Grilled honey BBQ bacon chicken kabobs are the ideal combination of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. If you’re looking for a delicious, crowd-pleasing recipe that will make your next BBQ a hit, these kabobs should be your go-to. With juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a homemade honey BBQ marinade, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of flavors that everyone will love. Easy to make and full of vibrant, smoky goodness, these kabobs are perfect for summer grilling, family gatherings, or weeknight dinners.
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Why Grilled Honey BBQ Bacon Chicken Kabobs Are a Must-Try
These grilled honey BBQ bacon chicken kabobs are a showstopper, offering quick prep, delicious flavors, and a fun grilling experience. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and tangy honey BBQ sauce creates an irresistible taste that will have everyone coming back for more. The best part? This recipe is customizable – you can add vegetables, switch up the marinade, or even make them spicy for an extra kick.
Ingredients
• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: The main protein, offering a tender and juicy texture when grilled.
• Bacon: Adds a crispy, savory layer that enhances the flavor of the chicken and the BBQ sauce.
• Honey: Balances the tangy BBQ sauce with natural sweetness, creating a rich glaze.
• BBQ Sauce: The star of the marinade, providing a smoky, tangy base flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, aromatic kick that complements the sweetness of the honey.
• Paprika: For a smoky depth of flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To season and enhance the other ingredients.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re looking to make this dish with a twist, there are several alternative ingredients you can use. For a lighter option, consider swapping the bacon for turkey bacon or omitting it altogether. If you want to add more veggies to your kabobs, consider adding bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for extra flavor and texture. For a gluten-free version, make sure to use gluten-free BBQ sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine your BBQ sauce, honey, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken into cubes and place them in the marinade. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for more flavor, overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat. Ensure there is space for direct and indirect cooking.
- Prepare the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken and bacon onto skewers, alternating between the two.
- Grill the Kabobs: Place the skewers on the grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serve: Once the kabobs are cooked through, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Tricks
• Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers: Make sure to leave a little space between the chicken and bacon for even cooking and crispy bacon.
• Marinate Longer for Extra Flavor: The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful the kabobs will be. Marinate overnight for the best results.
• Check for Doneness: Always check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it has reached 165°F for safe consumption.
• Use the Leftover Marinade: If you have leftover marinade, simmer it on the stove and use it as a dipping sauce for the kabobs.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
Grilled honey BBQ bacon chicken kabobs can be paired with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving them with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or classic BBQ sides like corn on the cob and potato salad. For a fun twist, drizzle some extra honey BBQ sauce on top of your kabobs, or serve with a spicy dipping sauce for an added layer of flavor.
Make-Ahead and Storage
You can easily prepare the chicken and bacon for the kabobs in advance. Simply marinate the chicken and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. The cooked kabobs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them on the grill or in the oven to enjoy them later.
The Health Benefits of Grilled Honey BBQ Bacon Chicken Kabobs
While these kabobs are packed with flavor, they also offer some health benefits. Chicken is a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and overall body function. Bacon, when used in moderation, adds flavor and protein while also being a source of healthy fats. The homemade honey BBQ marinade uses natural ingredients, providing a healthier alternative to store-bought sauces filled with preservatives and artificial sweeteners.
Conclusion
Grilled honey BBQ bacon chicken kabobs offer an irresistible combination of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors that make them a standout dish for any BBQ or family meal. This recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it’s also versatile enough to suit different dietary preferences and flavor profiles. With juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a tangy honey BBQ marinade, these kabobs will definitely elevate your grilling experience and become a crowd favorite. Whether you’re hosting a summer party or just making dinner, these kabobs will impress your guests and leave everyone craving more.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. However, since breasts are leaner and thicker, the cooking time will be longer. Make sure to check the internal temperature to reach 165°F for safety.
2. How can I make these kabobs spicier?
If you enjoy a little heat, you can add chopped jalapeños or chili flakes to the marinade. You can also use a spicy BBQ sauce for extra flavor and spice.
3. Can I make these kabobs in the oven instead of grilling?
Yes, if you’re unable to grill, you can bake these kabobs in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F, and place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165°F, flipping halfway through.
More Relevant Recipes
- BBQ Ranch Grilled Chicken Recipe
- BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs: A Sweet and Savory Summer Delight
- Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breast
Grilled honey BBQ bacon chicken kabobs
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Grilled honey BBQ bacon chicken kabobs combine the irresistible flavors of smoky, sweet, and savory, perfect for any summer BBQ or family dinner. Tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a tangy homemade BBQ marinade make this dish a hit for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade by mixing the honey, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Cut the chicken into cubes and place in the marinade. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Wrap the bacon slices around the chicken cubes and thread them onto skewers, alternating between bacon and chicken.
- Grill the kabobs for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove from the grill and let the kabobs rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for best flavor, but longer marination will enhance the taste.
- For a spicier twist, add chopped jalapeños or chili flakes to the marinade.
- If grilling is not an option, bake the kabobs in the oven at 400°F for 20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Feel free to customize the kabobs with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for added flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 kabob (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 352 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 705 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.04 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 215 mg
