Gather ’round the grill, my friends, because today we’re diving into the smoky, flavor-packed world of Fire-Kissed BBQ Bacon Chicken Skewers. This dish is the perfect fusion of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a tantalizing homemade BBQ sauce that’ll have your taste buds dancing. Let’s spark up the grill and create an unforgettable culinary experience that’ll bring people together around the table.
Why You’ll Love This Fire-Kissed BBQ Bacon Chicken Skewers
Grilling season is upon us, and these Fire-Kissed BBQ Bacon Chicken Skewers are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Imagine juicy, flame-kissed chicken bites wrapped in crispy, smoky bacon, all drizzled with a homemade BBQ sauce that’s both sweet and tangy. The textures and flavors work in perfect harmony, creating a dish that’s both comforting and craveable. Plus, with easy-to-follow, chef-tested steps, you’ll be whipping up this summertime staple in no time.
Ingredients
At the heart of this recipe are the star ingredients: boneless, skinless chicken thighs, thick-cut bacon, and a delectable homemade BBQ sauce. Pair these with a few pantry staples, and you’re well on your way to BBQ heaven.
- 1 lb – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 12 oz – Thick-cut bacon, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup – Homemade BBQ sauce (see recipe below)
- 1 tbsp – Olive oil
- 1 tsp – Kosher salt
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (for a leaner protein option)
- Chicken: Shrimp or cubed pork tenderloin (for a dietary swap)
How to Make Fire-Kissed BBQ Bacon Chicken Skewers
Let’s get started on this flavor-packed recipe!
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by cutting the chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes. Slice the bacon into 1-inch pieces. In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce ingredients until well combined.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Thread the chicken and bacon pieces onto skewers, alternating between the two. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy, about 12-15 minutes.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
During the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush the skewers generously with the homemade BBQ sauce, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Transfer the grilled, sauce-coated skewers to a serving platter and enjoy immediately while the flavors are at their peak.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Marinate the Chicken: For an extra flavor boost, try marinating the chicken in the BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) before threading onto the skewers.
- Spice it Up: Looking to spice things up? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Smoky Infusion: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your choice of wood chips or pellets to infuse that irresistible smoky flavor.
- Vegetable Skewers: For a complete meal, thread some veggie cubes (like bell peppers, zucchini, or onions) onto the skewers alongside the chicken and bacon.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: grilled corn on the cob, potato salad, or a fresh green salad.
Storage: Store the skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Gently reheat the skewers in the oven or on the grill before serving.
Make-Ahead: The BBQ sauce can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to use.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of these Fire-Kissed BBQ Bacon Chicken Skewers provides a balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. You can expect approximately 350 calories, 30g of protein, 18g of fat, and 15g of carbs per serving.
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 15 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to keep the chicken juicy and tender?
The key to juicy, tender chicken is to not overcook it. Keep a close eye on the grill and remove the skewers as soon as the chicken is cooked through, around 12-15 minutes. Marinating the chicken in the BBQ sauce can also help maintain moisture.
Can I make the BBQ sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The homemade BBQ sauce can be prepared up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. Just give it a good stir before brushing it onto the skewers.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The most reliable way to tell if the chicken is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F. Alternatively, you can cut into a piece to ensure there’s no pink remaining in the center.
Can I use wooden skewers instead of metal ones?
Yes, you can definitely use wooden skewers for this recipe. Just be sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading on the ingredients to prevent them from burning on the grill.
Do I need to soak the wooden skewers before using them?
Yes, it’s recommended to soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using them. This helps prevent the skewers from charring and burning on the hot grill.
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Smoky Fire-Kissed BBQ Bacon Chicken Skewers
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: 🔥 BBQ, Grilling & Smokehouse
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Fire-Kissed BBQ Bacon Chicken Skewers are the perfect combination of smoky, savory, and sweet. These skewers are perfect for summer grilling and will be a hit at your next BBQ!
Ingredients
– 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 8 slices of bacon
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
3. 2. In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. 3. Add the chicken cubes to the bowl and coat them evenly with the seasoning mixture.
5. 4. Wrap each piece of chicken with a slice of bacon and secure it with a skewer.
6. 5. Brush the skewers with BBQ sauce.
7. 6. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
8. 7. Brush with additional BBQ sauce in the last few minutes of grilling.
9. 8. Remove from grill and serve hot.
Notes
– You can substitute turkey bacon for a healthier option.
– Serve with a side of coleslaw or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
– Make sure to soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning on the grill.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: BBQ, Chicken, Bacon, Skewers