Bacon Bourbon BBQ Chicken Kebabs

Bacon Bourbon BBQ Chicken Kebabs

• Author: kenzie
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 43 minutes

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

These Bacon Bourbon BBQ Chicken Kebabs are smoky, sticky, sweet, and packed with bold flavor. Juicy chicken is wrapped in crispy bacon, brushed with a rich bourbon BBQ glaze, and grilled until caramelized and irresistible. This is the kind of recipe your audience will save, share, and make again for every BBQ night.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Kebabs:

• 1.5 lbs chicken breast or thighs (cut into large chunks)
• 10–12 slices bacon (cut in half)
• Wooden or metal skewers

For the Bourbon BBQ Sauce:

 

• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite)
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

---

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken into evenly sized chunks, about 1.5 to 2 inches each. This size helps the chicken cook evenly while staying juicy inside. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels so the bacon sticks better and the seasoning absorbs properly.

Step 2: Wrap with Bacon

Take each piece of chicken and wrap it with half a slice of bacon, securing it tightly around the meat. This step is important because the bacon will crisp up while keeping the chicken moist and flavorful during grilling.

Step 3: Make the Bourbon BBQ Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine BBQ sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let it simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. The sauce should be glossy and rich with a sweet-smoky aroma. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 4: Assemble the Skewers

Thread the bacon-wrapped chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even heat circulation. Make sure they are not too tightly packed so the bacon can crisp properly.

Step 5: Preheat the Grill

Heat your grill to medium heat (around 350–375°F). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes beforehand.

Step 6: Grill and Baste

Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 15–18 minutes, turning every few minutes. Begin brushing the bourbon BBQ sauce onto the skewers during the last 8–10 minutes of cooking. Continue to baste as you turn them to build layers of flavor and achieve a sticky glaze.

Step 7: Final Caramelization

During the last few minutes, let the sauce caramelize slightly on the bacon and chicken. Watch closely to avoid burning, since the sugar in the sauce can char quickly. The bacon should be crispy, and the chicken fully cooked through.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute inside the chicken. Serve warm with extra bourbon BBQ sauce on the side.

---

Notes

• Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness and flavor
• Don’t add sauce too early or it may burn
• Turn skewers often to cook bacon evenly
• Pre-cook bacon slightly if you want it extra crispy
• Use indirect heat if flare-ups happen from bacon fat

---

Nutrition

• Serving Size: Per serving
• Calories: 420

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with grilled corn or potatoes
• Pair with coleslaw or fresh salad
• Add to BBQ platters for parties
• Serve with dipping sauces like ranch or spicy mayo
• Great with toasted bread or wraps

Prep Time / Cook Time / Total Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 43 minutes

Nutritional Info (Approx.)

Calories: 420 per serving
Protein: 32g
Carbs: 12g
Fat: 26g
Sugar: 9g

FAQs

Can I make these kebabs without bourbon?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe without bourbon and still get amazing flavor. A great substitute is apple juice, pineapple juice, or even chicken broth. These options keep the sauce rich and slightly sweet while still helping it caramelize nicely on the grill. The bourbon mainly adds depth and a subtle smoky sweetness, so replacing it won’t ruin the recipe at all.

How do I keep the bacon from burning on the grill?
The key is cooking over medium heat instead of high heat. Bacon has fat that can drip and cause flare-ups, so it’s important to turn the skewers frequently and keep an eye on them. You can also move them to indirect heat if the flames get too strong. Another trick is to slightly pre-cook the bacon in a pan for a few minutes before wrapping it around the chicken.

Can I cook these kebabs in the oven instead of grilling?
Yes, if you don’t have a grill, you can bake them in the oven at 400°F for about 20–25 minutes. Turn them halfway through cooking and brush with sauce during the last 10 minutes. For extra caramelization, you can broil them for the final 2–3 minutes, but watch closely so they don’t burn.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. The chicken should be firm, juicy, and no longer pink inside. The bacon should also be crispy on the outside, which is another good sign that everything is cooked properly.

Can I prepare these kebabs ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the skewers a few hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator. This is perfect for parties or busy days. However, it’s best to add the sauce while cooking instead of beforehand to avoid making the bacon too soft. Preparing ahead makes grilling much faster and easier when you’re ready to cook.