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Cozy Honey Bourbon Glazed BBQ Chicken Skewers

honey bourbon chicken skewers - featured image

These sweet and smoky chicken skewers are glazed with a honey bourbon BBQ sauce that caramelizes perfectly on the grill. Ready in about 30 minutes, they’re an easy weeknight dinner or crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, bourbon, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Set aside 1/4 cup of the glaze for basting later.
  3. Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes. Place in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat.
  4. Pour half of the glaze over the chicken and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes (optional but recommended).
  5. Thread 4-5 chicken cubes onto each soaked skewer, leaving space between pieces.
  6. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush lightly with oil.
  7. Grill skewers for 4-5 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes.
  8. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, brush reserved glaze onto the skewers. Flip and baste the other side.
  9. Check for doneness: internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C), or juices run clear when cut.
  10. Remove from grill and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives before serving.

Notes

For best results, don’t skip soaking the skewers. Keep grill at medium heat to prevent the glaze from burning. Let chicken rest after grilling for juicier results. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with apple cider vinegar mixed with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken skewers, honey bourbon, BBQ chicken, grilled chicken, easy dinner, summer recipe, gluten-free option