Chicken Bacon Pineapple Kebabs

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Fire up your grill and get ready for a flavor explosion with these Chicken Bacon Pineapple Kebabs. These juicy, sweet, and smoky skewers are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or casual gatherings. Each bite delivers a juicy burst of pineapple, the savory richness of bacon, and tender grilled chicken—infused with a smoky char that makes everything taste like sunshine.

These kebabs strike a perfect balance between sweet and savory. The caramelized edges from the grill add depth to the pineapple’s natural sweetness, while the crispy bacon wraps the chicken in a warm, flavorful hug. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs and you’ve got a dish that looks and tastes like it came straight from a backyard bistro.

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Ingredients for Chicken Bacon Pineapple Kebabs

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 12 slices of bacon (cut into thirds)
• 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks (about 1-inch pieces)
• 1 red bell pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Skewers (metal or wooden—if wooden, soak in water for 30 mins)
• Fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create a flavorful marinade. Add the cubed chicken to the bowl and toss until all pieces are coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to allow the flavors to soak into the meat.

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Step 2: Prepare the Skewers

While the chicken marinates, soak your wooden skewers in water (if using) to prevent them from burning. Then, cut your bacon slices into thirds, pineapple into chunks, and red bell pepper into square-ish pieces that will grill evenly.

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Step 3: Assemble the Kebabs

Once the chicken is ready, start assembling the kebabs. Begin with a piece of bacon-wrapped chicken (wrap a piece of bacon around a chicken cube), followed by a pineapple chunk, then a piece of red bell pepper. Continue alternating until the skewer is filled, leaving a little space at both ends for easy handling.

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Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking on all sides. The bacon should be crispy, and the chicken cooked through with a nice char.

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Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from grill and let rest for a couple of minutes. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors.

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Storage Instructions

To store leftover Chicken Bacon Pineapple Kebabs, first allow them to cool completely. Then, remove the ingredients from the skewers and place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooked kebab pieces (minus the skewers) in a sealed freezer bag or container for up to 2 months.

To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat, in the oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. If frozen, allow to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – makes about 6 servings)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Sugar: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 620mg

Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes, you can. Just be sure to drain it well and use pineapple chunks in juice (not syrup) for the best flavor.

2. What’s the best bacon for this recipe?

Thin-cut bacon works best—it cooks faster and crisps up nicely on the grill without overpowering the other ingredients.

3. Can I bake these instead of grilling?

Absolutely. Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the skewers on a lined baking sheet for about 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through.

4. How can I make it spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of sriracha to the marinade for some extra heat.

5. Are these kebabs gluten-free?

They can be—just make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

6. What sides go well with these kebabs?

Try pairing them with rice pilaf, grilled veggies, a fresh salad, or even Hawaiian rolls for a tropical twist.

7. Can I prep them ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the skewers and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before grilling.

8. What kind of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well. Thighs offer a bit more juiciness if you prefer that texture.

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