Dive into the ultimate game day indulgence with these Smoky BBQ Bacon Wrapped Chicken Skewers! Juicy, tender chicken, wrapped in crispy bacon and coated in a bold, smoky BBQ sauce – this recipe is the perfect fusion of sweet, savory, and downright craveable. Whether you’re hosting a big watch party or simply craving an epic flavor explosion, these skewers are sure to make your taste buds do a touchdown dance.
Why You’ll Love This Smoky BBQ Bacon Wrapped Chicken Skewers for Game Day
Elevate your game day spread with this crowd-pleasing recipe that delivers on both flavor and wow-factor. Tender chicken, wrapped in a blanket of smoky, crispy bacon and slathered in a lip-smacking BBQ sauce – it’s the ultimate handheld indulgence that’s sure to have your guests cheering for more. Plus, the easy prep and hands-off cooking make this the perfect stress-free recipe for any big game celebration.
Ingredients
The key players in this flavor-packed recipe are boneless, skinless chicken thighs, thick-cut bacon, and a bold, homemade BBQ sauce. Round it out with a few pantry staples like brown sugar, smoked paprika, and Dijon mustard for a well-balanced, craveable sauce that’ll have you licking your fingers.
- 1 lb – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 12 slices – Thick-cut bacon
- 1/2 cup – Brown sugar
- 1 tbsp – Smoked paprika
- 2 tsp – Dijon mustard
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (for a leaner option)
- Homemade BBQ Sauce: Your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce (for a time-saving swap)
How to Make Smoky BBQ Bacon Wrapped Chicken Skewers for Game Day
Begin by preheating your grill or oven to 400°F. Soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Next, prepare the BBQ sauce by whisking together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your grill or oven to 400°F. Soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Next, prepare the BBQ sauce by whisking together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes and wrap each piece tightly in a slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick. Arrange the wrapped chicken cubes on the prepared skewers, leaving a little space between each one. Brush the skewers generously with the homemade BBQ sauce.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Grill the skewers for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy. Alternatively, you can bake the skewers in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
For extra flavor, you can brush the skewers with additional BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or scallions for a pop of color and freshness.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Flavor Boost: Experiment with different flavors by using a spicy or sweet BBQ sauce, or even a honey-based glaze. You can also try adding a sprinkle of brown sugar or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick.
- Juicy Chicken: To make these skewers extra juicy, brine the chicken in a saltwater solution for 30 minutes before wrapping in bacon.
- Alternate Proteins: These skewers would also be delicious with cubes of pork tenderloin or even shrimp wrapped in bacon.
- Gluten-Free: To make these skewers gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free BBQ sauce or make your own homemade version without any wheat-based ingredients.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Your favorite game day sides, like crispy fries, creamy coleslaw, or tangy pickles.
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 until heated through and the bacon is crisp.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the skewers in advance and refrigerate them until ready to cook. Just be sure to wait to brush them with the BBQ sauce until right before grilling or baking.
Nutrition Information
These Smoky BBQ Bacon Wrapped Chicken Skewers are a delicious and satisfying option for your game day spread. Each serving provides a good source of protein from the chicken, along with a dose of smoky, savory flavor from the bacon and BBQ sauce. Just be mindful of portion sizes, as the combination of chicken, bacon, and sauce can make these skewers a bit indulgent.
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 29 g
- Carbs: 16 g
- Fat: 17 g
- Sodium: 830 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these skewers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the skewers in advance and refrigerate them until ready to cook. Just be sure to wait to brush them with the BBQ sauce until right before grilling or baking.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! These skewers would also be delicious with cubes of pork tenderloin or even shrimp wrapped in bacon.
How can I make these skewers gluten-free?
To make these skewers gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free BBQ sauce or make your own homemade version without any wheat-based ingredients.
Can I bake these in the oven instead of grilling?
Yes, you can definitely bake these skewers in the oven. Follow the same instructions, but bake them at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
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Smoky BBQ Bacon Wrapped Chicken Skewers for Game Day
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: 🔥 BBQ, Grilling & Smokehouse
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Smoky BBQ Bacon Wrapped Chicken Skewers are the perfect game day appetizer! Juicy chicken pieces are wrapped in crispy bacon and coated in a smoky BBQ sauce, making them a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
– 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 8 slices of bacon, cut in half
– 1/2 cup smoky BBQ sauce
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Skewers (soaked in water if wooden)
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
3. 2. In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. 3. Take a piece of bacon and wrap it around each chicken cube, securing it with a skewer.
5. 4. Repeat until all chicken is wrapped.
6. 5. Brush the skewers with BBQ sauce.
7. 6. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and bacon is crispy.
8. 7. Brush with additional BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling.
9. 8. Remove from grill and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
– For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce for a couple of hours before wrapping.
– You can use turkey bacon for a healthier version.
– Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: BBQ, Chicken, Appetizer, Game Day