🔥 BBQ Chicken Bacon Pineapple Kabobs: Your New Backyard Obsession
Hey there, foodie friends! Chef Jamie here, ready to share a recipe that’s basically summer on a stick. Imagine this: juicy chicken hugged by crispy bacon, caramelized pineapple dripping with smoky BBQ sauce, and that unmistakable sizzle as it hits the grill. These kabobs aren’t just dinner—they’re a vibe. Perfect for pool parties, weeknight wins, or convincing your neighbors you’re a grill master. Let’s fire it up!
BBQ Chicken Bacon Pineapple Kabobs
🍍 The Time I Accidentally Grilled My Flip-Flop (Worth It)
Picture 14-year-old me, “helping” Dad at our annual Fourth of July cookout. I was so hyped to grill these kabobs that I didn’t notice my rubber flip-flop melting onto the grill grate. Cue the smoke, the panic, and Dad yelling, “Save the pineapple, not the shoe!” Turns out, crispy bacon distracts everyone from footwear disasters. Now, every time I make these, my family still asks, “Shoes off this time?”
🧾 Your Grocery List (Plus Chef Secrets)
- Chicken breasts – Go for thighs if you want extra juicy! Pro tip: Freeze for 20 minutes before cubing for cleaner cuts.
- Bacon – Thin-cut crisps faster, but thick-cut gives that meaty chew we crave.
- Fresh pineapple – No fresh? Canned works—just pat it dry. Bonus: The juice makes a killer marinade!
- BBQ sauce – Sweet Baby Ray’s for convenience, or go wild with homemade. Add a splash of coffee for depth!
- Skewers – Metal = no soak. Wooden? Soak in coconut water instead of H2O for a subtle tropical twist.
👩🍳 Let’s Build Flavor Towers (Step-by-Step)
- Skewer Prep: Soak wooden sticks in warm water + 1 tbsp salt (30 mins). Why salt? Prevents splintering AND seasons the kabobs!
- Bacon Ballet: Wrap chicken loosely—bacon shrinks! Secure with a toothpick if needed, but I let the skewer do the work.
- Threading Hack: Chicken → pineapple → repeat. Leave ¼” space between pieces for even cooking. Crowding = steamed bacon (sad trombone).
- Grill Game: Medium heat! Too hot = burnt bacon, raw chicken. Grill lid closed = smoky magic. Rotate every 5 mins like you’re DJing the grill.
- SAUCE WISDOM: Wait until last 5 mins to brush BBQ. Sugar burns, friends. Want glaze? Mix sauce with 1 tsp cornstarch first.
🍽️ Plate Like a Pro (Zero Effort Required)
Dump ’em on a platter with lime wedges and cilantro. Or go full tiki-bar: Serve over coconut rice with a side of grilled corn. Extra sauce for dipping? Obviously. Paper towels for sticky fingers? Essential.
🌶️ Switch It Up, Baby!
- Spicy Lovers: Add jalapeño chunks between pineapple. Chipotle BBQ sauce = yes.
- Hawaiian Pizza Fans: Swap chicken for ham, add cherry tomatoes, use teriyaki glaze.
- Low-Carb Crew: Bacon-wrapped chicken only. Grill pineapple separately as “dessert” with cinnamon sprinkle.
- Air Fryer Hack: Cook at 380°F for 12 mins. Shake basket twice. Thank me later.
🔪 Confessions from My Kitchen
True story: I once forgot the skewers and made this as a “kabob bowl” with rice. Chaos? Yes. Delicious? Also yes. Over the years, I’ve learned: 1) Pineapple cores are bitter—cut them out. 2) Marinate chicken in leftover pineapple juice + soy sauce for 30 mins = next-level tenderness. 3) Your grill will smoke. Your neighbors will come. This is a feature, not a bug.
❓ FAQ: Let’s Fix Your Kabob Emergencies
“My bacon’s flapping in the wind!” → Toothpick it or wrap twice. Or embrace the crispy bacon confetti—still tasty.
“Chicken’s done but pineapple’s MIA.” → Grill pineapple separately for 2 mins before assembling.
“Vegetarian options?” → Halloumi cheese + mushrooms + pineapple. You’re welcome.
“Can I prep ahead?” → Skewer 24 hours ahead. Keep bacon separate if meal-prepping—it gets soggy.
🥗 Nutrition (Because Balance)
Per Kabob: 310 cals, 25g protein, 14g carbs, 18g fat. Pro tip: Blame the bacon, then eat two.
PrintBBQ Chicken Bacon Pineapple Kabobs
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-5 kabobs 1x
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts, cut into 1.5” cubes
8 slices of bacon, cut in half
1 fresh pineapple, cut into chunks
1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
Skewers (wooden or metal)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes.
Season chicken cubes lightly with salt and pepper.
Wrap each piece of chicken with half a slice of bacon.
Thread onto skewers: bacon-wrapped chicken, then pineapple, and repeat.
Preheat grill to medium heat (or oven to 400°F).
Grill or bake kabobs for 20–25 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and bacon is crisp.
During the last 5 minutes, brush with BBQ sauce on all sides and let it caramelize.
Serve hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side!
Nutrition
- Calories: 310 per serving
- Fat: 18g per serving
- Carbohydrates: 14g per serving
- Protein: 25g per serving
