Perfect for summer barbecues, tailgating, or even a cozy dinner at home, these kebabs are easy to prepare and guaranteed to be a hit. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Bacon Bourbon BBQ Chicken Kebabs Recipe
The kebabs feature tender chunks of chicken wrapped in crispy bacon and brushed with a homemade bourbon-infused BBQ sauce, adding a rich depth of flavor.
The sauce is a blend of bourbon, brown sugar, tomato paste, and spices, creating a sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. Served hot, these kebabs are a hit for backyard gatherings, offering a delicious twist on traditional BBQ with a balance of smokiness, sweetness, and a slight kick from the bourbon.
Ingredients for Bacon Bourbon BBQ Chicken Kebabs
For the Kebabs:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 strips of bacon, cut in half
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
For the Marinade:
- ½ cup bourbon
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
For the BBQ Sauce:
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken. In a mixing bowl, combine the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Whisk until well combined.
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 4-6 hours, to allow the flavors to penetrate.
2. Prepare the Vegetables and Bacon
While the chicken is marinating, prepare your vegetables. Cut the bell peppers and onion into 1-inch pieces.
This size will ensure even cooking on the grill. Next, take your bacon strips and cut them in half.
3. Assemble the Kebabs
It’s time to put the kebabs together once the chicken has marinated. To avoid burning on the grill, soak wooden skewers in water for about half an hour.
On each skewer, thread a piece of marinated chicken, followed by a piece of bacon, then a piece of bell pepper, another piece of bacon, and finally a piece of onion.
Repeat this pattern until the skewer is filled, leaving some space at the ends for easy handling.
4. Grill the Kebabs
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. To keep the grill grates from sticking, oil them.
Put the kebabs on the grill and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping them every so often, until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through.
If you like, brush the kebabs with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling for an extra layer of flavor.
5. Serve and Enjoy
After cooking, take the kebabs from the grill and give them some time to rest. Drizzle with additional BBQ sauce if desired and serve hot. These kebabs pair wonderfully with coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a fresh salad.
Tips for Perfect Kebabs
- Soak Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soaking them prevents burning and helps them last longer on the grill.
- Cut uniform pieces: Ensure all your chicken and vegetables are cut to a similar size for even cooking.
- Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for added variety.
- Use Your Favorite BBQ Sauce: The choice of BBQ sauce can drastically change the flavor profile. Don’t hesitate to experiment!
Enjoy the Kebabs!
Perfect for any occasion, these Bacon Bourbon BBQ Chicken Kebabs are a celebration of tastes rather than simply a meal. With the savory bacon, tender chicken, and sweet bourbon glaze, every bite is a delightful explosion of taste.
Get the barbecue going and serve your loved ones this delicious dinner that will make them want to return for more. Have fun!
