When the sun is shining and you want dinner to feel like a mini vacation, BBQ Chicken Bacon Pineapple Kabobs are the answer. Sweet, smoky, and tangy all at once, these kabobs are the kind of meal that has everyone licking their fingers and asking for seconds. The best part? They’re super simple to make—even on a hectic weeknight. They also make your backyard smell like a summer festival, and the sight of those colorful skewers sizzling on the grill will have your family gathering around in no time. Whether you’re planning a weekend cookout or just looking for a fun twist on weeknight chicken, these kabobs bring big flavor with very little fuss.
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Why You’ll Love These BBQ Chicken Bacon Pineapple Kabobs
Picture this: juicy chunks of marinated chicken, crispy bites of bacon, and sweet pineapple caramelizing on the grill while getting a sticky coat of tangy BBQ sauce. It’s basically summer on a stick. These kabobs are easy enough for a casual backyard cookout but look fancy enough to impress dinner guests. Plus, picky eaters can’t resist that sweet-savory combo!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken – 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 3 thighs)
- Salt – Just a few shakes to enhance the flavor.
- BBQ sauce – 1 ½ cups of your favorite brand (I love one with a little smoky kick!).
- Bacon – 1 lb, cut into long pieces.
- Fresh pineapple – Cut into 1–2 inch chunks. (Canned pineapple chunks work great too!)
How to Make BBQ Chicken Bacon Pineapple Kabobs
These kabobs come together in just a few easy steps, and you can prep most of it ahead of time so dinnertime is stress-free. Here’s the full breakdown:
1. Marinate the Chicken
Combine chicken pieces with 1 cup of BBQ sauce and a pinch of salt in a zip-top bag or airtight container. Let it marinate for 2–3 hours in the fridge. If time isn’t on your side, skip this step—it’ll still be delicious. The marinade gives the chicken a rich smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of pineapple.
2. Cook the Bacon
Cut bacon strips in half lengthwise. Microwave them on a paper towel–lined plate for 2–5 minutes. You want them partially cooked but still flexible for threading. Pre-cooking helps the bacon crisp up faster on the grill without burning.
3. Prep the Goodies
Cut the chicken into 2-inch cubes. Chop the pineapple into bite-size chunks. Having everything prepped and ready makes assembly quick and easy—perfect for busy nights.
4. Assemble the Kabobs
Grab your skewers (metal or soaked wooden ones). Alternate chicken, folded bacon pieces, and pineapple. Don’t overpack them—leaving a little space between each piece helps them cook evenly and lets the bacon crisp up nicely.
5. Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high. Grill kabobs for about 10–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken reaches 155–160°F. Brush on the remaining ½ cup of BBQ sauce during the last couple of minutes for that irresistible sticky glaze.
6. Rest & Serve
Remove from grill, cover with foil, and let sit 5–10 minutes. This resting period keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful. Serve them straight off the skewers, or slide everything onto a platter for easy sharing.
Tips for the Best Kabobs
- Short on time? Marinate for just 30 minutes, or skip entirely and rely on the BBQ sauce glaze at the end.
- Don’t overpack the skewers. A little space helps everything cook evenly.
- Grill pans work too! No outdoor grill? A stovetop grill pan gets the job done.
This recipe became a regular in my house after I made it for a family cookout and everyone raved about it—even my picky nephew who usually avoids chicken! The combo of bacon and pineapple was a total game changer.
FAQs About BBQ Chicken Bacon Pineapple Kabobs
Can I use canned pineapple?
Absolutely! Just drain it well before threading it onto skewers.
How do I store leftovers?
Place leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the grill for best results.
Can I bake these instead of grilling?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Fire Up the Grill!
BBQ Chicken Bacon Pineapple Kabobs aren’t just a meal—they’re an experience. They bring together all the best summer flavors in one bite: juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and caramelized pineapple kissed with smoky BBQ sauce. Whether you’re hosting friends for a backyard party or just trying to make Tuesday night dinner a little more exciting, these kabobs are a guaranteed hit. Fire up the grill, grab your skewers, and get ready to make a dish that’ll have everyone talking long after the plates are empty!
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you loved these kabobs, here are a few more flavor-packed dishes you should try next. Each one offers its own delicious twist, perfect for weeknights, weekend cookouts, or even meal prep for busy days. Internal linking these recipes helps you explore new flavors while making the most of versatile chicken dishes.
- Switch things up with these Korean Chicken Skewers for a spicy-sweet twist on grilled chicken. They’re perfect if you loved the skewer style of these kabobs but want bold Korean-inspired flavors.
- For a hearty one-pan dinner, check out One-Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice—a perfect weeknight meal that’s packed with Middle Eastern spices and fluffy rice.
- Try the tropical vibes of Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack, loaded with sweet and savory flavors that feel like a beach vacation on a plate.
- If you want another BBQ-inspired dish, you’ll love BBQ Chicken Fried Rice—a fun twist on a classic side dish that can stand as a meal on its own.
Still hungry? Browse more recipes like grilled chicken bowls, flavorful casseroles, and other easy chicken dinners right here on Chicken Magic Recipes. With so many options, you’ll never run out of ideas for delicious, family-friendly meals!
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BBQ Chicken Bacon Pineapple Kabobs
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These BBQ Chicken Bacon Pineapple Kabobs are smoky, sweet, and tangy, made with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and caramelized pineapple. Perfect for summer cookouts or easy weeknight dinners!
Ingredients
2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 3 thighs)
A few pinches of salt
1 ½ cups BBQ sauce (divided)
1 lb bacon
1 fresh pineapple (or 1 can pineapple chunks)
Instructions
Combine chicken pieces with 1 cup of BBQ sauce and a pinch of salt in a container or zip bag. Marinate for 2–3 hours (or skip if short on time).
Cut bacon in half lengthwise. Microwave on a paper towel-lined plate for 2–5 minutes until partially cooked. Let cool.
Slice marinated chicken into 2-inch cubes. Cut pineapple into chunks.
Thread chicken, bacon, and pineapple alternately on skewers, folding bacon pieces in half as you go.
Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Cook kabobs, turning occasionally, until chicken reaches 155–160°F.
Brush remaining ½ cup BBQ sauce over kabobs in the last few minutes of grilling.
Remove from grill, cover with foil, rest 5–10 minutes, and serve hot!
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate chicken overnight.
Wooden skewers? Soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling.
Use canned pineapple if fresh isn’t available—it works just as well!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 2–3 hours marinating if desired)
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 kabob (approx.)
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg