Grilled honey BBQ bacon chicken kabobs are a delicious and easy meal that brings together juicy grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and a sweet, smoky BBQ glaze. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, barbecues, or a quick weeknight dinner. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these kabobs pack a punch of flavor in every bite. The combination of honey and BBQ sauce gives the chicken a tangy sweetness, while the bacon adds richness and crunch. Perfect for grilling season, these kabobs will become a new favorite at your dinner table.
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Why You’ll Love These Grilled Honey BBQ Bacon Chicken Kabobs
These grilled honey BBQ bacon chicken kabobs are a great choice for anyone looking for a quick, flavorful meal. They combine the rich taste of bacon with the savory sweetness of BBQ sauce, creating a balanced dish that’s perfect for all ages. Not only are they packed with flavor, but they’re also easy to customize and cook, making them a versatile choice for any grilling occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a family meal, these kabobs are sure to impress.
Ingredients for Grilled Honey BBQ Bacon Chicken Kabobs
• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: The chicken is the star of this dish, providing a juicy and tender base for the kabobs.
• Bacon: Bacon adds a smoky richness to each kabob, making every bite satisfying.
• Honey: Honey contributes the perfect balance of sweetness to complement the savory BBQ sauce.
• BBQ Sauce: A tangy and smoky BBQ sauce forms the flavorful glaze for the chicken and bacon.
• Olive Oil: Helps keep the chicken moist and ensures a golden-brown finish when grilling.
• Bell Peppers & Onions: Adds color, crunch, and freshness to the kabobs, making them more vibrant and nutritious.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
• Vegetarian Options: Swap the chicken for firm tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure your BBQ sauce is gluten-free, or make a homemade version using gluten-free ingredients.
• Extra Flavor: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the marinade for an aromatic touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Bacon: Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes and season them with a bit of salt and pepper. Cut the bacon into smaller pieces to wrap around the chicken chunks.
- Make the Marinade: In a bowl, combine honey and BBQ sauce. Stir until well combined. Set aside a small amount of the marinade to brush on the kabobs later.
- Assemble the Kabobs: Thread the chicken and bacon pieces onto skewers, alternating with pieces of bell peppers and onions for extra flavor and color.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Kabobs: Place the kabobs on the grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning every 2 minutes to ensure the bacon gets crispy and the chicken cooks through. Brush with the reserved marinade during grilling.
- Check Doneness: The kabobs are done when the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F and the bacon is crispy.
Tips & Tricks
• Avoid Overcrowding: Give your kabobs space on the grill so they cook evenly, and the bacon crisps up properly.
• Marinate Overnight: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken and bacon in the honey BBQ mixture overnight.
• Check for Crispiness: Bacon tends to get crispy at different rates. If you find that the chicken is cooked but the bacon is still soft, move the kabobs to a cooler part of the grill until the bacon crisps up.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
Grilled honey BBQ bacon chicken kabobs pair perfectly with a variety of sides. Try them with a fresh green salad, grilled corn on the cob, or creamy mashed potatoes. You can also serve them alongside a cool dip, such as ranch dressing or a tangy blue cheese dip.
If you’re looking for a variation, consider adding pineapple or mushrooms to your kabobs for an extra burst of flavor. You can also swap the honey BBQ sauce for a spicy buffalo sauce for a different twist.
Seasonal and Health Benefits of Grilled Honey BBQ Bacon Chicken Kabobs
Grilled honey BBQ bacon chicken kabobs are not only delicious but also a healthy option. With lean chicken, nutrient-packed bell peppers, and the richness of bacon in moderation, these kabobs make for a balanced meal. Grilling during the summer months allows for a light, smoky flavor, making them a perfect option for seasonal outdoor dining.
Whether you’re serving them at a BBQ, a family dinner, or prepping meals for the week, these kabobs offer a satisfying combination of taste and nutrition, making them a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Conclusion
Grilled honey BBQ bacon chicken kabobs are the ultimate combination of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors. Perfect for a summer BBQ, these kabobs are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making them a family-friendly favorite. The juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and tangy BBQ sauce all come together beautifully on the grill. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a meal that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re serving them as the main dish or pairing them with your favorite sides, these kabobs will quickly become a go-to recipe for all occasions.
FAQ
1. Can I make grilled honey BBQ bacon chicken kabobs in the oven instead of on the grill?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the kabobs on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the bacon is crispy. For a crispy finish, broil the kabobs for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Can I use a different type of meat for these kabobs?
Absolutely! While chicken is the most common choice, you can swap it for pork or beef if you prefer. Adjust cooking times based on the thickness of the meat. Pork tenderloin or beef sirloin are great alternatives for kabobs.
How long can I store leftover grilled honey BBQ bacon chicken kabobs?
Leftover kabobs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or reheat on the grill for a few minutes to restore the crispy bacon texture.
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Grilled Honey BBQ Bacon Chicken Kabobs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Grilled honey BBQ bacon chicken kabobs are a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. With juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a tangy honey BBQ glaze, these kabobs make for a delicious meal that is quick and easy to prepare. Ideal for grilling season, these kabobs are a hit at family gatherings and BBQs.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 12 oz bacon, cut into pieces
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1/2 onion, cut into chunks
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, season with salt and pepper.
- Wrap each piece of chicken with bacon and thread them onto skewers, alternating with bell pepper and onion chunks.
- In a small bowl, mix honey and BBQ sauce together to make the marinade.
- Brush the kabobs with the honey BBQ mixture, reserving some for later use.
- Grill the kabobs for 8-10 minutes, turning every 2 minutes to cook evenly. Brush with the reserved marinade while grilling.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken. Once it reaches 165°F, remove the kabobs from the grill.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- If you’re cooking indoors, you can make these kabobs in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.
- For an added kick, you can use spicy BBQ sauce or add red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- For a healthier version, try using turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 kabob
- Calories: 352 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 705 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 215 mg
