These Juicy Bourbon Bacon BBQ Chicken Kebabs are a flavor explosion! Guess what? The smoky bacon and sweet bourbon give your chicken a delicious twist!
What I love about these kebabs is that they are perfect for grilling on sunny days with friends. Plus, who can resist the mouthwatering smell of bacon sizzling? Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for juiciness. If you need a leaner option, turkey can also be a great substitute!
Bacon: Regular bacon adds flavor, but turkey bacon is a lower-fat option. Just keep in mind that turkey bacon might not get as crispy.
Bourbon: For a non-alcoholic version, use apple juice or a mixture of water and vanilla extract for a hint of sweetness. I find this adds a nice twist as well!
BBQ Sauce: Store-bought is fine, but homemade BBQ sauce is fantastic, too! If you’re looking for something less sweet, try a vinegar-based sauce for a tangy flavor.
How Can I Get The Chicken To Stay Juicy?
Marinating the chicken is key to locking in flavors and moisture. It helps tenderize the meat and adds depth to the taste. Aim for at least an hour, though longer is better. Also, avoid overcooking on the grill!
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches 165°F / 74°C.
- Let the kebabs rest for a few minutes after grilling; this helps keep the juices in!
Juicy Bourbon Bacon BBQ Chicken Kebabs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kebabs:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 8 slices of bacon, cut in half
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Others:
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes to prepare the marinade, plus at least 1 hour of marinating time (3-4 hours or overnight is best for more flavor). Grilling will take around 10-15 minutes, so in total, plan for about 1.5 hours for prep and marinating, plus cooking time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, start by whisking together the bourbon, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and olive oil until everything is mixed well. This delicious marinade will give the chicken a fabulous flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the cubed chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure to stir them around to coat evenly. Once coated, cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. If you can let it sit for 3-4 hours or even overnight, that’s even better for deeper flavor!
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F (200°C). This will ensure the chicken cooks nicely and the bacon gets crispy.
4. Assemble the Kebabs:
Now it’s time to put together your kebabs! Take a skewer and thread a piece of marinated chicken onto it, followed by wrapping a half-slice of bacon around the chicken cube. Repeat this until the skewer is full, but make sure to leave a little space between the pieces to ensure even cooking.
5. Grill the Kebabs:
Place your kebabs on the preheated grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes. Remember to turn them every 3-4 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the bacon is crispy and caramelized. If you want, you can brush some extra BBQ sauce on during the last few minutes of grilling to enhance the flavor.
6. Serve:
Once they’re cooked, remove the kebabs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy. Serve hot with your favorite sides, such as grilled veggies, coleslaw, or sweet corn on the cob!
Enjoy your juicy, smoky, bourbon-infused bacon BBQ chicken kebabs! They’re sure to impress your friends and family!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Vegetables or Fruits in the Kebabs?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, onions, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or even pineapple chunks can add a vibrant touch to your kebabs. Just make sure the pieces are roughly the same size as the chicken for even cooking!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover kebabs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the grill. Just be careful not to overcook, as that can dry them out!
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade up to 2 days in advance. Just keep it stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. Marinating the chicken overnight will give it an even more intense flavor!
What Can I Serve with These Kebabs?
These kebabs go well with a variety of sides! Consider serving them with grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, coleslaw, or even garlic bread. For a fun twist, you can also pair them with a dipping sauce, like ranch or spicy mayo!
