Name: Hawaiian Bacon Pineapple Chicken Kebabs Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 1/2 cup barbecue sauce; 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup pineapple juice; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar; 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 pound (500 g) chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes; 16 bacon rashers trimmed of excess fat and halved lengthways (2 1/2 inch x 1-inch); 3 cups fresh cubed pineapple; 1 large red pepper (capsicum) diced into 1-inch pieces; 1 large green pepper (capsicum) diced into 1-inch pieces; 1 large red onion diced into 1-inch pieces; Salt and cracked pepper to taste

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Get ready to fire up your grill and bring tropical sunshine straight to your dinner table with these irresistible Hawaiian Bacon Pineapple Chicken Kebabs! Juicy chicken, smoky bacon, and sweet pineapple chunks come together on each skewer, drenched in a mouthwatering marinade that balances tangy, salty, and sweet flavors to perfection. Whether you’re hosting a laid-back backyard BBQ or shaking up your weeknight menu, you’ll love how these kebabs capture that vacation-in-a-bite feeling. Make these just once, and Hawaiian Bacon Pineapple Chicken Kebabs will become your go-to summer crowd pleaser.

Hawaiian Bacon Pineapple Chicken Kebabs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to incredible Hawaiian Bacon Pineapple Chicken Kebabs is keeping things simple and letting each bold ingredient shine. These key players combine for unforgettable color, texture, and taste — with each ingredient playing an essential role!

Barbecue Sauce: Adds a smoky, tangy backbone for the marinade – use your favorite brand for the flavor you love most.
Soy Sauce: Provides the perfect salty, umami depth to balance the sweet pineapple elements.
Pineapple Juice: Delivers fruity tropical notes that tenderize the chicken and brighten up every bite.
Brown Sugar: Brings a mellow sweetness and helps create that irresistible caramelized glaze on the grill.
Rice Wine Vinegar: Gives just the right tangy edge and balance to the sauce.
Minced Garlic: Infuses the kebabs with a savory, aromatic finish that pairs beautifully with the other flavors.
Olive Oil: Keeps the chicken juicy and ensures smooth grilling with less sticking.
Sesame Oil: A few drops add unexpected toasty complexity to the marinade.
Chicken Breasts (1 lb): Cut into 1-inch cubes, they soak up all the flavors and stay wonderfully tender.
Bacon Rashers (16, halved): Wraps the chicken for an extra layer of smoky richness and crispy edges.
Fresh Pineapple (3 cups, cubed): The star ingredient that adds juicy sweetness and classic Hawaiian flair.
Red Pepper: Chopped big and bold, it gives a burst of sweetness and gorgeous color.
Green Pepper: Offers a bit of crunch and a contrast of color to each skewer.
Red Onion: Adds a subtle bite and layers of flavor that roast beautifully on the grill.
Salt and Cracked Pepper: Essential for seasoning everything to perfection before grilling.

How to Make Hawaiian Bacon Pineapple Chicken Kebabs

Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade

Start by making your sweet-and-savory marinade. In a large jug or mixing bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, soy sauce, pineapple juice, rice wine vinegar, minced garlic, olive oil, and sesame oil. Taste and adjust as needed – some like a touch more sweetness or tang! This marinade not only flavors the chicken but doubles as a baste later on, so be sure to save half for grilling.

Step 2: Preheat Your Grill

Set your grill pan on the stove or fire up your barbecue grill to medium-high heat. A properly preheated grill pan ensures gorgeous sear marks and helps everything cook evenly. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent any burning.

Step 3: Thread and Wrap the Skewers

Now the fun part—creating your kebabs! Take a piece of onion, then a chunk of red pepper, a square of pineapple, and a chunk of green pepper. Wrap a half strip of bacon around a cube of chicken and slide onto the skewer. Repeat this colorful pattern until the skewer is full and you’ve used all your chicken. The bacon-wrapped chicken adds unbeatable flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Marinade and Prep for Grilling

Lay your assembled kebabs on a tray and brush them generously with half of the marinade, making sure all sides are coated well. Don’t worry if it’s a bit messy—that’s where all the juicy goodness comes from! Reserve the remaining sauce for basting while the kebabs cook.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Brush your grill pan or barbecue grates with a little olive oil to keep things from sticking. Lay the kebabs across the hot surface and grill for about 5 minutes. Brush on half of the reserved marinade, then carefully turn each skewer. Baste again with the remaining sauce and continue grilling for 4 more minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, bacon is crisp, and you see caramelized edges.

How to Serve Hawaiian Bacon Pineapple Chicken Kebabs

Garnishes

A sprinkling of chopped green onions or a handful of fresh cilantro adds a vibrant burst of color and flavor on top of your kebabs. For a little extra Hawaiian flair, toss on some toasted sesame seeds just before serving.

Side Dishes

Serve your Hawaiian Bacon Pineapple Chicken Kebabs over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or coconut rice for a tropical touch. Tangy cabbage slaw, grilled corn on the cob, or even a chilled noodle salad make fantastic pairings that round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile skewers on a large wooden platter with slices of lime or pineapple fanned around the edge for ultimate backyard BBQ vibes. For parties, consider serving the kebabs deconstructed in a big bowl, sprinkled with herbs, and let guests build their own. Or, remove the kebab ingredients from the skewers and toss them into lettuce cups for fun, bite-sized wraps!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Hawaiian Bacon Pineapple Chicken Kebabs (lucky you!), simply remove any remaining skewers from the fridge, store them in an airtight container, and enjoy within three days. It’s best to separate any extra pineapple if you want to maintain the kebabs’ crisp texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the uncooked, assembled kebabs by arranging them on a parchment-lined tray until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. Store them for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before grilling. For cooked kebabs, remove from the skewers, freeze in a single layer, and use within one month for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, place the kebabs in a preheated 350°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, microwaving also works—just cover loosely and heat in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic option for Hawaiian Bacon Pineapple Chicken Kebabs, offering even juicier and more flavorful bites. Just cut them into similar-sized cubes so they cook evenly alongside the other ingredients.

Is there a vegetarian way to make this recipe?

Yes, swap out the chicken for extra-firm tofu or tempeh, and try marinated roasted red peppers or mushrooms instead of bacon. The marinade works beautifully with veggies too, so you’ll still get lots of that tropical flavor—just leave out the bacon for a plant-based spin!

What’s the best way to keep skewers from burning?

If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 20 minutes before threading the ingredients. This prevents them from burning or charring too much on the grill. Metal skewers are always a reusable, burn-proof alternative!

Can I grill these in the oven?

Definitely! If outdoor grilling isn’t an option, arrange your assembled Hawaiian Bacon Pineapple Chicken Kebabs on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil on high, turning and basting halfway through. Keep a close eye so nothing burns—the high heat mimics the grill’s char perfectly.

How do I know when the kebabs are cooked through?

The chicken should no longer be pink inside and the juices should run clear. If you have a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F. The bacon should look golden and crispy, and the veggies lightly charred—all signs that your kebabs are ready to serve!

Final Thoughts

Light up your grill and dive into a dish that feels like a mini vacation! Hawaiian Bacon Pineapple Chicken Kebabs aren’t just easy and delicious—they bring color, excitement, and a little island magic to any table. Gather your favorite people, make a big batch, and watch these kebabs disappear. Your next cookout awaits!

Hawaiian Bacon Pineapple Chicken Kebabs Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 25 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Hawaiian Bacon Pineapple Chicken Kebabs are a delicious combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. Perfect for grilling season, these kebabs are sure to be a hit at your next barbecue!

Instructions

Mix the bbq sauce: Combine barbecue sauce, soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, garlic, and sesame oil in a large jug or bowl.
Preheat the grill: Heat a grill pan or grill plates on the BBQ over medium-high heat.
Prepare skewers: Thread red onion, red pepper, pineapple, green pepper, bacon, and chicken onto skewers, wrapping the bacon around the chicken.
Marinate skewers: Coat skewers evenly with half of the marinade, reserving the other half for basting.
Grill the skewers: Brush grill with olive oil, then grill skewers for 5 minutes. Brush with 1/4 cup of reserved marinade, then turn and coat with the remaining 1/4 cup. Grill for an additional 4 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
Serve: Serve the kebabs immediately.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Hawaiian