Hawaiian Bacon Pineapple Chicken Kebabs

These Hawaiian Bacon Pineapple Chicken Kebabs are a tropical delight, combining the sweetness of pineapple, the saltiness of bacon, and the savory flavor of chicken in a perfectly grilled skewer. The Hawaiian style BBQ marinade adds a layer of tangy sweetness that complements the smoky char from the grill.

Ingredients

• BBQ sauce: Provides a sweet and tangy base for the marinade.
• Soy sauce: Adds a savory, umami flavor.
• Pineapple juice: Enhances the tropical sweetness of the dish.
• Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the marinade caramelize.
• Rice wine vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity.
• Minced garlic: Provides a pungent, aromatic flavor.
• Olive oil: Used to brush the grill and prevent sticking.
• Sesame oil: Adds a nutty, aromatic flavor to the marinade.
• Chicken breasts, cubed: Provides a lean protein base.
• Bacon rashers, halved lengthwise: Adds a salty, smoky flavor.
• Fresh cubed pineapple: Adds a sweet, juicy element.
• Red pepper, diced: Adds a sweet, crisp texture.
• Green pepper, diced: Adds a slightly bitter, crisp texture.
• Red onion, diced: Adds a sharp, pungent flavor.
• Salt and cracked pepper: Used to season the kebabs.

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Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Sauce:

In a large jug or bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, soy sauce, pineapple juice, rice wine vinegar, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Mix well.

Assemble the Skewers:

Preheat a grill pan or grill plates on the BBQ over medium high heat. Thread the red onion, red pepper, pineapple, green pepper, bacon, and chicken onto skewers, wrapping the bacon around the chicken. Repeat until all the chicken is used. Coat the assembled skewers evenly with half of the marinade, reserving the other half for basting.

Grill the Kebabs:

Brush the preheated grill pan or grill grates with olive oil. Grill the skewers for 5 minutes. Brush the skewers with ¼ cup of the reserved marinade. Turn the skewers over and coat them with the remaining ¼ cup of marinade. Grill for another 4 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Serve:

Serve the kebabs immediately.

Adding More Variety:

• Add other vegetables, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or different colored bell peppers.
• Use different types of bacon, such as turkey bacon or thick cut bacon.
• Add a splash of lime juice to the marinade for extra tanginess.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the kebabs with a side of rice or quinoa.

Offer a side of grilled vegetables.

Serve with a tropical salad.

Variations

• Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a touch of heat.
• Use a different type of barbecue sauce, such as a smoky or spicy variety.

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Storage and Reheating

Store leftover kebabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat the kebabs in the oven or microwave until heated through.

This recipe provides a detailed method for making delicious Hawaiian Bacon Pineapple Chicken Kebabs, with tips for preparing the skewers and grilling them to perfection.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these Hawaiian kebabs in advance?

Yes, you can prep these Hawaiian Bacon Pineapple Chicken Kebabs in advance to save time. Cut all the ingredients and prepare the sauce up to 24 hours ahead, storing them separately in the refrigerator. You can even assemble the skewers a few hours before cooking, but don't add the sauce until right before grilling. This prevents the vegetables from becoming too soggy and ensures the bacon doesn't start cooking the chicken with the acidic marinade.

→ What can I serve with these Hawaiian chicken kebabs?

These Hawaiian Bacon Pineapple Chicken Kebabs pair wonderfully with coconut rice, Hawaiian macaroni salad, or a simple green salad with mango dressing. For a more traditional BBQ spread, serve with corn on the cob, coleslaw, or grilled vegetables. A side of teriyaki sauce or extra BBQ sauce for dipping adds even more flavor. For dessert, consider continuing the tropical theme with grilled pineapple slices or coconut ice cream.

→ Can I cook these kebabs in the oven instead of on a grill?

Absolutely! To cook these Hawaiian Bacon Pineapple Chicken Kebabs in the oven, preheat to 425°F (220°C) and place the assembled skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, turning and basting halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C) and the bacon is crisp. You can finish them under the broiler for 2-3 minutes for extra caramelization.

→ How do I prevent the bacon from burning on the grill?

To prevent bacon from burning on these Hawaiian kebabs, there are a few tricks: First, use regular-cut bacon rather than thick-cut, as it will cook at the same rate as the chicken. Second, wrap the bacon around the chicken pieces rather than placing it directly on the skewers. This helps protect it somewhat from direct heat. Third, cook these kebabs over medium heat rather than high heat, allowing for more even cooking. Finally, turn the skewers frequently to ensure all sides cook evenly without any one side getting too charred.

→ Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh for these kebabs?

Yes, you can use canned pineapple chunks for these Hawaiian Bacon Pineapple Chicken Kebabs if fresh pineapple isn't available. Drain the canned pineapple well and save the juice to use in the marinade. Canned pineapple is generally softer than fresh, so handle it gently when threading onto skewers to prevent breaking. The chunks may also release more moisture during cooking, which could make the kebabs slightly wetter, but the flavor will still be delicious.