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Sticky Honey Bourbon BBQ Chicken Skewers: Easy 30-Min Recipe

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Quick and easy sticky honey bourbon glazed BBQ chicken skewers ready in 30 minutes. Perfect for grilling season, these skewers feature a sweet and smoky glaze that caramelizes beautifully over an open flame.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Wooden or metal skewers
  • Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
  • Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade (5 minutes): In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Marinate the Chicken (15-30 minutes): Cut chicken thighs into 1.5-inch chunks. Toss in the marinade, coat well, cover, and let sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes (up to 30 minutes). Can marinate in fridge up to 4 hours.
  3. Make the Glaze (10 minutes): In a small saucepan, combine honey, bourbon, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and cayenne (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. Skewer the Chicken (5 minutes): Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving small gaps between pieces. If using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes first.
  5. Preheat the Grill (10 minutes): Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (375-400°F).
  6. Grill the Skewers (10-12 minutes): Place skewers on grill and cook for 5-6 minutes per side. During the last 2-3 minutes of cooking on each side, baste with glaze. Reserve some glaze for serving. Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  7. Rest and Serve (5 minutes): Remove skewers from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Brush with reserved glaze, garnish with parsley or chives and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Notes

Double the glaze for extra to drizzle over rice or vegetables. Don’t baste too early to prevent burning. Use chicken thighs for juicier results. Keep grill clean for best sear marks. Let skewers rest 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey bourbon chicken skewers, BBQ chicken skewers, grilled chicken skewers, 30-minute recipe, summer grilling, chicken thighs, bourbon glaze

Find it online: https://sparklespoon.com/sticky-honey-bourbon-bbq-chicken-skewers-easy-30-min-recipe/