ByDonna Elick
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BBQ Chicken Skewersare tender, juicy, and easy to throw together at the last minute. Create mouthwatering flavor with just a few ingredients! New recipes like this are the best – and all you need are simple ingredients!
These are always a big hit anytime that I make them!
The tender chicken is the best thing to make during the summer grilling season, and I love how you can really pack on the extra flavor, too.
BBQ chicken kebabs are fast, simple, and perfect for Memorial Day BBQ’s and gatherings.
I love to cook them on the charcoal grill over an open flame, but the cooking process can be pretty versatile for these juicy BBQ chicken skewers.
If this is the first time that you’re making this chicken recipe, you’re going to be hooked.
I like to sometimes change things up and add red onions and bell peppers to the metal skewers but that’s really up to you.
You can also change the flavor by adding soy sauce, olive oil, a brown sugar mixture, lime juice or lemon juice, fresh herbs, or anything else that you want to add tho this simple barbecue chicken recipe.
You can make the best chicken kabobs any way that you want! It’s your perfect recipe to create so have a little bit of fun with it! The entire family will love the flavor.
BBQ Chicken Skewers
Chicken pieces are coated in a spicy bacon paste and brushed with a drunken barbecue sauce to create a flavor that is out of this world!
I know, I know – pureed bacon? Trust me, you’ll never want to make grilled chicken any other way after you try it.
The paste keeps the meat tender and moist, and you don’t have to worry about flare-ups from fat dripping off of strips.
In the mood for more skewers? Check out myGrilled Peach Basil Caprese Sausage Skewers!!They’re incredibly tasty and unique!
Love the bourbon BBQ sauce? Try myJack Daniel’s Double Kickversion next time. It’s got a sweet, smoky flavor with some extra heat from red chili peppers.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Chicken– Breast meat works best for skewers since it can be sliced into uniform pieces. This ensures that your BBQ chicken kabobs are evenly cooked.
- Barbecue sauce– I like to use myhomemade versionfor bourbon BBQ chicken, but feel free to use your favorite!
- Bourbon– Maker’s Mark is my preferred brand.
- Spices– A combination of sweet and smoked paprika, plus salt and black pepper, are all you need to add to the sauce.
You can easily swap the smoked paprika for more of the sweet variety if you prefer less heat.
Cooking BBQ Chicken Kabobs Without A Grill
There’s nothing worse than heading outside to fire up the grill, only to see rain clouds rolling in! Or you may not own an outdoor grill to begin with!
Don’t worry, you can easily change course and still enjoy this grilled bourbon chicken for dinner.
- Use a grill pan
Either a stovetop or electric countertop grill will work!
Follow the recipe as directed, checking the internal temperature of the bourbon BBQ chicken to ensure it’s done.
Keep in mind that things can get a bit smoky with this method, so turn on your exhaust fan or crack a few windows!
- Use the broiler
Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil while you heat your broiler to High.
Place the BBQ chicken kabobs on the pan and broil for 10-15 minutes, turning every 5 minutes until cooked through.
Finally, brush extra sauce on both sides and broil for an additional 1-2 minutes, until caramelized.
Tips for Making Bourbon BBQ Chicken
- Get a bolder flavor.If you have time, coat the chicken with the bacon puree and let it marinate in the refrigerator overnight.
- Don’t use cold meat!Poultry fresh out of the fridge tends to dry out and cook unevenly.
Instead, let it warm on the counter for about 15 minutes before transferring your BBQ chicken skewers to the grill.
- Soak your skewers.These should sit in water for an hour or so to prevent them from catching fire over the flames.
- Check the temperature.Ensure your grilled bourbon chicken is done with a digital meat thermometer.
Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temp of 165°F.
- Tip for alcohol-free alternative:Most of the alcohol will cook off between the grilling and boiling on the stove.
However, you can omit the bourbon and vinegar altogether and just use the barbecue sauce by itself.
Bourbon Grilled Chicken FAQ
Can I make bourbon BBQ sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I like to make a big batch of myhomemade recipeon a regular basis so I always have some on hand.
Mix everything together at once, or keep the base in the refrigerator for up to a month and add the bourbon and vinegar when you start this recipe.
What goes with BBQ chicken skewers?
You can’t go wrong with any of your favoritesummer side dishes! Bourbon grilled chicken tastes great withbaked beans,potato salad, orgrilled asparagus.
If it’s been a hectic day, you can easily throw together a green salad or cut up some fruit instead.
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Other Grill Recipes
Bacon Bourbon Grilled BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe
Donna Elick
BBQ chicken skewers are tender, juicy, and easy to throw together at the last minute. Create mouthwatering flavor with just a few ingredients!
4.50 stars from 2 reviews
Tried this recipe?Please comment and review!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 6 minutes mins
Total Time 16 minutes mins
Course Main
Cuisine American
Method Food Processor, Grill
Servings 8
Ingredients
- 16 ounces barbecue sauce, I used my homemade sauce
- 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey, I prefer Maker’s Mark
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1”x1” pieces
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh black pepper
- 1/4 cup sweet paprika
- 3 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 6 slices bacon, cut into small pieces (uncooked)
- 8 12 inch wooden skewers, soaked in water for an hour
Instructions
In a medium bowl combine barbecue sauce, vinegar and whiskey. Whisk to combine. Set aside and allow flavors to meld.
Add bacon to the bowl of your food processor and blend until bacon becomes a paste. Add salt, pepper, paprikas, and sugar. Pulse until well combined.
Pat chicken with a paper towel to dry. Add bacon paste mixture to chicken; mix with hands until chicken is completely coated. Place chicken on skewers.
Place on preheated grill. Cook on each side for 2-3 minutes. Brush cooked surface with barbecue sauce and cook each side (coated in sauce) for 1 additional minute.
Remove kebabs from grill. Pour remaining barbecue sauce into a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Pour into a serving container and serve barbecue sauce along side kebabs. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 476cal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 61g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 182mg | Sodium: 1500mg | Sugar: 24g | Fiber: 2g | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 2mg
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Originally published June 2012, updated and republished April 2024
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