Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. You can assemble the kabobs and store them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before grilling. Just wait to add the BBQ sauce until they are on the grill.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If you do not have a meat thermometer, cut into the thickest piece to check that there is no pink and the juices run clear.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs are actually a bit more forgiving on the grill since they have more fat. They stay juicy even if they cook slightly longer. The flavor is richer too.

What if I do not have fresh pineapple?

Canned pineapple chunks work fine. Just drain them well before tossing with the spice rub. You can also skip the pineapple entirely and add mushrooms or zucchini instead if you prefer.

The Best Grilled BBQ Chicken Kabobs for Your Next Cookout

Name: Grilled BBQ Chicken Kabobs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tsp brown sugar; 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp dried minced onion flakes or onion powder; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; Heaping 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1/2 to 1 inch pieces; Drizzle of olive oil; 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1/2 to 1 inch pieces; 1 red onion, peeled and cut into 1/2 to 1 inch pieces; Fresh pineapple, cut into 1/2 to 1 inch pieces; 8-12 slices center cut bacon, cut into 3 shorter pieces; 1/2 cup favorite BBQ sauce; Minced fresh parsley, for garnish; Pinch of black pepper, for garnish

Description

There is something about grilled BBQ chicken kabobs that just makes people happy. Tender chicken wrapped in bacon, sweet pineapple, crisp bell pepper, and red onion are seasoned with a smoky homemade spice rub, grilled until lightly charred, and finished with sticky BBQ sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tsp brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp dried minced onion flakes or onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp dried thyme
Heaping 1/4 tsp black pepper
2 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1/2 to 1 inch pieces
Drizzle of olive oil
1 green bell pepper, cut into 1/2 to 1 inch pieces
1 red onion, peeled and cut into 1/2 to 1 inch pieces
Fresh pineapple, cut into 1/2 to 1 inch pieces
8–12 slices center cut bacon, cut into 3 shorter pieces
1/2 cup favorite BBQ sauce
Minced fresh parsley, for garnish
Pinch of black pepper, for garnish

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Instructions

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes so they do not burn. If using metal skewers, skip this step.
Combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, kosher salt, chili powder, dried onion flakes, garlic powder, dried thyme, and black pepper in a small bowl.
Add chicken pieces, bacon, and olive oil to a mixing bowl.
Toss with about two thirds of the spice rub, using your hands to press the seasoning into the meat.
Add green bell pepper, red onion, and pineapple to a separate bowl.
Toss with the remaining spice rub.
Wrap each piece of bacon around a chicken piece in a C shape, keeping the chicken tucked inside.
Thread bacon-wrapped chicken, bell pepper, onion, and pineapple onto skewers, alternating as desired.
Lightly oil grill grates and heat grill to medium-high heat.
Grill kabobs for 8-11 minutes, turning every few minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred on all sides.
Baste both sides with BBQ sauce during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Cook 1 additional minute per side so the sauce caramelizes and gets sticky.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra black pepper before serving.
Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Notes

Baste with BBQ sauce at the very end so it caramelizes without burning. For oven cooking, broil the kabobs on a foil-lined baking sheet for 10-15 minutes, turning every 5 minutes, then baste with BBQ sauce and broil 1-2 minutes per side.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Grilled
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 346
Sugar: 11g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 105mg