Hawaiian Bacon Pineapple Chicken Kebabs Recipe

Hawaiian Bacon Pineapple Chicken Kebabs Recipe To Make

Hawaiian bacon pineapple chicken kebabs combine juicy fruit and tender protein in one of the most satisfying ways to enjoy grilled food.

There's something truly special about that sweet-savory combination that makes every bite feel like a celebration.

The smoky char from the grill adds depth to already bold flavors, creating contrast that keeps you coming back for more.

Perfect for backyard gatherings or weeknight dinners, they're as versatile as they are delicious.

You can serve them straight off the skewers for casual meals or plate them up for something more refined.

They work beautifully alongside rice, salads, or flatbreads, fitting into any menu with ease.

Everyone at the table will love how fun and flavorful they are, making them an instant favorite that's worth adding to regular rotation.

What Makes Hawaiian Bacon Pineapple Kebabs Fun

  • Easy Crowd-Pleaser: These kebabs are guaranteed to get everyone at the table excited, with colorful ingredients that make your plate look like a party.
  • Flexible Cooking Style: Whether you prefer grilling outside or using a stovetop pan, this recipe adapts perfectly to whatever cooking setup works for your kitchen.
  • No-Fuss Flavor Combo: Bacon, pineapple, and chicken create a seriously delicious mix that feels like a tropical vacation without complicated preparation steps.
  • Simple Ingredients: Everything needed for these kebabs can be found at your local grocery store, making them super convenient for a quick and satisfying meal.

Essential Ingredients for Hawaiian Bacon Pineapple Chicken Kebabs

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breast (1/2 kg): Tender meat cut into uniform small cubes for even cooking and perfect skewer balance.
  • Bacon (16 slices): Wrap around chicken pieces to add rich, smoky flavor and extra juiciness.
Fruit and Vegetables:
  • Fresh Pineapple (2.5 cups): Sweet, tangy cubes that complement the savory chicken and add tropical brightness.
  • Capsicum (1): Crunchy green vegetable for color and fresh texture.
  • Red Pepper (1): Vibrant vegetable that brings color and mild sweet taste to the kebabs.
  • Onion (1): Provides a sharp, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste profile.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar (1 tbsp), Pineapple Juice (1/4 cup), Soya Sauce (1/2 cup), Barbecue Sauce (1/2 cup): Create a complex, sweet and tangy marinade that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
  • Olive Oil (1 tbsp), Sesame Oil (1 tsp): Add depth and help sauce adhere to kebabs.
  • Garlic (4 cloves): Finely minced for intense, aromatic flavor throughout the sauce.
  • Rice Wine Vinegar (1 tbsp): Adds bright, tangy note to balance the sweetness.
  • Salt and Pepper (to taste): Fundamental seasonings to enhance all other flavors.

Kitchen Tools Needed for Hawaiian Bacon Chicken Kebabs

  • Metal Skewers: Sturdy tools perfect for threading your kebab ingredients, with a light butter greasing to prevent sticking. Choose long skewers that can hold multiple pieces of chicken, bacon, pepper, and pineapple.
  • Grill Pan or Outdoor Grill: Essential for cooking your kebabs and creating those delicious caramelized edges. Your grill should be preheated and ready for even cooking.
  • Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized container where you’ll blend your sauce ingredients smoothly and keep them ready for marinating and basting.
  • Basting Brush: Small kitchen tool perfect for spreading sauce over your kebabs during grilling, ensuring each piece gets a flavorful coating.
  • Cutting Board: Stable surface for chopping vegetables and preparing your chicken and bacon pieces neatly.
  • Sharp Chef’s Knife: Reliable tool for slicing peppers, onions, chicken, and bacon into uniform kebab-sized chunks.
  • Small Bowl: Extra container for serving additional sauce alongside your finished kebabs.
  • Tongs: Helpful for safely turning and managing your skewers on the hot grill without burning your hands.

Steps for Making Hawaiian Bacon Pineapple Chicken Kebabs

Steps for Making Hawaiian Bacon Pineapple Chicken Kebabs
1

Prepare the Sauce

Grab a medium bowl and combine all sauce ingredients. Whisk everything together smoothly so the flavors blend perfectly. Set the sauce aside for later use.

  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/2 cup soya sauce
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
2

Ready the Grill

Heat your grill to 400°F. If using a grill pan, warm it over medium-high heat. Lightly grease the surface with a touch of butter to prevent sticking.

3

Prepare Kebab Ingredients

Cut your proteins and vegetables into uniform bite-sized cubes. This helps everything cook evenly and look beautiful on the skewer.

  • 1.1 pounds chicken breast, cubed
  • 16 bacon strips, trimmed and cut small
  • 2 1/2 cups fresh pineapple, cubed
  • 1 bell pepper, cubed
  • 1 red pepper, cubed
  • 1 onion, cubed
4

Build the Skewers

Thread your ingredients onto metal or soaked wooden skewers. Create a colorful pattern by alternating chicken wrapped in bacon, pineapple, peppers, and onion. Repeat the pattern 2-3 times per skewer.

5

First Sauce Coating

Brush the assembled skewers generously with prepared sauce. This first coating will start building incredible flavor.

6

Grilling Process

Place skewers on the heated grill. Cook for 3-5 minutes, then turn and brush with more sauce. Repeat this process every few minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.

7

Finishing Touches

Remove skewers from grill when chicken is fully cooked. Transfer to a serving plate. Pour remaining sauce into a small bowl for extra dipping if desired.

Chef’s Notes For Hawaiian Bacon Pineapple Chicken Kebabs

  • Mix your marinade ingredients ahead of time to let the flavors blend before grilling.
  • Alternate chicken, bacon, pineapple, and peppers for the best flavor and even cooking on each stick.
  • Brush sauce generously every few minutes to keep your kebabs moist and develop a delicious caramelized exterior.
  • Wrap chicken pieces with thin bacon strips to ensure extra juiciness and rich flavor throughout the meat.
  • Grill at medium-high heat to cook chicken thoroughly without burning the delicate ingredients.

Flavorful Options for Hawaiian Bacon Pineapple Chicken Kebabs

  • Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken and bacon with firm tofu cubes and plant-based bacon strips, adjusting grilling time to ensure crispy exterior and tender center.
  • Spicy Caribbean Style: Add habanero peppers and swap standard sauce with a blend of rum, Caribbean jerk seasoning, and extra hot sauce for a fiery kick.
  • Mediterranean Alternative: Substitute chicken with lamb chunks, replace pineapple with marinated artichoke hearts, and mix in Greek oregano and lemon zest for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Option: Skip pineapple, use extra bell peppers and zucchini chunks, and wrap chicken in thin prosciutto instead of bacon for a protein-packed version with fewer carbohydrates.

How To Serve Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs

  • Serve Sizzling Hot: Pull these kebabs straight off the grill when they’re perfectly charred and golden, letting the aroma of bacon and pineapple fill your kitchen.
  • Perfect Side Companions: Pair these kebabs with fluffy white rice or a light, crisp salad to balance the rich, smoky flavors and keep your meal feeling fresh.
  • Smart Portion Planning: Thread 2-3 pieces per skewer for easy handling, making sure each bite has a delicious mix of chicken, bacon, and grilled veggies.
  • Sauce Dipping Delight: Set out the extra sauce in a small bowl so everyone can drizzle or dunk their kebabs for an extra flavor punch.

What’s The Best Way To Store Hawaiian Bacon Pineapple Chicken Kebabs

  • Stash leftover kebabs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, so your tasty meal stays fresh and ready for quick munching.
  • Wrap individual skewers tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating to keep the flavors locked in and prevent drying out.
  • Separate the chicken from wooden skewers before storing, as they can absorb moisture and affect the texture of your delicious kebabs.
  • Freeze uncooked assembled skewers by laying them flat on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag for easy storage up to one month.

Hawaiian Bacon Pineapple Chicken Kebabs FAQs

FAQ

What type of chicken works best for these kebabs?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect because they’re lean, cook quickly, and absorb marinades beautifully.

FAQ

Can bacon be substituted for another protein?

Absolutely! Turkey bacon or ham work great if you’re watching fat content or want a different flavor profile.

FAQ

Do metal or wooden skewers make a difference?

Metal skewers conduct heat faster and don’t require soaking, but wooden skewers are fine if you soak them in water for 30 minutes first to prevent burning.

FAQ

How do I know when the chicken is completely cooked?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F, and the meat should look white throughout with no pink sections.

FAQ

Can these kebabs be prepared ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the skewers and store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before grilling.

FAQ

What should I do if I don’t have a grill?

A grill pan or broiler works perfectly – just ensure high, direct heat for that classic charred flavor.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Hawaiian Bacon Pineapple Chicken Kebabs Recipe

Hawaiian Bacon Pineapple Chicken Kebabs Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hawaiian Bacon Pineapple Chicken Kebabs bring tropical grilling magic straight to your backyard barbecue. Sizzling skewers combine sweet and savory flavors that make your taste buds dance with delicious island-inspired excitement.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 0.5 kg chicken breast
  • 16 bacon
  • 2.5 cups pineapple
  • 1 capsicum
  • 1 red pepper
  • 1 onion

Supporting Ingredients:

  • 0.5 cup soya sauce
  • 0.5 cup barbecue sauce
  • 0.25 cup pineapple juice

Seasoning and Oils:

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Instructions

  1. Whisk 1 tablespoon brown sugar, ¼ cup pineapple juice, ½ cup soya sauce, ½ cup BBQ sauce, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined.
  2. Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat at 400°F. Lightly grease the surface with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Cut ½ kg chicken breast into 1-inch uniform cubes. Trim excess fat from 16 bacon strips and slice them to match chicken cube sizes.
  4. Dice 2½ cups fresh pineapple, 1 capsicum, 1 red pepper, and 1 onion into consistent bite-sized cubes, ensuring each piece is roughly the same dimension.
  5. Thread your skewers alternating bacon, chicken, pineapple, capsicum, red pepper, and onion. Aim for 3-4 rotations of these ingredients per skewer.
  6. Generously brush each assembled skewer with prepared sauce, ensuring complete coverage of all ingredients.
  7. Place skewers on preheated grill. Cook for 12-15 minutes, rotating every 3-4 minutes and basting with additional sauce to maintain moisture.
  8. Check chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer. Remove from grill when chicken is fully cooked and bacon is crispy.
  9. Transfer kebabs to serving plate. Serve remaining sauce in a small bowl for additional dipping.

Notes

  • Skewers work best when items are cut to similar sizes, ensuring even cooking and balanced flavors.
  • Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent burning during grilling.
  • Bacon adds incredible flavor, but wrap it loosely around chicken to help it crisp without burning.
  • Brush sauce sparingly during cooking to prevent burning and maintain a caramelized exterior on your kebabs.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Chicken
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 388 kcal
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 1250 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Mary Sue

Mary Sue

Founder & Creative Recipe Developer

Expertise

Comfort Food Twists, Seasonal Cooking, Creative Flavor Pairings, Easy Weeknight Dinners, Flexible Pantry Cooking

Education

Trident Technical College, Culinary Institute of Charleston
  • Program: Culinary Arts Technology, A.A.S.
  • Focus: Built a strong foundation in professional food preparation, cooking, and presentation while also learning the hospitality side of the industry, including quality standards, sanitation, and the real-world pace of working kitchens

Mary Sue is the playful, creative recipe mind behind Mary Sue & Susan, known for big flavor ideas, warm storytelling, and dishes that feel both comforting and a little unexpected. She has a talent for taking familiar meals and giving them just enough personality to make them memorable.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star