Prepare to be swept away by the irresistible aroma and mouthwatering flavors of these Smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Skewers! As Chef Savori, I’ve crafted this recipe to bring people together with bold, comforting tastes that are easy to recreate in your own kitchen. Get ready to experience the perfect balance of tender chicken, sizzling bacon, and a smoky, tangy BBQ glaze that will have your taste buds dancing.
Why You’ll Love This Smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Skewers
These Smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Skewers are the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish that effortlessly combines classic flavors with a modern twist. The combination of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich, caramelized BBQ glaze creates a flavor explosion that will have your guests begging for more. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, a cozy family dinner, or a game-day gathering, these skewers are sure to be the star of the show. With easy, chef-tested steps and a few simple ingredients, you’ll be able to whip up this delectable dish with confidence and impress everyone with your culinary prowess.
Ingredients
To make these Smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Skewers, you’ll need a few key ingredients: boneless, skinless chicken thighs, thick-cut bacon, your favorite BBQ sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. The sweet and smoky flavors of the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and smoked paprika perfectly complement the savory chicken and crispy bacon, creating a harmonious blend of tastes that will have your taste buds craving more.
- 1 lb (454g) – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 12 slices – Thick-cut bacon
- 1 cup (240ml) – BBQ sauce
- 3 tbsp (45g) – Brown sugar
- 1 tsp (5g) – Smoked paprika
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (for a leaner option)
- BBQ Sauce: Honey mustard or spicy BBQ sauce (for a twist on the flavors)
How to Make Smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Skewers
Begin by preheating your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, grab your chicken thighs and bacon. Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes, then wrap each piece tightly in a strip of bacon, securing it with a toothpick. In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and smoked paprika to create the irresistible glaze.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, grab your chicken thighs and bacon. Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes, then wrap each piece tightly in a strip of bacon, securing it with a toothpick. In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and smoked paprika to create the irresistible glaze.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Once your grill or oven is hot, place the bacon-wrapped chicken skewers directly on the grates or on a baking sheet. Grill or bake the skewers for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
As the skewers are cooking, brush them generously with the smoky BBQ glaze, ensuring that every inch is coated in the sweet and tangy sauce. Continue cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes, basting the skewers with more glaze every couple of minutes, until the glaze has caramelized and the chicken is absolutely irresistible.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
For an extra burst of flavor, you can garnish the Smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Skewers with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions just before serving.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- BBQ Sauce Flavors: Try experimenting with different BBQ sauce flavors, such as honey mustard, spicy, or even a whiskey-infused variety.
- Add a Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the glaze for a touch of heat.
- Epic Presentation: Serve the skewers on a large platter surrounded by grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
- Crispy Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon that can stand up to the high heat of the grill or oven for the perfect texture.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Skewers make a fantastic main dish, but can also be served as an appetizer or passed around as a crowd-pleasing party bite.
Storage: If you have any leftovers, simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat, you can pop them back in the oven or on the grill for a few minutes until heated through. Just be sure to brush them with a bit of extra BBQ glaze to restore that perfect, sticky-sweet coating.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the skewers in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them. Just wrap the chicken in the bacon, but don’t apply the glaze until you’re ready to grill or bake them.
Nutrition Information
These Smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Skewers are a delicious and satisfying dish, but it’s important to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Each serving (2 skewers) contains approximately 300 calories, 18 grams of fat, 30 grams of protein, and 10 grams of carbohydrates. The bacon and BBQ sauce contribute to the higher fat and calorie content, so be mindful of portion sizes and pair these skewers with plenty of fresh, vibrant side dishes to create a well-rounded meal.
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 10 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these skewers in the oven instead of on the grill?
Absolutely! These Smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Skewers can easily be made in the oven. Simply preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and follow the same instructions, baking the skewers for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, and then brushing them with the glaze and baking for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Do I need to soak the wooden skewers before using them?
It’s a good idea to soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before assembling the skewers. This helps prevent the skewers from burning or charring during the cooking process.
Can I make these skewers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the skewers in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them. Just wrap the chicken in the bacon, but don’t apply the glaze until you’re ready to grill or bake them.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) on a meat thermometer. Be sure to check the temperature of the thickest part of the chicken to ensure it’s been cooked through.
Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?
Absolutely! These Smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Skewers can be made with a variety of proteins, such as shrimp, pork tenderloin, or even beef. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is cooked through.
Try These Next
- Smoky Maple Bacon Bbq Chicken Sandwich
- Smoky Bbq Beef Sliders With Tangy Slaw
- Smoky Maple Bbq Pork Sliders With Tangy Slaw
Smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped 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
These Smoky BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Skewers are the ultimate crowd-pleaser! Juicy chicken pieces are wrapped in crispy bacon and coated in a rich, smoky BBQ sauce. Perfect for grilling at your next BBQ!
Ingredients
– 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 8 slices of bacon
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if wooden)
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
3. 2. Season the chicken cubes with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. 3. Wrap each chicken cube with a slice of bacon and secure it with a skewer.
5. 4. Brush the skewers generously with BBQ sauce.
6. 5. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
7. 6. Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
– For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce for 30 minutes before wrapping with bacon.
– Adjust the cooking time based on the size of the chicken pieces.
– These skewers can also be baked in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken, bacon, BBQ, skewers, grilling