🍢 Chicken, Bacon, Pineapple Kebabs – A Sweet & Savory Grilled Delight! 😋
There’s something magical about food on a stick—especially when it’s smoky, savory, sweet, and grilled to perfection. These Chicken, Bacon, Pineapple Kebabs bring together the perfect balance of flavors: juicy chicken, salty bacon, sweet pineapple, and colorful veggies, all glazed in a tangy pineapple-soy marinade. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a backyard BBQ or making an easy family dinner, this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser.
🛒 Ingredients:
- 2 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Tender and lean, these are the perfect base for your kebabs. - 1 pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into bite-sized chunks
Fresh pineapple adds natural sweetness and tropical flavor. - 2 red bell peppers, cut into large pieces
For crunch, color, and a hint of sweetness. - 1 large onion, cut into large chunks
Adds savory depth and pairs beautifully with the sweetness of pineapple. - 1 lb bacon, cut in half
Wraps around the chicken to infuse each bite with smoky, salty goodness.
🍍 For the Glaze/Marinade:
- 1 ½ cups pineapple juice
The base for our sweet and tangy glaze. - 2 tbsp cornstarch
Helps thicken the sauce into a luscious coating. - ½ cup brown sugar
For caramelized sweetness. - 3 tbsp soy sauce
Adds a salty, umami-rich kick to balance the sweet.
🔪 Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pineapple Glaze:
In a saucepan, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce over medium heat.
In a small bowl, dissolve cornstarch in 2 tbsp cold water and slowly stir it into the sauce mixture.
Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens to a glaze-like consistency (about 5–7 minutes). Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
2. Assemble the Kebabs:
Take your soaked wooden skewers or metal skewers and begin layering:
- A piece of chicken wrapped in half a slice of bacon
- A chunk of pineapple
- A piece of red pepper
- A chunk of onion
Repeat until the skewer is full, leaving a little space at each end. Aim for a mix of color and texture on each stick.
3. Brush wih Glaze:
Lay your skewers on a tray or baking sheet and generously brush with the pineapple glaze.
Let them marinate for 15–30 minutes if time allows to soak in more flavor.
4. Grill the Kebabs:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Place the kebabs directly on the grates and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning every 3–4 minutes and brushing with more glaze as they cook.
Cook until the chicken is fully done (internal temp of 165°F / 74°C), the bacon is crispy, and the glaze is caramelized.
5. Serve & Enjoy:
Remove from grill and give one last glaze for shine and flavor.
Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice, grilled corn, or a fresh summer salad.
🍴 Serving Suggestions:
- Drizzle extra glaze on top or serve it on the side for dipping.
- Pair with cilantro-lime rice or a tropical fruit salad.
- Serve as a party appetizer or full meal with crusty bread.
💡 Tips for Success:
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Use pre-cut pineapple if you’re in a hurry, but fresh gives the best flavor.
- If you want extra heat, add a dash of chili flakes or sriracha to the glaze!
📊 Nutrition Estimate:
Depending on portion size and ingredients used, each serving has approximately 350–400 calories. This recipe offers a balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and natural sugars.
