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Bourbon Maple BBQ Chicken Skewers

Bourbon maple BBQ skewers with grilled chicken and a glossy, caramelized glaze. Sweet-savory bourbon-maple sauce clings to tender chicken cubes for party-ready skewers.
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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
  

Chicken skewers
  • 2 lb chicken breasts Cubed for even grilling.
  • 1 wooden skewers, soaked Soak to prevent burning.
  • 0.5 cup BBQ sauce Use most for marinating; reserve 1/4 cup for basting.
  • 0.25 cup bourbon Adds smoky-sweet flavor to the glaze and marinade.
  • 0.25 cup maple syrup Provides the caramelized sweetness.
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar Brightens the sauce and helps balance sweetness.
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard Emulsifies the marinade for a smooth glaze.

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Mix & marinate
  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 mixture for basting.
  3. Marinate the chicken in the remaining sauce for 1-4 hours in the refrigerator, keeping it covered.
Skewer & grill
  1. Thread the marinated chicken onto the soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
  2. Grill over medium heat for 5-6 minutes per side, basting frequently with the reserved sauce for a glossy finish.
  3. Cook until the chicken reaches 165°F and the glaze is sticky, with visible caramelization on the edges.

Notes

For the stickiest glaze, baste during the last minutes of grilling and avoid overheating the sauce in the bowl—keep it covered and refrigerated until use. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; freeze cooked skewers for up to 2 months (thaw in the fridge). For a lower-sugar swap, use a reduced-sugar BBQ sauce and keep the maple syrup amount the same for balanced flavor.