BBQ Chicken Skewers combine tender chicken, smoky bacon, and a rich chipotle barbecue glaze into one crowd-pleasing meal. This easy recipe works perfectly for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or casual family gatherings. The sweet apple butter blends beautifully with smoky chipotle peppers, creating a bold sauce that coats every skewer with flavor. Since the recipe uses simple ingredients and quick prep, you can put together a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you fire up the grill outdoors or bake the skewers in the oven, these BBQ Chicken Skewers deliver juicy texture and smoky flavor every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These BBQ Chicken Skewers offer the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. The crispy bacon adds richness while the chicken stays juicy and tender throughout cooking.
You will also appreciate how easy this recipe feels. The preparation takes only a few minutes, and the ingredients remain simple enough for everyday cooking. Since the skewers cook quickly, they work wonderfully for busy evenings or last-minute gatherings.
Richy Bites celebrates simple comfort food made with care and warmth. Alessia believes recipes should feel welcoming, stress-free, and full of flavor. These BBQ Chicken Skewers reflect that philosophy because they transform a few everyday ingredients into something memorable and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 1½ pounds | Cut into small cubes |
| Thick-cut bacon | 8 strips | Slice into bite-sized pieces |
| Sweet BBQ sauce | 1 cup | Any favorite variety |
| Musselman’s Apple Butter | ⅔ cup | Adds natural sweetness |
| Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce | 2 peppers | Creates smoky heat |
| Salt | To taste | For seasoning |
| Black pepper | To taste | Freshly ground preferred |
| Wooden skewers | 8 | Soak before grilling |
How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewers
This recipe starts by threading chicken and bacon onto skewers for the perfect combination of juicy meat and smoky flavor. As the skewers cook, the bacon crisps while helping the chicken remain moist.
The homemade chipotle BBQ glaze comes together quickly in a blender. Sweet barbecue sauce, apple butter, and smoky peppers combine into a thick sauce that caramelizes beautifully during cooking. The result tastes rich, slightly spicy, and perfectly balanced.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Skewers
- Place the wooden skewers in water and soak them for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat the grill to medium or medium-low temperature, around 300°F to 350°F.
- Slice the chicken breasts into ¾-inch cubes.
- Cut the bacon into small sections.
- Alternate chicken and bacon pieces onto each skewer while leaving space to hold the stick comfortably.
- Season the skewers lightly with salt and black pepper.
Make the Chipotle BBQ Sauce
| Sauce Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| BBQ Sauce | Sweet smoky base |
| Apple Butter | Deepens flavor |
| Chipotle Peppers | Adds smoky spice |
- Add the barbecue sauce, apple butter, and chipotle peppers into a blender.
- Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy.
- Reserve part of the sauce for serving later if desired.
Grill the BBQ Chicken Skewers
- Place the skewers directly onto the heated grill.
- Cook for approximately 4 minutes on each side.
- Brush the skewers generously with the chipotle BBQ sauce.
- Continue grilling another 3 to 4 minutes per side until the bacon crisps and the chicken cooks completely.
- Remove the skewers from the grill and allow them to rest briefly before serving.
Helpful Tips
How do you keep BBQ chicken skewers from drying out?
Cook the skewers over medium heat instead of very high temperatures. Medium heat allows the chicken to cook evenly while staying juicy. The bacon also helps lock in moisture during grilling.
What vegetables go best on BBQ chicken skewers?
Bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, pineapple, and red onions pair wonderfully with smoky barbecue flavors. These vegetables grill quickly and add extra color to the skewers.
Can BBQ chicken skewers be cooked in the oven?
Yes. Arrange the prepared skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 450°F for 15 to 20 minutes. Brush with sauce during cooking for extra flavor.
How long should you grill BBQ chicken skewers?
Most skewers need about 14 to 16 minutes total on the grill. Turn them often so they cook evenly on all sides.
Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Smoky, sweet, savory |
| Texture | Juicy chicken with crispy bacon |
| Occasion | Summer grilling, family meals, parties |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 16 minutes |
| Total Time | 26 minutes |
Notes and Variations
Chicken thighs make an excellent substitute for chicken breasts because they stay especially juicy during grilling.
For a milder version, reduce the number of chipotle peppers. If you enjoy stronger heat, add extra adobo sauce from the can.
You can also include vegetables or pineapple chunks on the skewers to create additional flavor and texture combinations.
Nutritional Information Per Serving
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 593 kcal |
| Protein | 43 g |
| Carbohydrates | 52 g |
| Fat | 23 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Sugar | 42 g |
| Sodium | 1233 mg |
Storage Instructions
Store leftover BBQ Chicken Skewers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
To reheat, place the skewers in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through. This method helps maintain the best texture.
You may also freeze cooked skewers for up to two months. Wrap them tightly before freezing to preserve freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the skewers ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the skewers several hours before cooking and refrigerate them until ready to grill.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers?
Yes. Soaking prevents the skewers from burning while cooking over heat.
Can I use bottled barbecue sauce?
Absolutely. Any sweet barbecue sauce works well as the base for the chipotle glaze.
What side dishes pair well with BBQ Chicken Skewers?
Potato salad, grilled corn, baked beans, fresh coleslaw, and roasted vegetables all complement this recipe nicely.
Can I cook these indoors?
Yes. You can prepare the skewers using a grill pan or bake them in the oven if outdoor grilling is unavailable.
Print
BBQ Chicken Skewers | Amazing Smoky Summer Grilling Recipe
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Smoky BBQ Chicken Skewers made with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and chipotle barbecue glaze.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
8 thick-cut bacon strips
1 cup sweet BBQ sauce
2/3 cup apple butter
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
Salt
Black pepper
8 wooden skewers
Instructions
1. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes
2. Preheat grill to medium heat
3. Cut chicken into bite-sized cubes
4. Slice bacon into small pieces
5. Thread chicken and bacon onto skewers
6. Season with salt and pepper
7. Blend BBQ sauce, apple butter, and chipotle peppers
8. Grill skewers for 4 minutes per side
9. Brush with sauce and continue grilling until cooked through
10. Serve warm
Notes
Bake at 450 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes if using the oven
Chicken thighs can replace chicken breasts
Add vegetables or pineapple for extra flavor
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 593
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 1233mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 43g
- Cholesterol: 138mg
Conclusion
BBQ Chicken Skewers deliver smoky flavor, juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich chipotle glaze in every bite. The recipe stays simple enough for busy evenings while still feeling special enough for cookouts and gatherings. Since you can grill or bake the skewers, this meal works year-round for easy entertaining or family dinners. Try these flavorful BBQ Chicken Skewers and enjoy a homemade dish packed with bold barbecue flavor and comforting texture.