The Bourbon Turkey Bacon BBQ Chicken Kebabs Recipe is a delightful dish that combines succulent chicken with the rich flavors of bourbon and turkey bacon. Perfect for summer grilling, family gatherings, or a cozy dinner at home, these kebabs offer a unique twist on traditional barbecue. The savory marinade infuses each piece of chicken with mouthwatering flavor, making them a standout choice for any occasion.
Why Youβll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of bourbon and BBQ sauce creates a rich, smoky flavor thatβs irresistible.
- Easy to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, whipping up these kebabs is a breeze.
- Versatile Dish: These kebabs are perfect for any gathering, from casual cookouts to elegant dinners.
- Healthy Option: Using turkey bacon adds flavor while keeping the dish leaner than traditional recipes.
- Kid-Friendly: The sweet and smoky taste is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Tools and Preparation
To make the Bourbon Turkey Bacon BBQ Chicken Kebabs, youβll need some essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill
- Food processor
- Skewers
- Bowl
- Small mixing bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill: Provides the high heat needed for grilling kebabs to perfection.
- Food Processor: Helps blend the ingredients into a smooth turkey bacon paste for even coating.
- Skewers: Essential for holding the chicken pieces securely while they cook on the grill.
Ingredients
Chicken breast skewered on kebabs then covered with a BBQ Turkey Bacon paste and grilled to perfection.
Ingredients:
β 8 oz barbecue sauce
β 1/8 cup bourbon
β 2 lbs chicken breast
β 2 teaspoons kosher salt
β 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
β Β½ teaspoon garlic powder
β Β½ teaspoon onion powder
β 2 tablespoons paprika
β 3 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
β 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
β 6 slices uncooked Turkey Bacon (cut into small pieces)
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Bourbon Turkey Bacon BBQ Chicken Kebabs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Light the grill and heat it to medium-high.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the BBQ sauce and bourbon. Mix well until fully blended.
Step 3: Make the Turkey Bacon Paste
In a food processor, combine:
* 2 teaspoons kosher salt,
* 1 teaspoon ground white pepper,
* Β½ teaspoon garlic powder,
* Β½ teaspoon onion powder,
* 2 tablespoons paprika,
* 3 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar,
* 1 tablespoon smoked paprika,
* 6 slices uncooked turkey bacon (cut into small pieces).
Pulse until completely smooth.
Step 4: Coat Chicken with Paste
Put the chicken pieces in a bowl and rub them thoroughly with the turkey bacon paste. Once well-coated, thread the chicken pieces onto skewers.
Step 5: Grill the Kebabs
Place the kebabs on the preheated grill. Cook for about 5 minutes per side or until nearly cooked through.
Step 6: Add Bourbon BBQ Sauce
Brush the kebabs generously with the bourbon barbecue sauce and cook for an additional minute on each side.
Step 7: Serve with Extra Sauce
Serve your delicious kebabs with any remaining BBQ sauce on the side. Enjoy your Bourbon Turkey Bacon BBQ Chicken Kebabs!
How to Serve Bourbon Turkey Bacon BBQ Chicken Kebabs Recipe
Serving Bourbon Turkey Bacon BBQ Chicken Kebabs is a delightful experience. These kebabs are bursting with flavor and can be paired with various sides and garnishes to enhance your meal.
Garnish Ideas
- Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro on top for a fresh touch.
- Lemon Wedges: Serve alongside lemon wedges for a zesty kick.
Accompanying Sauces
- Extra BBQ Sauce: Offer additional barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.
- Ranch Dressing: A creamy ranch dressing pairs well with the smoky flavors of the kebabs.
Perfect Pairings
- Grilled Vegetables: Serve with skewered zucchini, bell peppers, and onions that complement the kebabs.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds texture and balances the richness of the turkey bacon.
How to Perfect Bourbon Turkey Bacon BBQ Chicken Kebabs Recipe
To achieve the best results with your Bourbon Turkey Bacon BBQ Chicken Kebabs, follow these expert tips.
- Bold Marinade: Let the chicken marinate in the bourbon BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes before grilling to maximize flavor.
- Even Cooking: Cut chicken pieces into uniform sizes to ensure they cook evenly on the grill.
- Soak Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning while grilling.
- Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165Β°F for safety.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow kebabs to rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps retain juices and enhances flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Bourbon Turkey Bacon BBQ Chicken Kebabs Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Bourbon Turkey Bacon BBQ Chicken Kebabs elevates your meal experience. Here are some delicious options you can consider.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brushed with butter and sprinkled with salt complements the smoky flavors beautifully.
- Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad offers a satisfying, cool contrast to the warm kebabs.
- Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans add depth and pair perfectly with barbecue flavors.
- Greek Salad: Fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese create a refreshing side dish that balances richness.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs serves as a great base for soaking up any extra barbecue sauce.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for mopping up sauces and adds a delightful crunch to your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can enhance your cooking experience and ensure your Bourbon Turkey Bacon BBQ Chicken Kebabs turn out perfectly.
- Skipping the marination: Not allowing the chicken to marinate in the Turkey Bacon paste can lead to bland kebabs. Make sure to coat the chicken well and let it sit for at least 15 minutes before grilling.
- Overcrowding the skewers: Placing too much chicken on each skewer can lead to uneven cooking. Space the pieces out on the skewers for better heat distribution.
- Ignoring grill temperature: Grilling at too high or too low a temperature can affect cooking time and texture. Preheat your grill to medium-high for the best results.
- Not checking doneness: Failing to check if the chicken is fully cooked can result in undercooked meat. Always use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165Β°F (75Β°C).
- Using low-quality ingredients: Poor-quality BBQ sauce or turkey bacon can diminish flavor. Opt for fresh, high-quality products for the best taste in your kebabs.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Bourbon Turkey Bacon BBQ Chicken Kebabs Recipe
- Wrap kebabs tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating Bourbon Turkey Bacon BBQ Chicken Kebabs Recipe
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Place kebabs on a baking sheet and reheat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place kebabs on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking periodically to avoid overcooking.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth, cover, and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Bourbon Turkey Bacon BBQ Chicken Kebabs special?
These kebabs combine tender chicken with a rich bourbon-infused BBQ sauce and flavorful turkey bacon, making them unique and delicious.
Can I use different types of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with turkey, beef, or even shrimp for variety.
How do I customize the Bourbon Turkey Bacon BBQ Chicken Kebabs Recipe?
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or onions onto the skewers for extra flavor and nutrition.
What side dishes pair well with these kebabs?
Serve these kebabs with coleslaw, grilled corn, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
The Bourbon Turkey Bacon BBQ Chicken Kebabs are not only delicious but also versatile enough to please everyone at your dinner table. Their smoky flavor combined with the sweetness of bourbon creates an unforgettable dish. Feel free to customize them with your favorite veggies or sauces, making it easy to adapt this recipe to suit various tastes. Give it a tryβyou wonβt be disappointed!

Bourbon Turkey Bacon BBQ Chicken Kebabs
- Author: Adeline
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Bourbon Turkey Bacon BBQ Chicken Kebabs bring a mouthwatering twist to your grilling repertoire. These skewers feature juicy chicken marinated in a rich bourbon-infused BBQ sauce and coated with savory turkey bacon, resulting in an explosion of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or a cozy dinner at home, these kebabs are easy to prepare and sure to impress both adults and kids alike. With just 15 minutes of prep time and simple ingredients, you can whip up this delightful dish that combines healthiness with indulgence. Serve these kebabs alongside your favorite sides for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 8 oz barbecue sauce
- 1/8 cup bourbon
- 2 lbs chicken breast
- 6 slices uncooked turkey bacon (cut into small pieces)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
- Β½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Β½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 3 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high.
- In a bowl, mix barbecue sauce and bourbon until well combined.
- Blend kosher salt, white pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and turkey bacon in a food processor until smooth.
- Coat chicken pieces with the turkey bacon paste and thread onto skewers.
- Grill kebabs for about 5 minutes per side until nearly cooked through.
- Brush with bourbon BBQ sauce and cook for an additional minute on each side.
- Serve hot with extra sauce on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 kebab (approximately 120g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For maximum flavor, let the chicken marinate in the BBQ sauce mixture for at least 30 minutes before grilling. Use wooden skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.