Making Hawaiian Chicken, Bacon, and Pineapple Kebabs

There is nothing quite as good (or addictive) as some amazing Hawaiian Chicken Bacon Pineapple Kebabs! The bacon is crisp, crunchy, and juicy, the chicken is lathered in sauce and perfectly charred, the pineapple chunks are perfectly proportioned, the red onion is crunchy, the peppers (capsicums) add a spot of spice, and all of this is mixed with the tangiest, garlicky-BBQ sauce you can imagine. Indeed, this is the most delicious meat packed with a salty and sweet flavor that you will not be able to wait to replicate.

Like most kids, mine refuse to eat onions or bell peppers. So, I prepared their kebabs using only chicken, bacon, and pineapple (which is delicious in its own right).

I am sure I do not need to tell you how picky a five-year-old can be (especially mine), but she absolutely loved hers. She even turned around and ate her brother’s right out from under his nose! 

The pineapple glaze really won her over, and she wanted extra of it on her plate to dip her kebab (and fingers) in. Overall, it was a win-win for everyone, even making it to her “approved” dinner foods list. Did I mention she was picky? 

Many Names, One Dish: Chicken Kebabs, Kebobs, or Skewers

While they go by several different names, they are easy and quick to make, and delicious each and every time! Grilling them is the perfect way to make sure the chicken is not only thoroughly cooked but charred to perfection without losing its juicy flavor. Tomato sauce is often paired with Hawaiian chicken, but this recipe recommends your favorite barbecue sauce for a unique and tangy flavor profile.

Choosing Skewers: Bamboo or Metal?

Some individuals prefer metal skewers, and some prefer bamboo skewers. Either one will work well for the recipe at hand. If you opt for bamboo skewers, it is best to soak them in water first for at least half an hour. This is a pre-emptive strike, helping the wood not to burn while it is on the grill. Of course, the wetter they are, the less they will burn, so you can soak them longer or even overnight. If you choose to use metal skewers, no preparation is needed. Instead, they are typically greased with a rather light coating of oil before use.

How to Cook Chicken Kebabs

Now, for the important stuff! The preparation for this recipe is quite simple. A cut of bacon with the most meat will help offset the chicken with a nice, juicy crunch. Personally, I prefer short bacon, but any bacon used for cooking or grilling will do. Simply slice it about 2 ½ inches in length, as well as 1 inch wide for this recipe. You want just enough where it covers the chicken. 

Pineapple

The fresher, the better! However, if all you have is canned pineapple, that will do as well. Any pineapple that is left can be cut into discs and served on the side for a little extra flavor and zest.

Lee Kum Kee Panda Oyster Flavored Sauce

Lee Kum Kee Panda Oyster Flavored Sauce is thick, dark, and versatile. It is comprised of the best oyster extracts, which are combined with salt, sugar, and water, as well as additional ingredients. This oyster sauce is very popular to use in cooking, and can be used for many things, such as stir-fries, marinating, an extra dipping sauce, and so forth.

The Flavor Profile of Oyster Sauce  

This type of sauce has a unique flavor profile that is simultaneously salty, sweet, and a tad earthy. This makes it an ideal marinade for chicken, providing a sweet and savory component. Oyster sauce really makes these kebabs come to life when combined with the chicken and pineapple.

Side Dishes

 If you want some suggestions for side dishes for these savory kebabs, here are a few ideas you may want to try:

• Rice Cooker Coconut Rice
• Fried Rice
• Cauliflower Fried Rice
• Crunchy Cucumber Salad
• Asian Green Beans
• Sauteed Asian Broccoli

Recipe Ingredients

Chicken breasts 

Pineapple

Red bell peppers

Onion

Bacon

Cornstarch

Brown sugar

Soy sauce

Salt

Long skewers (metal or bamboo)

Steps to Preparation

Hawaiian Sauce

Get a medium-size saucepan and mix the ingredients.

Stir them together until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.

Once the mixture has been brought to a boil, decrease the heat to medium. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.

a)

b)

Put it to the side until you are ready to use it.

Skewers

Proceed to thread the skewers.

To make the skewers, twine the bacon around every piece of pineapple and chicken. Next, stick the onion and bell pepper side by side and twine the bacon around both of them.

If you are using 4 pieces of chicken and 3 pieces each of pineapple, bell pepper, and onion, then you will need 2 strips of bacon for each skewer you make.

Gently brush vegetable or olive oil over each kebab, applying it in an even manner.

Go ahead and preheat your grill to medium high.

You will want to grill your kebabs for 10-15 minutes. Turn them a couple of times until they are done and beautifully charred.

Generously slather your hot Hawaiian sauce on them and enjoy!

Enjoy!