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Bourbon BBQ Chicken Kabobs

Bourbon BBQ Chicken Kabobs

Bourbon BBQ Chicken Kabobs are a grilling season essential, offering a delightful balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors perfect for any backyard gathering. This recipe simplifies the process of creating restaurant-quality kabobs at home, ensuring a delicious and crowd-pleasing meal with minimal fuss.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 3 minutes
Servings: 4 kabobs
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 large red bell pepper cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large green bell pepper cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large red onion cut into 1-inch wedges
  • 8 ounces cherry tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce your favorite
  • 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a touch of heat)
  • Wooden or metal skewers if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before use

Equipment

  • Grill
  • Wooden or metal skewers
  • Large Bowl
  • Small Bowl

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes, red bell pepper pieces, green bell pepper pieces, red onion wedges, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt and black pepper. Toss everything gently to ensure the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated.
    2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, 1 large red bell pepper, 1 large green bell pepper, 1 large red onion, 8 ounces cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the bourbon, BBQ sauce, dark brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Set aside about 1/4 cup of this mixture to brush onto the kabobs during grilling.
    1/4 cup bourbon, 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  3. Pour the remaining bourbon BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the large bowl. Toss again to coat everything thoroughly. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
  4. Thread the marinated chicken and vegetables alternately onto the prepared skewers. Aim for a balanced distribution of chicken and veggies on each skewer, leaving a small space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
    Wooden or metal skewers
  5. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F or 200-230°C). Clean the grill grates thoroughly and lightly oil them to prevent sticking.
  6. Place the assembled kabobs on the preheated grill. Grill for 4-6 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside, and the vegetables are tender-crisp and slightly charred.
  7. During the last few minutes of grilling, generously brush the kabobs with the reserved bourbon BBQ sauce mixture. Continue grilling for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize slightly.
  8. Carefully remove the Bourbon BBQ Chicken Kabobs from the grill. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before use to prevent burning.
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