Ultimate Smoky Bacon Bourbon BBQ Chicken Skewers: Your Go-To Grill Recipe
Prepare to elevate your grilling game with a recipe that promises to become a permanent fixture in your culinary repertoire: these phenomenal Smoky Bacon Bourbon BBQ Chicken Skewers. Imagine succulent chicken pieces, deeply infused with a rich, smoky marinade featuring classic BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, sweet maple syrup, and a sophisticated hint of bourbon. The result is nothing short of spectacular: a profound, complex smoky flavor married with unbelievably tender, melt-in-your-mouth chicken. Whether you’re firing up the outdoor grill for a backyard bash, opting for the convenience of a stovetop pan, or broiling them to perfection in your oven, these Bacon Bourbon Chicken Skewers are guaranteed to be an absolute showstopper and a crowd-pleasing hit at any gathering.
Smoky Chicken Skewers With Bacon and Bourbon BBQ Sauce: A True American BBQ Experience
I first crafted these extraordinary Bourbon BBQ Chicken Skewers during a special American BBQ night. The entire menu was designed to capture that quintessential American vibe, and naturally, succulent chicken skewers were an absolute must-have. Let me assure you, these are unlike any other chicken skewers you’ve ever tasted. They stand in a league of their own, distinct from my lighter mustard-soy skewers or my savory kebab-style skewers. This recipe is a bold homage to the rich, deep flavors of Southern BBQ, where bacon and barbecue sauce aren’t just ingredients—they are the very heart and soul of the dish.
What makes these Bacon Bourbon Chicken Skewers so special is the intricate dance of flavors. The bacon, instead of being simply wrapped around the chicken, is blended directly into the marinade, creating a velvety, flavor-packed paste that clings to every piece of chicken. This ensures maximum flavor penetration and an incredibly tender result. The bourbon adds a layer of sophisticated depth and a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the smoky paprika and rich BBQ sauce. It’s a combination that truly elevates simple chicken to gourmet status.
My ultimate tip for these savory delights? Always make extra. Seriously. The moment that rich, smoky aroma of bacon and bourbon begins to waft through the air, carried by the gentle breeze of your cookout, your neighbors will inevitably catch a whiff. And when they do, don’t be surprised to find them knocking at your door, eager to get a taste of what smells so undeniably good. These skewers don’t just cook; they create an atmosphere, a promise of deliciousness that’s hard to resist.
Beyond their incredible taste, these chicken skewers are surprisingly versatile. While grilling imparts that signature char and smoky essence, you can easily replicate the flavors indoors. Baking them in the oven offers a hands-off approach, perfect for meal prepping or larger batches. Pan-frying yields a delicious caramelized crust, and broiling can quickly achieve a beautifully charred finish. No matter your cooking method, the depth of the marinade ensures a consistently flavorful and juicy chicken experience. This adaptability makes them ideal for any season or occasion, proving that great BBQ isn’t just for summer weekends.
Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe: Maximizing Bacon and Bourbon Flavor
Achieving perfectly tender and flavorful Bourbon BBQ Chicken Skewers isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s also about technique. Follow these essential tips to ensure your chicken kebabs are the best they can be:
- Marinate for at Least 1 Hour (Overnight is Best): The longer the chicken soaks in this incredible bacon-bourbon concoction, the more tender and flavorful it will become. Aim for a minimum of one hour, but for truly melt-in-your-mouth results, marinating overnight (8-12 hours) in the refrigerator allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the chicken. This also helps break down the proteins, ensuring exceptional tenderness.
- Soak Wooden Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This crucial step prevents them from burning on the grill or under the broiler, ensuring your skewers hold together beautifully during cooking.
- Grill on Medium Heat: High heat might char the exterior too quickly, especially with the sugar in the BBQ sauce, before the chicken is cooked through. Medium heat allows the chicken to cook evenly, developing a delicious caramelization without burning the flavorful sauce. Keep an eye on them and turn frequently for an even cook.
- Use Whole Slices of Bacon for Marinade: Resist the urge to use bacon bits. For the marinade, whole slices of smoked bacon are essential. When blended, they create a smooth, rich paste that emulsifies with the other ingredients, delivering a much deeper, more consistent bacon flavor and contributing to the incredible tenderness of the chicken. This paste is key to the unique texture and taste of these skewers.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Grill/Pan: Whether you’re grilling or pan-frying, cook the skewers in batches if necessary. Overcrowding reduces the temperature and steams the chicken instead of searing it, preventing a beautiful crust from forming. Give each skewer enough space to cook evenly.
- Monitor Internal Temperature: For food safety and optimal tenderness, chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the largest piece of chicken on a skewer to ensure it’s perfectly done.
- Alternative Cooking Methods:
- Oven Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil (for easy cleanup) and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, or until chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Broil for the last few minutes for extra char.
- Pan-Frying: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat with a little oil. Cook skewers for 4-6 minutes per side, turning until golden brown and cooked through.
- Broiling: Place skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil 6-8 inches from the heat for 8-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked and caramelized. Keep a close watch to prevent burning.
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📖 Recipe
VIDEO
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
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Ingredients
- 6 slices smoked bacon
- 1 clove garlic, squeezed
- 1 shallot, quartered
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons bourbon
- 2 ½ pounds chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
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Add bacon, garlic, shallot, BBQ sauce, maple syrup, salt, paprika, pepper, and bourbon to a blender. Blend until smooth.6 slices smoked bacon, 1 clove garlic, 1 shallot, 1 cup barbecue sauce, 3 tablespoons maple syrup, 2 teaspoons salt, 2 tablespoons smoked paprika powder, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 3 tablespoons bourbon
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Divide the marinade into two bowls: â…” in bowl one and â…“ in bowl two.
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Thread the chicken onto skewers.2 ½ pounds chicken breasts
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Brush the skewers with marinade from bowl one and place in a dish. Pour the rest of bowl one over the top. Cover and chill.
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Marinate for at least 1 hour in the fridge.
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Grill the skewers for 5 minutes per side, until cooked through.
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Brush with marinade from bowl two and grill 1 more minute.
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Serve immediately.
Notes
- Spicy: Add 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- No alcohol: Replace bourbon with apple juice or cola.
- Different meat: Try it with turkey breast or pork tenderloin.
- Veggie Boost: Add bell peppers, onions, or zucchini chunks to the skewers for added color and flavor.
- Sweet Heat: A dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne can be added for an extra kick that balances the maple’s sweetness.
2. Storage
- Uncooked:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 1 day (covered).
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the marinated chicken (without skewers) in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
- Cooked
- Fridge: Store cooked skewers in an airtight container for up to 3 days (covered).
- Freezer: Freeze cooked skewers (once completely cooled) in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
- Reheat
- In oven: Reheat at 350 °F (ca. 180 °C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps maintain tenderness.
- In microwave: For quick reheating, microwave 1-2 minutes on medium power. Be careful not to overcook, as this can dry out the chicken.
- On the grill: Lightly oil the grill grates and reheat over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes, turning frequently, until warmed through and slightly re-charred.
Nutrition
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Serving Suggestions for Your BBQ Chicken Skewers
These incredibly flavorful Bacon Bourbon Chicken Skewers are a meal in themselves, but they pair beautifully with a variety of sides, making them perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to festive backyard cookouts. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
- Classic BBQ Sides: Think creamy coleslaw, tangy potato salad, baked beans, or cornbread. These traditional pairings perfectly complement the smoky, sweet, and savory notes of the chicken.
- Grilled Vegetables: For a healthier option, serve alongside grilled corn on the cob, asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini. You can even thread some onto the skewers with the chicken for a full meal on a stick.
- Fresh Salads: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken. A fruit salad with berries and melon also works wonderfully.
- Rice or Grains: Fluffy white rice, a savory rice pilaf, or even quinoa can soak up any extra marinade and create a satisfying base for your skewers.
- Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread or garlic knots for dipping into the delicious juices. Baguettes, as shown in some images, are an excellent choice.
Beverage Pairings
To truly enhance the experience, consider these drink pairings:
- Beer: A good craft beer, particularly an amber ale, a smoky porter, or even a crisp lager, will complement the BBQ flavors.
- Bourbon Cocktails: If you enjoy bourbon, a classic Old Fashioned or a refreshing Mint Julep can highlight the bourbon notes in the marinade.
- Iced Tea or Lemonade: For a non-alcoholic option, a sweet iced tea or homemade lemonade is always a refreshing choice with BBQ.
Ingredient Spotlight: The Magic Behind the Flavor
The magic of these Smoky Bourbon BBQ Chicken Skewers lies in the carefully selected ingredients for the marinade. Each component plays a vital role in building a complex flavor profile that is both familiar and exciting:
- Smoked Bacon: This isn’t just about adding a savory note; blending the bacon into a paste distributes its rich, fatty, and smoky essence throughout the marinade. This fat also helps tenderize the chicken and prevents it from drying out during cooking, resulting in an incredibly moist and flavorful bite every time.
- Bourbon: Beyond its alcoholic content (which mostly cooks off), bourbon contributes a distinct sweet, caramel, and slightly oaky flavor. It adds depth and a sophisticated warmth that elevates the BBQ sauce, creating a truly unique taste that sets these skewers apart.
- Maple Syrup: This natural sweetener brings more than just sugar; it adds a distinct earthy, rich sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the grill, creating a delicious glaze. It perfectly balances the savory bacon and tangy BBQ sauce.
- Barbecue Sauce: The backbone of any great BBQ dish, a good quality BBQ sauce provides the tangy, sweet, and sometimes spicy foundation. It acts as a perfect canvas for the bacon, bourbon, and maple flavors to build upon.
- Smoked Paprika: This spice is crucial for reinforcing and enhancing the smoky character of the dish. Its vibrant color also contributes to the appealing reddish hue of the cooked chicken.
- Garlic & Shallot: These aromatic vegetables provide essential foundational savory notes, adding a pungent kick that brightens the rich marinade without overpowering it. When blended into the paste, their flavors are smoothly integrated.
More BBQ Inspiration: Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re as passionate about delicious grilled food as I am, then you’re always on the lookout for new and exciting BBQ recipes. These Bourbon BBQ Chicken Skewers are just the beginning! Here are a few more of my favorite grilling recipes that capture the essence of a perfect cookout, from sweet treats to savory mains. Expand your BBQ repertoire and delight your family and friends with these fantastic dishes:
- S’mores Marshmallow treats with chocolate cookies
- Grilled Chicken Burger with Mozzarella – A BBQ Favorite
- Brined BBQ Salmon Recipe for the Grill
In conclusion, these Smoky Bacon Bourbon BBQ Chicken Skewers are more than just a recipe; they’re an experience. They embody the heart and soul of American BBQ with their deep, complex flavors, incredible tenderness, and versatility in cooking methods. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or new to the world of skewers, this recipe is designed for success, promising a dish that will impress and satisfy every time. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, fire up your grill (or oven!), and prepare to create unforgettable moments around the table with these truly exceptional chicken kebabs. Happy cooking!