These Hawaiian Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Kabobs are the perfect sweet and savory summer meal. Juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and grilled pineapple – all in one bite!
If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the hunt for a summer dinner idea that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen but still makes you look like you’ve got your life together when guests come over. Enter: Hawaiian Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Kabobs—the ultimate backyard BBQ recipe that looks impressive, tastes incredible, and is surprisingly easy to throw together.
This recipe was born out of one of those “what do I have in the fridge” moments. We had a can of pineapple, some chicken breasts that needed to be used, and a pack of bacon (which, let’s be honest, instantly improves everything). A few skewers and a bottle of BBQ sauce later, and dinner basically made itself. The result? Smoky, sweet, salty, juicy perfection in every single bite.
Why You’ll Love These Kabobs
These kabobs hit all the right notes:
- Sweetness from the pineapple
- Smoky crispness from the bacon
- Charred, caramelized BBQ goodness from the grill
- Tender, juicy chicken that soaks up all the flavor
They’re great for weeknight grilling or for serving at summer cookouts when you want to keep things simple, but not boring. And because everything is stacked on a skewer, cleanup is minimal—which is just how we like it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup barbecue sauce, divided
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb bacon (about 14 slices), cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks (roughly 2 cups)
- 1 large red bell pepper, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large green bell pepper, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large red onion, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- Salt and cracked pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the skewers: Thread red onion, bell peppers, pineapple, chicken, and bacon onto skewers, wrapping a piece of bacon around each piece of chicken before sliding it on.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Brush the kabobs with half of the barbecue sauce.
- Grill the skewers for about 5 minutes. Baste with remaining BBQ sauce, then turn and cook for another 3–5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crisp.
- Serve immediately and watch them disappear.
Tips for Success
- Soak your skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand so they don’t burn on the grill. (And so you don’t get splinters in your fingers!)
- Use thick-cut bacon carefully: While thick-cut bacon can be extra satisfying, it may take longer to cook. Standard-cut bacon works best for evenly cooked kabobs.
- Make ahead: You can prep these kabobs up to a day in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to grill.
What to Serve With Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs
These kabobs pair perfectly with a variety of easy sides. Here are a few of our favorites from the blog:
- Broccoli Grape Pasta Salad – a cool, crunchy contrast to the smoky kabobs
- Coconut Pancakes – hear us out: breakfast-for-dinner with tropical vibes is a win
- BBQ Chicken Salad – if you’re grilling already, why not double the chicken and save some for salad tomorrow?
If summer had a signature dish, this might just be it. Hawaiian Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Kabobs are everything you want from a grilled meal—flavorful, colorful, and ridiculously simple. Whether you’re feeding your family or showing off at your next potluck, these skewers deserve a spot on your menu.
Try them once, and they’ll become a repeat request.
Looking for more quick, crowd-pleasing dinner ideas? You might also like:
Let the grilling begin!
HERE’S A PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE –
Hawaiian Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients
- 1 cup barbecue sauce, divided
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb bacon, approximately 14 slices cut into 2 inch sections
- 1 20 oz can pineapple chunks, about 2 cups
- 1 red bell pepper , large, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper , large, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion , large, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- Salt and cracked pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat a grill pan (or grill plates on the bbq) over medium-high heat.
- Slide the red onion, bell peppers, pineapple chunks, bacon and chicken onto skewers, wrapping the bacon around the chicken, as shown in the image.
- Coat skewers evenly with half of the marinade, reserving the other HALF for basting.
- Brush grill pan or grates over with olive oil.
- Grill the skewers for 5 minutes; baste with reserved marinade.
- Turn skewers over and coat with remaining marinade. Grill for 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Other Notes
