Kick off game day with a flavor-packed punch that’s sure to have your guests cheering! These Honey Garlic Bacon Chicken Skewers are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoke, making them an irresistible addition to your tailgating or homegating spread. Get ready for big comfort, bold flavors, and chef-tested steps for reliable results.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Bacon Chicken Skewers for Game Day
These juicy, golden-brown skewers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, packed with a comforting and indulgent flavor profile that’s both satisfying and craveable. The smoky, crispy bacon adds a delightful contrast to the tender, honey-garlic glazed chicken, while the zesty marinade and bright garnishes elevate the whole dish to new levels of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a game day bash or looking for an epic meal to enjoy while cheering on your team, these Honey Garlic Bacon Chicken Skewers are sure to become a new seasonal favorite.
Ingredients
Gather up these simple, flavorful ingredients to create your new go-to game day dish. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs provide juicy, tender bites, while thick-cut bacon adds a smoky, crispy element. The honey-garlic marinade infuses the chicken with warm, comforting flavors, and fresh parsley and green onions provide a bright, fresh finish.
- 1 lb – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup – Honey
- 4 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp – Soy sauce
- 2 tbsp – Olive oil
- 1/2 lb – Thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 1/4 cup – Chopped fresh parsley
- 3 – Green onions, thinly sliced
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (leaner option)
- Bacon: Turkey bacon or plant-based bacon alternatives (dietary swap)
How to Make Honey Garlic Bacon Chicken Skewers for Game Day
Begin by cutting the chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes and placing them in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, garlic, soy sauce, and olive oil to create the flavorful marinade. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 1: Prep Work
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto metal or pre-soaked wooden skewers, leaving a small space between each piece. Grill the skewers for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the edges are lightly charred.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
While the chicken is grilling, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain the bacon on paper towels and crumble or chop it into small pieces. Once the chicken skewers are cooked, transfer them to a serving platter and drizzle with the remaining honey-garlic marinade. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and chopped green onions over the top, then garnish with fresh parsley.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Smoky Flavor: Grill the chicken skewers over a wood-fired grill or add a few drops of liquid smoke to the marinade.
- Different Honey: Try using a different type of honey, such as wildflower or raw, to complement the garlic and bacon.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade for a touch of heat.
- Creamy Dipping Sauce: Serve the Honey Garlic Bacon Chicken Skewers with a cool, tangy ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce on the side.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Honey Garlic Bacon Chicken Skewers are best served warm, straight off the grill. They make a fantastic main dish or appetizer, and are sure to be the star of your game day spread.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven or on the grill before serving.
Make-Ahead: You can prep the skewers in advance. Assemble the skewers and store them in the refrigerator until ready to grill. Just be sure to keep the chicken and bacon separate until just before cooking.
Nutrition Information
These Honey Garlic Bacon Chicken Skewers are a hearty, protein-packed option that will fuel your game day festivities. Each serving provides a balance of lean protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates to keep you energized and satisfied. The combination of chicken, bacon, and honey also offers a variety of essential vitamins and minerals, making this a nutritious and delicious choice.
- Serving Size: 3-4 skewers
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbs: 19 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts will work perfectly well in this recipe. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, as chicken breasts tend to cook more quickly than thighs.
Can I make these skewers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the skewers in advance. Assemble the skewers and store them in the refrigerator until ready to grill. Just be sure to keep the chicken and bacon separate until just before cooking.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
The key is to not overcook the chicken. Keep a close eye on the skewers and flip them frequently to ensure even cooking. The honey-garlic marinade also helps keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
Can I bake these instead of grilling?
Definitely! If you don’t have access to a grill, you can bake the skewers in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 18-22 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through.
What should I serve with these skewers?
These Honey Garlic Bacon Chicken Skewers pair beautifully with a variety of game day sides, such as creamy coleslaw, loaded baked potato salad, or crispy oven-roasted potatoes. You can also serve them with warm, crusty bread or fresh veggie sticks for dipping.
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Delicious Honey Garlic Bacon Chicken Skewers for Game Day
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: 🔥 BBQ, Grilling & Smokehouse
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Honey Garlic Bacon Chicken Skewers are a perfect treat for game day! Sweet, savory, and smoky, they are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 8 slices of bacon, cut in half
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
– Skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if using wooden skewers)
Instructions
1.
2. 1. In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, black pepper, and red chili flakes.
3. 2. Add chicken pieces to the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight).
4. 3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
5. 4. Wrap each piece of marinated chicken with half a slice of bacon and thread onto skewers.
6. 5. Place skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and bacon is crispy.
7. 6. Brush with remaining marinade during the last few minutes of cooking.
8. 7. Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add spices to the marinade or serve with dipping sauces like barbecue or ranch.
Make sure to soak wooden skewers to prevent burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken skewers, honey garlic, game day, BBQ