These Bourbon Bacon BBQ Chicken Kebabs are a tasty treat! Juicy chicken is combined with crispy bacon and smothered in a sweet BBQ sauce. It’s like a flavor party on a stick!
Who doesn’t love bacon wrapped around chicken? It’s my secret weapon for impressing friends at BBQs. Just grill them up and watch them disappear. They’re that good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for kebabs because they’re tender and cook quickly. You can swap them for chicken thighs for extra juiciness, or even use shrimp or tofu for a different twist!
Bacon: Bacon adds a savory crunch, but if you’re looking for lighter options, turkey bacon or prosciutto can also work. Just remember that cooking times may change a bit with these substitutes.
BBQ Sauce: Feel free to use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce! For a homemade version, mix ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and your favorite spices. Experiment with different flavors to suit your taste!
Bourbon: This adds depth to the marinade. If you prefer not to use alcohol, apple cider vinegar, or even a splash of apple juice can provide a nice flavor boost.
How Do I Make Sure My Kebabs Are Juicy and Flavorful?
Marinating the chicken in the BBQ sauce and bourbon blend is key! Allow at least 1 hour, but if you can, let it sit for 3 to 4 hours. This gives the chicken time to absorb all those delicious flavors. Be generous with the marinade!
- When grilling, aim for medium-high heat. This helps develop nice grill marks and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Turn the kebabs regularly to avoid burning and ensure even cooking. Don’t rush this process!
- Brush on extra BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking for a sticky and flavorful finish!
Once you follow these tips, you’ll enjoy perfectly juicy and flavorful bourbon bacon chicken kebabs every time!
Easy Bourbon Bacon BBQ Chicken Kebabs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 8 slices bacon, cut in half
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak them in water for 30 minutes)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 1 hour to marinate (3-4 hours is best), and 12-15 minutes to grill. So, plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes total if you marinate for 1 hour. Perfect for a relaxed cooking session!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, bourbon, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This tasty mixture is what will infuse the chicken with flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the bowl with the marinade. Toss the chicken until it’s well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour; if you have time, let it marinate for 3-4 hours to soak in more flavor!
3. Prepare the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot for grilling those kebabs!
4. Assemble the Kebabs:
Take your soaked skewers and start threading the chicken onto them. Wrap one piece of bacon around each chicken cube and continue alternating chicken and bacon until the skewer is full. It’s okay if the bacon isn’t perfect—just get that yummy flavor in!
5. Grill the Kebabs:
Place the kebabs on the grill. Grill for about 12 to 15 minutes, turning them occasionally so they cook evenly and get those delightful grill marks. In the last few minutes, brush them with extra BBQ sauce for that delicious sticky glaze!
6. Let Them Rest:
Once they’re cooked through, remove the kebabs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to settle back in for maximum flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your flavorful kebabs hot with your favorite sides—think coleslaw, grilled vegetables, or baked beans. Enjoy the smoky, sweet goodness!
These kebabs are a hit at cookouts and make for an easy weeknight meal. They’re deliciously packed with flavor that you won’t want to miss!
FAQ for Easy Bourbon Bacon BBQ Chicken Kebabs
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, making them a great substitute. Just keep in mind that they may take a couple of minutes longer to cook through.
What If I Don’t Have Bourbon?
No problem! You can omit the bourbon and use apple cider vinegar or apple juice instead. Both will add a nice sweetness and tang without the alcohol.
How Do I Store Leftover Kebabs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven or microwave until warmed through. You can also grill them for a quick reheat!
Can I Make the Marinade in Advance?
Yes, you can mix the marinade a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just add the chicken when you’re ready to cook. This could save you time on the day of grilling!
