Hawaiian Chicken Skewers with Bacon, Ham, and Pineapple
Ingredients:
- 1 large chicken breast, cubed (about 1 lb)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (for marinating and drizzling)
- 1 large onion, cut into chunks
- 1 can (14 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
- 1/2 lb bacon, cut in half (you’ll wrap the pieces around the chicken)
- 4 slices of deli ham, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Skewers (metal or soaked wooden skewers)
- White rice, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch pieces.
- Place the chicken cubes in a bowl and pour 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce over them, ensuring all the pieces are well coated. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors soak in (you can marinate longer for more flavor).
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare your other ingredients:
- Onion: Cut the onion into large chunks, about the size of the chicken cubes.
- Pineapple: Drain the can of pineapple chunks.
- Bacon: Cut each bacon strip in half. You will wrap these around the chicken cubes before skewering.
- Ham: Slice the deli ham into bite-sized pieces.
- Assemble the Skewers:
- Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat (around 375°F).
- Take the marinated chicken cubes and wrap each one with a piece of bacon.
- Thread the bacon-wrapped chicken onto the skewers, alternating with pieces of onion, pineapple chunks, and ham. Continue to alternate until the skewer is filled.
- Grill or Bake:
- Grill Method: Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
- Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 375°F, place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper, and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Drizzle with BBQ Sauce:
- During the last few minutes of cooking, brush or drizzle the remaining BBQ sauce over the skewers. Let it caramelize for that perfect smoky, sweet glaze.
- Serve:
- Once the skewers are done, remove them from the grill or oven and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve the skewers with a side of white rice or your favorite sides like grilled vegetables, potato salad, or coleslaw.
Tips for Success:
- Soak Wooden Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the skewers ahead of time and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to grill or bake.
- Extra Glaze: If you love that sticky BBQ flavor, set aside some extra sauce for serving.
These Hawaiian Chicken Skewers bring a sweet and savory mix of flavors from the tangy BBQ sauce, juicy pineapple, smoky bacon, and tender chicken. Pair them with white rice to make it a complete meal! Enjoy!