Pineapple Chicken Kabobsrn

Name: Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 170 min
Ingredients: 1 pound thick-cut bacon; 1 fresh pineapple; 1 cup BBQ sauce; 1 teaspoon chili lime seasoning, ((we like Trader Joe’s brand)); 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts

overhead shot of BBQ Chicken Kabobs with Bacon and Pineapple in a sheet pan

These Hawaiian pineapple chicken kabobs boast tons of flavor and make a fantastic main course to grill on the barbecue.

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Table of Contents

Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Ingredients
How to Make This Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe
How To Serve Chicken and Pineapple Kabobs
When to Serve Pineapple Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Chicken Hawaiian Kabobs Substitutions and Additions
Storage
Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Pineapple Frequently Asked Questions
More Recipes You’ll Love
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Welcome to Spaceships and Laser Beams, your go-to source for trusted and delicious recipes for more than a decade. Our pineapple chicken kabobs are a fantastic blend of sweet and savory flavors that will elevate any meal. With our step-by-step instructions, meticulous testing, and helpful tips, you can trust that these kabobs will turn out perfectly every time.

We take pride in sharing recipes that our readers love and come back to time and time again. These chicken pineapple skewers have been tested and perfected to ensure they are easy to prepare and packed with flavor. We’re committed to providing you with recipes that taste great and are simple to follow, making your cooking experience enjoyable and stress-free.

Our expertise in creating mouthwatering dishes stems from years of culinary passion and dedication. At Spaceships and Laser Beams, we believe that great recipes start with quality ingredients and clear instructions. Join us as we guide you through making these irresistible Hawaiian chicken kabobs, and get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that’s sure to become a favorite.

close up shot of BBQ Chicken Kabobs with Bacon and Pineapple in a sheet pan

Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Ingredients

BBQ Chicken Kabobs with Bacon and Pineapple raw ingredients that are labeled

You’ll need these simple ingredients:

1 pound thick-cut bacon
1 fresh pineapple
1 cup BBQ sauce
1 teaspoon chili lime seasoning (we like Trader Joe’s brand)
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts

How to Make This Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the strips of bacon on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and bake for ten minutes.

You are just “par-cooking” the bacon, and we will finish cooking it on the kabobs, but it needs a jump start. Cut into two-inch strips.

PRO TIP: You have to pre-cook the bacon partially, or it will not cook fully on the grill. Leave some space between the chunks on the kabobs. When they are squished together, the heat cannot get in between, and the inside of the chicken and bacon will be raw while the outside gets charred.

STEP TWO: Cut the top and bottom, and peel the outer skin from the pineapple. Slice around the core and cut the chunks into 1½ to 2-inch pieces. Set aside.

pineapple cut into chunks on a cutting board

STEP THREE: In a blender or food processor, combine half a cup of pineapple chunks, one cup of BBQ sauce, and one teaspoon of chili lime seasoning.

Blend together to form the chicken marinade.

PRO TIP: You can also simply marinate the chicken in straight BBQ sauce. The chili lime seasoning adds a little zing.

You can use pineapple juice instead of pureed pineapple.

When you thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, go ahead and get some of the marinade on the pineapple and bacon pieces. It’ll add flavor.

But once you start cooking the chicken and pineapple kabobs, dispose of the marinade that the raw chicken was soaking in. Use uncontaminated BBQ sauce to brush over the finished kabobs.

pineapple chunks, bbq sauce, and chili lime seasoning blended together

STEP FOUR: Cut the chicken breasts into large chunks of 1½ to 2-inch cubes. Place chicken in a large bowl and pour the marinade over the pieces of chicken and toss to combine.

pineapple seasoning poured over the chicken pieces in a bowl

STEP FIVE: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate chicken. Allow to marinate for at least two hours or up to overnight.

STEP SIX: Using metal skewers or bamboo skewers that have been soaked in water, place marinated chicken, pineapple, and bacon pieces on the skewers to make the kabobs.

PRO TIP: If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water before grilling them so they don’t burn.

Chicken, pineapple and bacon pieces placed on the skewers

STEP SEVEN: Grill the chicken skewers for eight to ten minutes on each side or until the kabobs have char marks and the chicken is cooked through to 165°F.

Brush skewers with extra BBQ sauce as the kabobs finish cooking, as desired.

PRO TIP: Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of the chicken before removing it from the grill.

BBQ Chicken Kabobs with Bacon and Pineapple grilled and brushed with bbq sauce

How To Serve Chicken and Pineapple Kabobs

These BBQ pineapple chicken kabobs are a good option for an easy weeknight dinner. Serve as a main course along with our broccoli salad for a refreshing summer meal.

Grilling recipes are the best way to keep the heat out of the kitchen and we think you should check out our grilled potatoes and grilled salmon as well.

When to Serve Pineapple Grilled Chicken Kabobs

Weeknight Dinners: Pineapple chicken kabobs make for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Their simple preparation and short cooking time are perfect for busy evenings when you want a delicious and nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Pair them with a side of lemon rice or a fresh apple salad for a complete meal.

Summer Barbecues: These kabobs are ideal for summer barbecues and outdoor gatherings. The sweet and savory flavors, along with the vibrant colors of the pineapple and vegetables, make them a standout dish for any cookout. Serve them alongside grilled corn, coleslaw, and your favorite barbecue sides.

Family Gatherings: These kabobs are a hit at family gatherings and potlucks. They are easy to prepare in large batches, and everyone loves the combination of juicy chicken and caramelized pineapple. Offer a variety of dipping sauces to add an extra layer of fun and customization for your guests.

Meal Prep: These kabobs are also great for meal prepping. You can marinate and assemble them in advance, then grill them when you’re ready to eat. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for quick and tasty lunches or dinners throughout the week. They’re convenient to reheat and maintain their delicious flavor.

Chicken Hawaiian Kabobs Substitutions and Additions

VEGGIES: You could also add skewers of fresh veggies along with your pineapple and chicken kabobs. Try red onion, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, green pepper, and mushrooms brushed with olive oil to accompany the main course.

CHICKEN: If you prefer dark meat, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts. They are juicier and add a richer flavor to the kabobs.

PINEAPPLE: While fresh pineapple is a fantastic choice, canned pineapple chunks in natural juice work just as well and can be more convenient. If you want a different fruit option, mango chunks can be a delicious tropical substitute.

SOY SAUCE: You can substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

BROWN SUGAR: Honey or maple syrup can be used in place of brown sugar. These natural sweeteners add a unique depth of flavor and are great for those looking to reduce refined sugar intake.

GARLIC: If fresh garlic isn’t available, you can use garlic powder. About a quarter teaspoon of garlic powder can substitute for one clove of fresh garlic, giving a similar garlicky taste.

GINGER: Ground ginger can be used if you don’t have fresh ginger. Use about quarter teaspoon of ground ginger for each tablespoon of fresh ginger required, but keep in mind it will alter the taste slightly.

OIL: Olive oil can be swapped with other oils like avocado oil or sesame oil. Avocado oil adds a subtle flavor while sesame oil gives an extra nutty note to the kabobs.

RED PEPPER FLAKES: For those who prefer a milder kabob, omit the red pepper flakes. Alternatively, if you like a bit more heat, you can use a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.

SEASONINGS: Feel free to experiment with additional herbs and spices. Adding a sprinkle of cumin, smoked paprika, or even a touch of curry powder can bring new dimensions to the flavor profile.

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Storage

IN THE FRIDGE: Store these Hawaiian chicken kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for two to three days.

IN THE FREEZER: You can also freeze this Hawaiian BBQ chicken for up to one month in an airtight container.

Summertime is the perfect time for grilling out and enjoying delicious food with friends and family. These juicy pineapple chicken kabobs are the perfect easy summer dish. They’re flavorful, packed with tropical flavors and, best of all, totally crave-able.

Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Pineapple Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook chicken pineapple kabobs in the oven?

This easy recipe will also work in the oven. Put all the kabobs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in the oven at 425°F for about 20 to 30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. Note that the cook time will vary slightly depending on the size of the chicken pieces.

Can I add vegetables to the skewers along with the chicken and pineapple?

This grilled chicken kabob recipe would be delicious with additional fresh vegetables either added to the same skewer or cooked alongside on their own skewers.

Why do I have to soak the wooden skewers?

Wooden skewers need to be soaked so that they don’t catch fire while you are cooking them on the grill. If they do, your food might fall off and end up at the bottom of the barbecue.

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