Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with the irresistible flavors of Maple Bourbon BBQ Glazed Chicken Skewers, a mouthwatering creation that will transport you to the heart of the backyard BBQ. This epic dish is a harmonious blend of smoky, sweet, and savory notes, perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant summer soirées.
Why You’ll Love This Maple Bourbon BBQ Glazed Chicken Skewers
Embark on a flavor odyssey with these juicy, crispy-edged chicken skewers coated in a lush, caramelized maple bourbon BBQ glaze. The intoxicating aroma of the grill, the sticky-sweet glaze, and the tender, flavorful chicken will have your guests clamoring for more. Serve these crowd-pleasing skewers with your favorite summer sides for a truly cozy and indulgent backyard feast.
Ingredients
Gather the essential ingredients for these Maple Bourbon BBQ Glazed Chicken Skewers, including boneless, skinless chicken thighs, a savory-sweet homemade BBQ sauce, and a touch of maple syrup and bourbon for an extra layer of richness and complexity.
- 2 lbs – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup – Ketchup
- 1/4 cup – Bourbon
- 1/4 cup – Maple syrup
- 2 tbsp – Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp – Smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp – Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp – Onion powder
- 1/4 tsp – Cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (adjust cooking time as needed)
- Bourbon: Omit the bourbon and add an extra 2 tbsp of maple syrup for a non-alcoholic version
How to Make Maple Bourbon BBQ Glazed Chicken Skewers
Fire up the grill or preheat your oven to achieve those delectable, charred edges on the chicken. Brush the skewers generously with the maple bourbon BBQ glaze, ensuring every nook and cranny is coated in the sweet and smoky goodness.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and threading them onto sturdy metal or wooden skewers. Prepare the mouthwatering maple bourbon BBQ glaze by simmering together a blend of ketchup, bourbon, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and spices.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Fire up the grill or preheat your oven to achieve those delectable, charred edges on the chicken. Brush the skewers generously with the maple bourbon BBQ glaze, ensuring every nook and cranny is coated in the sweet and smoky goodness.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Grill or roast the glazed chicken skewers until they’re golden brown, crispy, and cooked through, basting them with the remaining glaze throughout the cooking process. Prepare to be captivated by the irresistible aroma and the mouthwatering caramelized edges.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Add a Kick of Heat: Elevate the flavors by adding a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the glaze for a subtle kick of heat.
- Veggie Skewers: Thread the chicken with vibrant bell peppers and onions for a festive touch.
- Swap the Protein: Experiment with different proteins like shrimp or tofu for a unique twist on this recipe.
- Grilled Pineapple Skewers: For a tropical twist, grill pineapple chunks alongside the chicken skewers.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Creamy coleslaw, roasted potatoes, or a fresh, zesty salad.
Storage: The leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them a delicious and satisfying meal prep option.
Reheat: To reheat, simply place the skewers on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Make-Ahead: The glaze can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply assemble the skewers and brush them with the prepared glaze before grilling or baking.
Nutrition Information
Indulge in the comforting flavors of these Maple Bourbon BBQ Glazed Chicken Skewers without the guilt. Each serving provides a balance of lean protein, carbohydrates, and a moderate amount of healthy fats, making it a nutritious and satisfying choice for your backyard BBQ.
- Serving Size: 3 skewers
- Calories: 321 kcal
- Protein: 31 g
- Carbs: 16 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Sodium: 654 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. Just keep in mind that chicken breasts tend to be a bit leaner, so you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure they don’t dry out.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, the maple bourbon BBQ glaze can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply brush the skewers with the prepared glaze and grill or bake as directed.
How long do the skewers need to cook?
The cooking time for the skewers will vary depending on the heat of your grill or oven, as well as the thickness of the chicken pieces. As a general guideline, the skewers should take 12-15 minutes to grill or 18-22 minutes to bake at 400°F, turning and basting with the remaining glaze occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the edges are crispy and caramelized.
Can I bake these in the oven instead of grilling?
Absolutely! If you don’t have access to a grill or prefer to cook indoors, you can easily bake these Maple Bourbon BBQ Glazed Chicken Skewers in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F and follow the same instructions, roasting the skewers for 18-22 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the edges are crispy.
How can I make these skewers spicier?
To add a kick of heat to these Maple Bourbon BBQ Glazed Chicken Skewers, simply stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the glaze. Start with a small amount, taste, and adjust to your desired level of spiciness.
Try These Next
- Sweet And Savory Maple Glazed Chicken Skewers
- Maple Bourbon Bbq Pulled Pork Sliders
- Smoky Maple Bourbon Bbq Ribs
Maple Bourbon BBQ Glazed Chicken Skewers
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: 🔥 BBQ, Grilling & Smokehouse
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Maple Bourbon BBQ Glazed Chicken Skewers are a delicious way to enjoy grilled chicken with a sweet and smoky flavor. Perfect for summer cookouts!
Ingredients
– 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup maple syrup
– 1/4 cup bourbon
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 tsp salt
– Skewers (soaked in water if wooden)
Instructions
1.
2. 1. In a bowl, mix maple syrup, bourbon, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt to create the marinade.
3. 2. Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge).
4. 3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
5. 4. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers.
6. 5. Grill the skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
7. 6. Brush some extra marinade on the skewers during the last few minutes of grilling for added flavor.
8. 7. Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
– For extra flavor, you can add vegetables like bell peppers or onions to the skewers.
– Make sure to soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
– Serve with a side of coleslaw or grilled corn for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken, BBQ, grilling, skewers, bourbon