Are you ready to elevate your grilling game? Grilled BBQ Bourbon Chicken Skewers are the perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors, with just the right amount of bourbon kick. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, planning a weekend cookout, or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, these skewers will quickly become a favorite in your recipe arsenal. With the added smoky depth of bourbon and the richness of your favorite BBQ sauce, these skewers promise to bring a burst of flavor to your palate. Let’s dive into this incredible recipe!
What Are Grilled BBQ Bourbon Chicken Skewers?
Grilled BBQ Bourbon Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish where chicken cubes are marinated in a rich bourbon-infused BBQ sauce, threaded onto skewers with colorful vegetables, and then grilled to perfection. The result is a mouthwatering combination of savory, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors. The bourbon marinade brings a unique depth to the chicken, making it a standout dish that can be served as the main course or as part of a larger meal.
This recipe combines a few classic ingredients—BBQ sauce, chicken, and vegetables—with the richness of bourbon to create a dish that is both comforting and exciting. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare, and the marinade can be prepped in minutes, leaving you with plenty of time to relax and enjoy your company.
The Origin of BBQ Bourbon Chicken Skewers
BBQ chicken skewers are a popular choice in many cultures around the world, often enjoyed at barbecues and outdoor gatherings. The addition of bourbon into the BBQ marinade, however, gives this dish a unique American twist, especially popular in Southern-style grilling. Bourbon, a type of whiskey that originates from the United States (specifically Kentucky), is often used to add a smoky, caramelized flavor to meats, especially in barbecue recipes.
The incorporation of bourbon into BBQ sauces is not just a trend, but a flavorful tradition rooted in the craft of American barbecue. While it is common to see bourbon paired with meats like pork and beef, it’s the addition of bourbon to chicken that creates an unforgettable flavor profile. The grilled BBQ Bourbon Chicken Skewers recipe brings the best of Southern BBQ culture right to your grill, with the added benefit of being quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients for Grilled BBQ Bourbon Chicken Skewers
For the Chicken & Skewers:
- 1½ lbs (about 680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1½-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks (optional, but adds a colorful and sweet contrast)
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks (optional, for added flavor and color)
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning)
For the Bourbon BBQ Marinade:
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite brand or use homemade)
- ¼ cup bourbon whiskey (any good bourbon will do, but something with rich caramel notes works best)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey (for sweetness and caramelization)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (adds acidity to balance the sweetness)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (for saltiness and umami)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (helps the marinade adhere to the chicken)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (gives a smoky depth)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (for that savory punch)
- ½ tsp onion powder (adds a mild sweetness)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste (season to your preference)
Step-by-Step Directions for Grilled BBQ Bourbon Chicken Skewers
1. Prepare the Marinade
In a medium bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, bourbon, brown sugar (or honey), apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until fully blended. This marinade is the key to infusing the chicken with that smoky, bourbon-kissed flavor.
2. Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken cubes into a large zip-top bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss to coat the pieces evenly. Seal the bag or cover the bowl, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours). The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavor it will absorb.
3. Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. This will ensure your skewers cook evenly and get a beautiful char.
4. Assemble the Skewers
Take your marinated chicken and thread the cubes onto skewers, alternating with chunks of bell pepper and onion if you’re using them. This adds a pop of color and a touch of sweetness to balance the savory chicken. Remember to reserve a few tablespoons of the marinade (that hasn’t touched the raw chicken) for basting while grilling.
5. Grill the Skewers
Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 10–15 minutes, turning every few minutes to ensure even cooking. Baste the skewers with the reserved marinade as they grill, and cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C and is nicely charred on the outside.
6. Serve
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, making it tender and juicy. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions for a fresh touch.
Serving Ideas for Grilled BBQ Bourbon Chicken Skewers
There are plenty of ways to serve these Grilled BBQ Bourbon Chicken Skewers, and they can easily become the star of any meal.
- Side dishes: Serve with grilled corn on the cob, creamy coleslaw, or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
- Sauce: Brush extra BBQ sauce on the skewers for a glossy finish and extra flavor.
- Tropical twist: For a sweet surprise, add pineapple chunks to the skewers for a tropical flavor combination that works beautifully with the smoky BBQ sauce.
Variations of Grilled BBQ Bourbon Chicken Skewers
While this recipe is fantastic as is, you can mix things up depending on your preferences. Here are a few ideas for variations:
- Add fruit: Pineapple, peaches, or even apples can be threaded onto the skewers for a juicy, sweet contrast to the savory chicken.
- Spicy version: Add a teaspoon of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade if you like some heat to balance the sweetness.
- Different proteins: Instead of chicken, try using pork or even shrimp. Both work well with the bourbon marinade and grill beautifully.
- Vegetarian version: For a vegetarian-friendly option, substitute the chicken with chunks of tofu or tempeh and add a variety of colorful vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and eggplant.
FAQs for The Recipe
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work great for this recipe! They are more flavorful and juicier than chicken breasts, and they’ll absorb the bourbon BBQ marinade even better.
2. Can I make the marinade in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the bourbon BBQ marinade up to 2 days ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll be ready to use when you need it.
3. Can I cook these skewers indoors?
Yes, if you don’t have access to a grill, you can cook these skewers on a grill pan or even in the oven under the broiler. Just be sure to turn them frequently to ensure even cooking.
4. How do I know when the chicken is done?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. Chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C.
Conclusion
These Grilled BBQ Bourbon Chicken Skewers are the perfect recipe to impress your friends and family at your next barbecue or dinner gathering. The combination of smoky BBQ sauce, rich bourbon, and tender chicken, grilled to perfection, creates an unforgettable flavor profile. Whether you serve them with classic sides like coleslaw or mix things up with tropical fruits, these skewers will surely become a crowd favorite. So, fire up your grill, get those skewers ready, and enjoy this delicious and easy-to-make recipe that brings the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. Happy grilling!
Print
Grilled BBQ Bourbon Chicken Skewers: A Smoky, Sweet, and Tangy Delight for Summer Grilling
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Grilled BBQ Bourbon Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish where chicken cubes are marinated in a rich bourbon-infused BBQ sauce, threaded onto skewers with colorful vegetables, and then grilled to perfection. The result is a mouthwatering combination of savory, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors. The bourbon marinade brings a unique depth to the chicken, making it a standout dish that can be served as the main course or as part of a larger meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Skewers:
1½ lbs (about 680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1½-inch cubes
1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks (optional)
1 red onion, cut into chunks (optional)
Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water 30 minutes before grilling)
For the Bourbon BBQ Marinade:
½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
¼ cup bourbon whiskey
2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to a large zip-top bag or bowl. Pour in the marinade, toss to coat, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).Preheat the Grill:
Heat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). Lightly oil the grates.Assemble the Skewers:
Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers, alternating with chunks of bell pepper and onion if desired.
Reserve a few tablespoons of marinade (not the one used on raw chicken) for basting.Grill the Skewers:
Grill for 10–15 minutes, turning every few minutes and basting with the reserved sauce, until the chicken is nicely charred and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).Serve:
Remove from the grill and let rest a few minutes. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions.
Notes
For an extra smoky kick, brush the skewers with a little more BBQ bourbon glaze during the last minute of grilling. Serve with a side of grilled corn or a fresh coleslaw for the perfect summer meal.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: Grilled BBQ Bourbon Chicken Skewers
