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Bourbon Maple BBQ Chicken Skewers

Bourbon maple BBQ chicken skewers with a glossy, caramelized glaze—sweet, smoky, and tangy in every bite. Cubed chicken marinates, then grills until sticky and cooked through to 165°F.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Marinating 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 32 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Bourbon maple BBQ chicken skewers
  • 2 lb chicken breasts cubed
  • 0.5 cup BBQ sauce
  • 0.25 cup bourbon
  • 0.25 cup maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 wooden skewers, soaked

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan
  • 1 grill

Method
 

Make the bourbon-maple BBQ base
  1. In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, bourbon, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
  2. Reserve 1/4 cup of the sauce for basting and set it aside.
Marinate the chicken
  1. Add the cubed chicken breasts to the remaining sauce, toss to coat well, and cover.
  2. Marinate for 1-4 hours in the refrigerator (up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
Skewer and grill
  1. Thread the marinated chicken onto the soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking.
  2. Preheat the grill to medium heat, then grill the skewers for 5-6 minutes per side, basting frequently with the reserved sauce.
  3. Continue grilling until the chicken reaches 165°F and the bourbon-maple glaze turns sticky and glossy with caramelized edges.

Notes

Pro tip: for extra caramelization, baste during the last 2-3 minutes and avoid moving the skewers around too often so the glaze can cling. Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 days; freeze cooked skewers for up to 2 months (reheat to 165°F). For a lighter option, use reduced-sugar BBQ sauce and swap half the maple syrup for an equal amount of sugar-free maple-flavored syrup if you prefer.