Hey guys! Ready to fire up the grill and make something amazing? Let's dive into a recipe that's a total crowd-pleaser: BBQ Chicken Bacon Pineapple Kabobs. These aren't just any kabobs; they’re a flavor explosion on a stick, combining smoky barbecue, savory chicken, crispy bacon, and sweet pineapple. Perfect for summer cookouts, easy weeknight dinners, or anytime you want to impress without the stress, these kabobs are sure to become a new favorite. Plus, they’re super customizable, so you can tweak them to fit your taste. Get ready to learn how to make these mouth-watering kabobs that everyone will be talking about!

What Makes These Kabobs So Good?

These BBQ Chicken Bacon Pineapple Kabobs are more than just a random assortment of ingredients thrown onto a skewer. It's the perfect balance of flavors and textures that makes them irresistible. The chicken, marinated in a tangy and smoky barbecue sauce, becomes incredibly tender and flavorful. The bacon adds a salty, crispy element that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the pineapple. And when all these components are grilled to perfection, the slightly charred edges give it that extra touch of deliciousness. One of the best parts about this recipe is how simple it is. You don't need to be a grill master to create these kabobs. With just a few basic ingredients and a little bit of prep time, you can have a restaurant-quality meal ready in no time. Plus, the presentation is fantastic. Kabobs are naturally appealing, and when you see those vibrant colors of the chicken, bacon, and pineapple all lined up, it’s hard to resist grabbing one (or two!). But beyond the taste and ease, these kabobs are also quite versatile. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your dietary preferences or whatever you have on hand. Want to add some bell peppers or onions? Go for it! Prefer a different type of barbecue sauce? No problem! The possibilities are endless. Ultimately, these BBQ Chicken Bacon Pineapple Kabobs are a winning combination of taste, simplicity, and visual appeal, making them a must-try for anyone who loves grilling and delicious food.

Ingredients You'll Need

Okay, let's gather everything you need to whip up these BBQ Chicken Bacon Pineapple Kabobs. Don't worry, the list is short and sweet! First, you'll need about 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut them into bite-sized cubes, around 1-inch each. This ensures they cook evenly and fit nicely on the skewers. Next up, bacon! Grab about 12 ounces of your favorite bacon, and make sure it's not too thick. You'll be cutting these strips in half, so they can wrap around the chicken and pineapple. For the star of the show – the pineapple – you'll want one fresh pineapple, cored and cut into similar-sized chunks as the chicken. If you're short on time, you can use canned pineapple chunks, but fresh pineapple really makes a difference in flavor. Now, for the barbecue sauce, you'll need about 1 cup. Feel free to use your go-to brand or homemade recipe. If you like a bit of a kick, try a spicy barbecue sauce. You'll also need 2 tablespoons of olive oil to help keep the kabobs from sticking to the grill. And, of course, don't forget the skewers! If you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning. Metal skewers work great too and are reusable. Optional ingredients include red onion and bell peppers. If you want to add some extra veggies to your kabobs, cut them into chunks and add them to the skewers along with the chicken, bacon, and pineapple. A sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste will round everything out. With these simple ingredients, you’re all set to create a delicious and crowd-pleasing meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and walk through how to make these mouth-watering BBQ Chicken Bacon Pineapple Kabobs. Trust me; it's easier than you think! The first step is to prep your chicken. Take those boneless, skinless chicken breasts you've cubed and place them in a bowl. Pour about half a cup of your favorite barbecue sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, you can marinate it for a few hours or even overnight for maximum flavor! While the chicken is marinating, prep your other ingredients. Cut the bacon strips in half. This makes them easier to wrap around the chicken and pineapple. Core and cube your fresh pineapple into chunks that are similar in size to the chicken. If you're using wooden skewers, now is the time to soak them in water. This prevents them from catching fire on the grill. Now, it’s time to assemble the kabobs. Take a skewer and start threading on the ingredients. A good order is chicken, pineapple, and then wrap a piece of bacon around the chicken and pineapple. Repeat this pattern until the skewer is nicely filled, leaving a little space at each end. Once your kabobs are assembled, it’s grilling time! Preheat your grill to medium heat. Lightly brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the kabobs on the grill, and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the kabobs with the remaining barbecue sauce. This adds an extra layer of flavor and gives them a nice, glossy finish. Once they’re done, remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken even more tender and flavorful. And there you have it! Delicious BBQ Chicken Bacon Pineapple Kabobs ready to enjoy. Serve them with a side of rice, a fresh salad, or grilled veggies for a complete meal.

Tips for the Perfect Kabobs

To ensure your BBQ Chicken Bacon Pineapple Kabobs are absolutely perfect every time, here are a few handy tips and tricks. First off, marinating the chicken is key. Don't skimp on the marinating time! The longer the chicken sits in the barbecue sauce, the more flavorful and tender it will become. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is even better. When it comes to the bacon, partially cooking it before assembling the kabobs can be a game-changer. Crisping the bacon up a bit in a pan or microwave beforehand ensures that it gets nice and crispy on the grill without overcooking the chicken. Just be careful not to cook it too much, as it will continue to cook on the grill. Evenly sized ingredients are crucial for even cooking. Make sure your chicken and pineapple chunks are roughly the same size. This prevents some pieces from overcooking while others are still raw. If you're adding vegetables like bell peppers or onions, cut them to a similar size as well. Don't overcrowd the skewers. Leave a little space between the ingredients on the skewer. This allows the heat to circulate properly and ensures that everything cooks evenly. Overcrowding can lead to unevenly cooked kabobs. Controlling the grill temperature is also important. Medium heat is ideal for cooking these kabobs. If the heat is too high, the bacon can burn before the chicken is cooked through. If it's too low, the chicken might dry out. Keep an eye on the kabobs and adjust the heat as needed. Rotating the kabobs frequently will help them cook evenly on all sides. Turn them every few minutes to ensure that each side gets a chance to be kissed by the flames. This will result in perfectly cooked chicken and crispy bacon all around. Resting the kabobs after grilling is another important step. Once you remove them from the grill, let them sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken. With these tips in mind, you'll be grilling up BBQ Chicken Bacon Pineapple Kabobs like a pro in no time!

Variations to Try

One of the best things about these BBQ Chicken Bacon Pineapple Kabobs is how easy they are to customize. Feel free to get creative and put your own spin on the recipe! Want to add some extra veggies? Bell peppers and red onions are fantastic additions. Cut them into chunks and thread them onto the skewers along with the chicken, bacon, and pineapple. The colorful veggies not only add flavor but also make the kabobs look even more appealing. If you're a fan of spicy food, try using a spicy barbecue sauce. This will give your kabobs a nice kick and add some extra heat. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the kabobs before grilling for an extra layer of spice. For those who prefer a sweeter flavor profile, consider adding a honey glaze. Mix equal parts honey and barbecue sauce, and brush it over the kabobs during the last few minutes of grilling. The honey will caramelize and create a delicious, sticky glaze. If you're watching your carb intake, you can skip the pineapple and add more vegetables instead. Zucchini, squash, and mushrooms all work well in these kabobs. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces as the chicken. Another fun variation is to use different types of meat. Instead of chicken, try using pork tenderloin or shrimp. Both pair well with bacon and pineapple. If you're using shrimp, be sure not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery. For a tropical twist, try marinating the chicken in a mixture of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and ginger. This will give the chicken a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the pineapple perfectly. You can also add a sprinkle of shredded coconut to the kabobs before grilling for an extra touch of tropical flavor. And if you want to make these kabobs even easier to eat, you can serve them over a bed of rice or quinoa. Simply remove the ingredients from the skewers and serve them over your favorite grain. With so many variations to choose from, you can create a different version of these BBQ Chicken Bacon Pineapple Kabobs every time you make them. So go ahead and experiment and find your favorite combination!

Serving Suggestions

Once your BBQ Chicken Bacon Pineapple Kabobs are hot off the grill, you’ll want to serve them up in a way that really makes them shine. Here are a few serving suggestions to help you create a memorable meal. For a classic pairing, serve these kabobs with a side of fluffy rice. White rice, brown rice, or even coconut rice all complement the flavors of the kabobs beautifully. The rice soaks up the delicious barbecue sauce and provides a nice, neutral base for the other ingredients. If you're looking for a lighter option, try serving the kabobs with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a great choice. You can also add some grilled vegetables to the salad for extra flavor and nutrition. Corn on the cob is another perfect side dish for these kabobs. The sweetness of the corn pairs well with the smoky barbecue flavor of the chicken and bacon. Grill the corn alongside the kabobs for a complete and easy meal. Coleslaw is a classic barbecue side that also works well with these kabobs. The creamy, tangy dressing provides a nice contrast to the savory flavors of the kabobs. You can make your own coleslaw or buy it pre-made from the store. For a heartier meal, serve the kabobs with some grilled potatoes. Cut the potatoes into chunks, toss them with olive oil and seasonings, and grill them until they're tender and slightly charred. You can also add some grilled onions and peppers to the potatoes for extra flavor. If you're serving a crowd, consider setting up a kabob bar. Provide all the ingredients for the kabobs – chicken, bacon, pineapple, vegetables, and barbecue sauce – and let your guests assemble their own kabobs. This is a fun and interactive way to get everyone involved in the meal. And don't forget the drinks! A cold glass of lemonade, iced tea, or beer is the perfect accompaniment to these BBQ Chicken Bacon Pineapple Kabobs. So gather your friends and family, fire up the grill, and enjoy a delicious and memorable meal together!