Once you try this taste of the islands, you will be in love. The bacon wrapped bananas are my FAVORITE part of these grilled Caribbean Shish Kabobs. I know it sounds weird but they are amazing! The bacon is crispy on the outside and the bananas are so soft and warm on the inside that they melt in your mouth. The bacon wrapped bananas in addition to the flavor of the grilled pineapple and tender marinated chicken make these kabobs over the top delicious. This is always a hit at summer barbecues!
What to Put on Chicken Shish Kabobs
he possibilities are endless with these Caribbean Style Chicken Kabobs. You can add or take away whatever you want to fit your own tastes. Here’s what we put on them:
Pineapple marinade (store bought or make your own, see below) Chicken (we use boneless skinless chicken breasts but you can also use chicken thighs) Bananas Bacon Pineapple
You can also add:
Red bell peppers Onion Mango Nectarines Cherry Tomatoes (we love using Sun Gold varieties) Smoked sausage
Substitutions and Additions
As mentioned above, don’t go substituting out the bacon wrapped bananas. Those babies are what makes the dish so delicious and unique. If you are wanting to swap out the chicken for steak or even pork, go right ahead, it would be delicious. If you are wanting to add a little something extra, some vegetables maybe, try using onions, red bell peppers, or any of your other favorite grilling veggies.
Homemade Pineapple Marinade
We like to keep things easy and just get the store-bought marinade most of the time. However, it’s not hard to make your own! Here’s what you need:
1 cup pineapple juice ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil ½ cup brown sugar ⅓ cup soy sauce ¼ cup red wine vinegar 3-4 cloves garlic, minced Salt & black pepper, to taste
Whisk all ingredients together in a mixing bowl and use as a marinade for your kabobs.
Tips for Grilling Chicken Kabobs
For more flavor you can marinate the chicken and pineapple together. If you are adding onion and bell pepper you can also include those in the marinade. Use a meat thermometer to get determine when the chicken is cooked through. You want it to have an internal temperature of 165-degrees F when the meat thermometer in placed into the thickest piece of chicken. If using wooden skewers, soak them for at least an hour before you thread on the chicken and other ingredients. Oil the grill grates before turning on the grill. This will help prevent the kabobs from sticking. Place the leftover marinade in a saucepan and heat over medium-high heat until the marinade comes to a simmer. Reduce heat and simmer on low for 5 minutes and then brush over the kabobs while they are being grilled No grill? No problem. Place the kabobs on a baking sheet and bake in the oven at 375 degrees F for 20-25 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. The bacon and bananas don’t freeze well so we recommend eating them fresh or just refrigerating them. Reheat in a skillet on medium-high heat and sauté until heated through.
What Goes Well With Chicken Shish Kabobs?
Want to make these tasty shish kabobs but aren’t quite sure what to serve along with them? You can never go wrong with a green salad, plain white rice, or corn on the cob. Here are some more of our favorite side dish choices:
Cilantro Lime Rice (and Black Beans): Cilantro Lime Rice and Black Beans are the perfect complement to these kabobs. I often make these recipes as a side dish to my regular meals. KFC Coleslaw Copycat Recipe: Coleslaw goes great with any grilled dish. The cool, crunchy, creamy cabbage always complements kabobs on hot summer days! Easy Lemon Rice: The zesty flavor of the Easy Lemon Rice goes perfectly with this dish. The sweet from the kabobs and the savory/zesty from the rice.. Mmmmmm. Fresh Mango Avocado Coleslaw: This Fresh Mango Avocado Coleslaw is such a flavorful and colorful summer salad! We will be eating this delicious side dish all summer!
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Cafe Rio Cilantro Lime Rice
Coleslaw (KFC Copycat)
Lemon Rice
Mango Avocado Coleslaw
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