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Best Honey Bourbon Glazed BBQ Chicken Skewers

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Sticky, smoky, and sweet chicken skewers with a bourbon-honey glaze that caramelizes perfectly on the grill. Ready in under 40 minutes, these are perfect for parties or a quick weeknight dinner that feels like a celebration.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/3 cup (113g) honey
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) bourbon
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) soy sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
  • Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
  • Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes if using. Skip if using metal skewers.
  2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, bourbon, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Whisk until smooth, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for 5-7 minutes until thickened and glossy. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Cut chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes. Place in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat and let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C). Clean and oil the grates.
  5. Thread chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece. Aim for 4-5 pieces per skewer.
  6. Place skewers on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving, until edges turn white and grill marks appear.
  7. Flip skewers and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Brush a thin layer of glaze onto the cooked side.
  8. Flip again, brush the other side with glaze, and cook for 2 more minutes. Repeat flipping and glazing until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C) and glaze is sticky and charred, about 12-15 minutes total.
  9. Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Brush with remaining glaze before serving. Garnish with parsley, sesame seeds, and lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Reserve about 1/4 cup of glaze before grilling for serving to avoid cross-contamination. Par-cook chicken before glazing to prevent sugar from burning. For best results, use a two-zone fire on charcoal grills. Let skewers rest for 5 minutes after grilling for juicier chicken.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey bourbon chicken skewers, BBQ chicken skewers, grilled chicken skewers, bourbon glaze, party appetizer, summer grilling

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