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Vertical picture of of barbecued chicken skewers on the grill

Barbecued Bacon Bourbon Chicken Skewers

These Barbecued Chicken Skewers are beyond delicious, with tender chunks of spice-rubbed chicken breast, smoky bacon and crisp red onions. They're grilled to perfection, then charred with a super easy Bourbon Barbecue Sauce.

Course Grilled Entrees, Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword Barbecued Chicken Skewers, BBQ Chicken Skewers
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 21 minutes
Total Time 51 minutes
Servings 6
Author Chris Scheuer

Ingredients

  • 6 slices thick-cut smoky bacon, cut into 1-inch square pieces
  • 2 pounds boneless chicken breast or skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 large red onion cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • For the rub:
  • 4 teaspoons sugar
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons garlic salt
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • For the sauce:
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce we like Sweet Baby Ray's
  • 1 tablespoon bourbon
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Instructions

  1. Heat gas grill to medium-high​.
  2. Prepare the spice rub by combining all ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside.
  3. Combine barbecue sauce, bourbon and soy sauce in a small bowl. Stir well to combine. Set aside.
  4. Cut chicken into 1-inch chunks and transfer to a medium-size bowl. Drizzle chicken with the olive oil and stir well. Sprinkle the rub over the chicken and toss to coat.

  5. Thread (in a pattern) the bacon, chicken and red onion onto skewers, starting and ending with the bacon.

  6. Spray the grill well and heat to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for approximately 8-10 minutes, rotating every couple minutes or until lightly browned and chicken is cooked.
  7. Brush with prepared sauce and grill another 5-7 minutes, rotating every few minutes, until the edges of the bacon are crisp and slightly charred. Remove to a clean platter, tent with foil and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with any remaining barbecue sauce.

  8. Remove kebabs from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve, passing more barbecue sauce separately.

Recipe Notes

See Café Tips above for further instruction and more detailed tips.

Every grill is different. Grilling times, temperatures and hot spots need to be taken into consideration. Cooking times are approximate.