Dive into the ultimate flavor experience with these Sweet Heat BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Skewers. Infused with a delectable blend of smoky, spicy, and sweet notes, these skewers are a true delight for the senses. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will leave your taste buds craving more.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Heat BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Skewers
These bacon-wrapped chicken skewers are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish. The combination of juicy, tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a bold, flavorful BBQ sauce creates a flavor explosion in every bite. The sweet and spicy notes balance perfectly, making these skewers irresistibly craveable. Plus, they’re easy to prepare and perfect for summer grilling or any festive occasion.
Ingredients
The key ingredients for these Sweet Heat BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Skewers are boneless, skinless chicken thighs, thick-cut bacon, a sweet and spicy BBQ sauce, and a blend of seasonings that include brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. The result is a flavor-packed dish that’s sure to impress.
- 1 lb (454 g) – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed
- 12 oz (340 g) – Thick-cut bacon, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) – Brown sugar
- 1 tsp (5 ml) – Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp (5 ml) – Garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) – Cayenne pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (for a leaner option)
- BBQ sauce: Honey-based or mustard-based BBQ sauce (for a different flavor profile)
How to Make Sweet Heat BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Skewers
Begin by preparing the skewers. Thread the chicken cubes and bacon pieces onto skewers, alternating between the two. Generously season the skewers with the prepared seasoning blend, ensuring even coverage on all sides. Preheat your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by cutting the chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes and slicing the bacon into 1-inch pieces. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper to create the seasoning blend.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Grill or bake the skewers for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy. During the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush the skewers with the sweet heat BBQ sauce, allowing it to caramelize and create a sticky, flavorful glaze.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Smoky Flavor: Grill the skewers over indirect heat or use a smoker for an extra smoky flavor.
- Bacon Variations: Use maple-cured or pepper-crusted bacon to add even more depth of flavor.
- Mild Version: Reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or use a milder BBQ sauce to make these skewers more kid-friendly.
- Protein Swap: Try these skewers with cubes of pork tenderloin or shrimp instead of chicken.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or your favorite dipping sauces.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the skewers in a 350°F (175°C) oven or on the grill until heated through.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the skewers in advance and refrigerate them until ready to grill or bake. Just be sure to wait to brush on the BBQ sauce until just before cooking.
Nutrition Information
These Sweet Heat BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Skewers are a delicious and indulgent treat, but they do contain some higher-calorie ingredients like bacon and BBQ sauce. Each serving (2-3 skewers) contains approximately 300 calories, 18 grams of fat, 24 grams of protein, and 12 grams of carbohydrates.
- Serving Size: 2-3 skewers
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 24 g
- Carbs: 12 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these skewers ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the skewers ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to grill or bake. Just be sure to wait to brush on the BBQ sauce until just before cooking.
Can I use a different type of meat besides chicken?
Absolutely! These skewers would also be delicious with cubes of pork tenderloin or shrimp.
How can I make these skewers less spicy?
Reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the seasoning blend or use a milder BBQ sauce to tame the heat.
Can I bake these skewers instead of grilling?
Yes, you can bake the skewers in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
How can I make these skewers ahead of time for a party?
You can assemble the skewers in advance and refrigerate them until ready to grill or bake. Just be sure to wait to brush on the BBQ sauce until just before cooking.
Try These Next
- sweet heat bbq bacon wrapped chicken bites
- smoky bbq bacon wrapped chicken skewers
- crispy maple bacon chicken bites with sweet heat glaze
Sweet Heat BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Skewers
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: 🔥 BBQ, Grilling & Smokehouse
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Succulent chicken pieces wrapped in crispy bacon, marinated in a sweet and spicy BBQ sauce. Perfect for grilling on a summer day!
Ingredients
– 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 8 slices of bacon
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if wooden)
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. 2. In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, honey, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. 3. Wrap each piece of chicken with a slice of bacon and secure it with a skewer.
4. 4. Brush the BBQ sauce mixture generously over the bacon-wrapped chicken.
5. 5. 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.
6. 6. Remove from the grill and brush with remaining sauce. Serve hot!
Notes
– Adjust the level of heat by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper.
– For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the BBQ sauce mixture for a few hours before wrapping with bacon.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: BBQ, chicken, bacon, grilling, skewers