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:
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1½ lbs (about 680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1½-inch cubes
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1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks (optional)
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1 red onion, cut into chunks (optional)
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Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water 30 minutes before grilling)
For the Bourbon BBQ Marinade:
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½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
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¼ cup bourbon whiskey
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2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
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1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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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