Today: Get My No Fail, Easy Cookbook Series for 60% OFF
Buy Now

Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Pin RecipeReview Recipe
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.
Jump to Recipe
Table of Contents
  1. Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Ingredients
  2. How to Make This Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe
  3. How To Serve
  4. Storage
  5. More Recipes You’ll Love
  6. JUMP TO RECIPE

No summer grilling is complete without these pineapple chicken kabobs! The juicy and sweet pineapple pairs perfectly with the savory chicken and salty bacon for an easy way to add tropical flavor to your grilling lineup.

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
Don't want to lose this recipe? Get it emailed to you directly! Enter your email below. Plus you'll get a free e-cookbook and amazing recipes sent to you daily.

You’ll need:

  • 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

SUBSTITUTIONS AND ADDITIONS

CHICKEN: Chicken thighs would also be delicious in this great recipe.

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

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 10 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 2-inch strips.

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

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.

slices of bacon in a sheet pan

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 ½ cup of pineapple chunks, 1 cup of BBQ sauce, and 1 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 2 hours (and 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 using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water before using them for grilling so that they don’t burn. 

Chicken, pineapple and bacon pieces placed on the skewers

STEP SEVEN: Grill the chicken skewers for 8 to 10 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

These BBQ pineapple chicken kabobs are a good option for an easy weeknight dinner. Serve as a main course along with our grilled corn on the cob and 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.

Storage

IN THE FRIDGE: Store these Hawaiian chicken kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.

IN THE FREEZER: You can also freeze this Hawaiian BBQ chicken for up to 1 month in an airtight container.

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

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. 

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.

More Recipes You’ll Love

Get Recipes on Pinterest

get recipes on pinterest
get digital lazy cookbooks
Get a Free Cookbook
Subscribe now to receive our FREE Sweet & Treats digital cookbook with 15 amazing desserts inside!
overhead shot of BBQ Chicken Kabobs with Bacon and Pineapple in a sheet pan

Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

No ratings yet
These Hawaiian pineapple chicken kabobs boast tons of flavor and make a fantastic main course to grill on the barbecue.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings 12

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

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the strips of bacon on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and bake for 10 minutes. You are only “par-cooking” the bacon. We will finish cooking it on the kabobs, but it needs a jump start. Cut into 2-inch strips.
  • Cut the top and bottom, and peel the outer skin from the pineapple. Slice around the core and cut chunks into 1½ to 2-inch pieces. Set aside.
  • In a blender or food processor, combine ½ cup of pineapple chunks, 1 cup of BBQ sauce, and 1 teaspoon of chili lime seasoning. Blend together to form a marinade.
  • Cut the chicken breasts into large chunks of 1½ to 2-inch cubes. Pour the marinade over the chicken pieces and toss to combine.
  • Cover and refrigerate chicken and allow to marinate for at least 2 hours (and up to overnight).
  • Using metal skewers or bamboo skewers that have been soaked in water, place chicken, pineapple, and bacon pieces on the skewers to make the kabobs.
  • Grill for 8 to 10 minutes on each side or until the kabobs have char marks and the chicken is cooked through to 165°F. Brush with extra BBQ sauce as the kabobs finish cooking, as desired.

Notes

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • If using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water before using them for grilling so that they don’t burn.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of the chicken before removing it from the grill.

Nutrition

Calories: 270kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 43mg | Sodium: 529mg | Potassium: 322mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 127IU | Vitamin C: 37mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg
Have You Tried This Recipe?Follow me on Pinterest @spaceshipslb

Get Recipes on Facebook

get recipes on facebook

Proudly Prepared by the Spaceships Kitchen

This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

You May Also Like

get digital lazy cookbooks

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Comment

    Recipe Rating




    Comments

16108

Free Membership!

Get all our new recipes straight to

your inbox plus a BONUS

download in your first email! ❤