for a tropical feel

Serving Suggestions

Serve these kabobs straight off the grill with a sprinkle of sliced green onions I like to pair them with simple white rice or a crisp green salad They also taste great with corn on the cob or cold pasta salad on the side

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Cultural and Historical Context

Kabobs are a long loved method of grilling that began with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean traditions The sweet and savory combination here speaks to modern American backyard style barbecue with a Hawaiian inspired touch thanks to the pineapple

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long should the chicken marinate?

Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but for the best flavor, leave it up to 8 hours in the fridge.

→ Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Fresh pineapple is recommended for best texture and flavor, but canned works in a pinch. Drain well before using.

→ What vegetables pair well on the skewers?

Red bell pepper and sweet onion offer great sweetness and color, but feel free to add zucchini or mushrooms as well.

→ How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the juices run clear.

→ What can I serve alongside these skewers?

Grilled corn, rice, or a fresh summer salad pair well with the flavors and bring balance to the barbecue spread.