Grilled Honey BBQ Bacon Chicken Kabobs Recipe

Grilled Honey BBQ Bacon Chicken Kabobs Recipe for Summer Cookouts

Succulent grilled honey bbq bacon chicken kabobs promise a flavor explosion that will revolutionize your summer cookout experience.

Smoky, sweet, and totally addictive, this recipe combines crowd-pleasing ingredients into one seriously mouthwatering meal.

Backyard barbecues reach new heights with these incredibly satisfying skewers that blend classic grilling favorites.

Sizzling off the grill, these kabobs deliver an irresistible combination of textures and tastes that spark instant joy.

Weekend warriors and casual grill masters alike can nail this impressive dish without breaking a sweat.

Weekend gatherings suddenly feel special when these kabobs hit the table, creating memories around delicious shared moments.

Summer entertaining just got way more delectable – prepare to become the ultimate grill champion everyone raves about.

What Makes Grilled Honey Bbq Bacon Chicken Kabobs So Bold

  • Flavor Explosion: These kabobs pack a serious punch of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors that will have your family begging for seconds at dinner.
  • Super Simple Prep: With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can create these delicious kabobs, even if cooking isn’t your strong suit.
  • Grill Master’s Dream: Perfect for backyard cookouts, these kabobs let you show off your grilling skills while keeping meal preparation totally stress-free.
  • Protein-Packed Meal: Combining chicken and bacon means you’re serving a protein-rich dinner that will keep your family satisfied and energized through the evening.

What Ingredients Do You Need for Grilled Honey BBQ Bacon Chicken Kabobs

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breast (2 lbs): The star of your kabobs, cut into perfect cubes that will soak up all the delicious marinade flavors.
  • Bacon (6 slices): Adds a smoky, crispy element that makes these kabobs extra special and irresistibly tasty.
Vegetable Companions:
  • Red Onion (1): Brings a sharp, sweet crunch that balances the richness of the chicken and bacon.
  • Green Bell Pepper (1): Provides a fresh, slightly crisp texture and bright color to your kabobs.
Marinade and Seasoning:
  • Honey (1/2 cup), Bbq Sauce (1/4 cup): Creates a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
  • Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Helps the marinade coat the chicken evenly and prevents sticking.
  • Salt (1 tsp), Black Pepper (1/2 tsp): Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of your ingredients.
  • Garlic Cloves (2): Adds a robust, aromatic punch to the marinade.
Equipment:
  • Wooden or Metal Skewers (4): Your kabob holders that help transform individual ingredients into a cohesive, grilled masterpiece.

Tools to Have Ready for Grilled Honey Bbq Bacon Chicken Kabobs

  • Large Mixing Bowl: Your go-to container for combining marinade ingredients and coating chicken evenly.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Perfect for getting precise amounts of honey, bbq sauce, and seasonings.
  • Sharp Kitchen Knife (8-inch): Essential for cutting chicken, bacon, onions, and peppers into neat, consistent pieces.
  • Cutting Board: A sturdy surface to chop ingredients safely without damaging countertops.
  • Whisk (10-inch): Great for blending marinade ingredients smoothly and eliminating any lumps.
  • Wooden or Metal Skewers (12-inch): Needed to create kabobs and grill chicken and vegetables together.
  • Grill Tongs (16-inch): Helps you flip kabobs safely and move them around the grill without burning your hands.
  • Meat Thermometer: Crucial for checking that chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Basting Brush: Helps spread extra bbq sauce on kabobs during the final grilling moments.
  • Serving Platter: A nice plate to rest and present your delicious grilled kabobs.

Steps to Make Honey BBQ Bacon Chicken Kabobs

Steps to Make Honey BBQ Bacon Chicken Kabobs
1

Prep the Chicken

Grab your chicken breast and slice it into neat 1.5-inch cubes so each piece cooks perfectly. Make sure they’re all about the same size – this helps everything grill evenly.

2

Bacon Breakdown

Chop those bacon slices into half-inch pieces that’ll wrap around the chicken like a tasty little jacket. These smaller pieces will crisp up nicely on the grill.

3

Veggie Chopping

Dice your red onion and green bell pepper into chunks that match the chicken size. Consistent pieces mean every bite gets a perfect mix of flavors.

4

Garlic Action

Mince those garlic cloves into tiny bits. They’re going to add some serious punch to your marinade.

5

Create the Marinade

Grab a large bowl and whisk together these ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup bbq sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Minced garlic cloves
6

Marinate the Chicken

Toss the chicken cubes into the marinade, making sure every piece gets a good coating. Pop the bowl in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let those flavors sink in.

7

Skewer Prep

If you’re using wooden skewers, give them a quick bath in water for 20 minutes. This prevents them from turning into kindling on the grill.

8

Fire Up the Grill

Heat your grill to 400°F – that’s medium-high heat and perfect for these kabobs.

9

Assemble the Kabobs

Start threading your skewers, alternating between marinated chicken, bacon pieces, onion, and bell pepper. Create a colorful pattern that looks as good as it’ll taste.

10

Grill Time

Place those kabobs on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side. You’re looking to hit an internal chicken temperature of 165°F – use a meat thermometer to be sure.

11

Sauce It Up

During the last minute of grilling, brush on some extra bbq sauce. This adds a final layer of flavor that’ll make your kabobs irresistible.

12

Rest and Serve

Pull the kabobs off the grill and let them rest for 3-4 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and delicious.

Tried And True Notes For Grilled Honey Bbq Bacon Chicken Kabobs

  • Slice chicken, bacon, onion, and peppers into similar sizes so everything cooks evenly and looks gorgeous on your skewers.
  • Give your chicken a flavor bath by letting it soak in that honey bbq mixture for 30 minutes – your taste buds will dance with joy.
  • Thread ingredients in a colorful pattern, alternating between chicken, bacon, onion, and pepper for a balanced bite every time.
  • Watch your kabobs closely and turn them once, aiming for a golden-brown exterior and ensuring chicken reaches that safe 165°F internal temperature.
  • Brush extra bbq sauce during the final minute of grilling to create a glossy, caramelized coating that seals in all those delicious flavors.

What Are Grilled Honey BBQ Bacon Chicken Kabobs Variations

  • Spicy Kick Kabobs: Swap bbq sauce with hot sauce and add red pepper flakes to the marinade for a fiery version that’ll make your taste buds dance.
  • Herb Garden Chicken Skewers: Replace bbq sauce with a mix of fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and oregano, plus a splash of lemon juice for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free bbq sauce and swap wooden skewers for metal ones to keep the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu cubes and swap bacon for smoked tempeh strips, maintaining the same grilling technique and marinade for a plant-based alternative.

Serving And Pairing Ideas For Grilled Honey Bbq Bacon Chicken Kabobs

  • Serve with Simple Sides: Pair these kabobs with fluffy rice or a crisp green salad to balance the rich, smoky flavors. The fresh sides help cut through the bacon’s richness.
  • Perfect Portion Planning: Plan for about 2-3 kabobs per person, depending on appetites. These make great main course options for summer gatherings or casual dinners.
  • Drink Pairing Suggestions: Grab a cold beer or a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. These beverages complement the sweet and tangy bbq notes perfectly.
  • Easy Prep Tip: Make extra marinade for dipping sauce. Guests can drizzle additional bbq sauce over kabobs right at the table for more flavor excitement.
  • Seal leftover kabobs in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping all those tasty ingredients together and fresh.
  • Wrap individual kabobs tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating to prevent moisture loss and preserve the grilled flavors.
  • Avoid refreezing thawed chicken kabobs, as this can break down the meat’s texture and potentially create food safety risks.
  • When reheating, warm your kabobs gently in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to maintain their juicy texture and prevent drying out.

Grilled Honey Bbq Bacon Chicken Kabobs Questions Answered

FAQ

Can I use a different type of meat?

Chicken works best for this recipe, but you can swap it for pork or turkey cubes if needed.

FAQ

How do I know the bacon is fully cooked?

Bacon should look crispy and golden brown, with no soft or rubbery spots when grilled.

FAQ

What if I don’t have a grill?

Bake kabobs in a 400°F oven on a lined baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through.

FAQ

Can I prepare kabobs in advance?

Assemble skewers and store covered in refrigerator for up to 8 hours before grilling.

FAQ

Are there alternatives to bbq sauce?

Try teriyaki or sweet chili sauce for a different flavor profile that complements the chicken.

FAQ

What if my bacon pieces are too large?

Cut bacon into smaller, more uniform pieces so they cook evenly alongside chicken chunks.

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Grilled Honey BBQ Bacon Chicken Kabobs Recipe

Grilled Honey BBQ Bacon Chicken Kabobs Recipe


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4.6 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 58 minutes – 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Grilled honey bbq bacon chicken kabobs bring sizzling summer flavor to your backyard cookout, combining smoky bacon, tender chicken, and sweet barbecue glaze that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 2 lbs chicken breast
  • 6 slices bacon

Vegetables:

  • 1 red onion
  • 1 green bell pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic

Liquids and Seasonings:

  • ½ cup honey
  • ¼ cup bbq sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cut 2 lbs chicken breast into 1.5-inch uniform cubes for consistent grilling.
  2. Slice 6 bacon slices into half-inch pieces that will wrap nicely around chicken chunks.
  3. Dice 1 red onion and 1 green bell pepper into matching-sized pieces as chicken cubes.
  4. Finely mince 2 garlic cloves to blend into the marinade.
  5. Combine ½ cup honey, ¼ cup bbq sauce, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, and minced garlic in a mixing bowl.
  6. Coat chicken cubes thoroughly in marinade mixture and refrigerate for 30 minutes to absorb flavors.
  7. Submerge 4 wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes to prevent charring during grilling.
  8. Heat grill to 400°F for medium-high direct cooking.
  9. Alternate threading marinated chicken, bacon pieces, onion, and bell pepper onto prepared skewers.
  10. Grill kabobs for 4-5 minutes per side, rotating once to ensure even browning.
  11. Check chicken internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
  12. Brush extra bbq sauce during final grilling minute to enhance caramelization.
  13. Allow kabobs to rest 3-4 minutes after removing from grill to redistribute juices.

Notes

  • Uniform cube sizes ensure each piece of chicken cooks evenly and looks beautiful on your skewer.
  • Soaking wooden skewers prevents burning and adds a professional touch to your grilling technique.
  • Letting kabobs rest after grilling allows juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken tender and moist.
  • For a low-carb version, swap honey bbq sauce for a sugar-free alternative and use extra herbs for flavor complexity.
  • Prep Time: 50 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
  • Category: Chicken
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 392 kcal
  • Sugar: 13 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 43 g
  • Cholesterol: 115 mg
Mary Sue

Mary Sue

Founder & Creative Recipe Developer

Expertise

Comfort Food Twists, Seasonal Cooking, Creative Flavor Pairings, Easy Weeknight Dinners, Flexible Pantry Cooking

Education

Trident Technical College, Culinary Institute of Charleston
  • Program: Culinary Arts Technology, A.A.S.
  • Focus: Built a strong foundation in professional food preparation, cooking, and presentation while also learning the hospitality side of the industry, including quality standards, sanitation, and the real-world pace of working kitchens

Mary Sue is the playful, creative recipe mind behind Mary Sue & Susan, known for big flavor ideas, warm storytelling, and dishes that feel both comforting and a little unexpected. She has a talent for taking familiar meals and giving them just enough personality to make them memorable.

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