Nothing captures the essence of summer better than the sweet, smoky flavor of Grilled Honey BBQ Bacon Chicken Kabobs. This mouthwatering recipe is a perfect balance of juicy grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and a sticky honey BBQ glaze that caramelizes beautifully over an open flame. These kabobs are quick to prepare, family-friendly, and ideal for backyard cookouts or simple weeknight dinners. If you’re looking for a showstopping dish that’s both easy and packed with bold flavor, this grilled honey BBQ bacon chicken kabobs recipe is it.
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Why You’ll Love These Bacon-Wrapped BBQ Chicken Kabobs
Grilled honey BBQ bacon chicken kabobs are everything a great summer meal should be — sweet, smoky, juicy, and satisfying. Each skewer is loaded with tender chicken wrapped in smoky bacon, brushed with a honey-laced BBQ sauce that turns irresistibly sticky on the grill. The bacon bastes the chicken as it cooks, keeping it moist while adding rich, savory flavor. It’s a meal that’s equal parts crowd-pleaser and grilling MVP.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or meal prepping for the week, these kabobs shine with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free and can be adjusted for various dietary needs.
What You’ll Need for These Sweet & Smoky Skewers
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful, perfect for grilling
• Bacon: Wraps around the chicken to infuse smoky richness
• Tomato Paste: Forms the base of the BBQ sauce, adding depth and body
• Brown Sugar: Balances the tang and spice with a hint of molasses sweetness
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness that cuts through the richness
• Worcestershire Sauce: Brings umami and complexity to the marinade
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a mild tang and helps emulsify the sauce
• Sweet Smoked Paprika: Infuses a smoky-sweet flavor
• Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors
Smart Ingredient Swaps for Kabob Flexibility
If you’re out of something or want to make the grilled honey BBQ bacon chicken kabobs a bit healthier or tailored to your pantry, here are some easy substitutions:
• Chicken Breasts instead of thighs: Leaner, but still delicious (adjust cooking time)
• Turkey Bacon: A lower-fat option with a similar smokiness
• Maple Syrup in place of honey: Offers a deeper sweetness
• Apple Cider Vinegar instead of balsamic: Brighter flavor, still tangy
• Smoked Chipotle Powder instead of paprika: Adds heat and depth
• Keto BBQ Sauce: For a low-carb version
How to Make Grilled Honey BBQ Bacon Chicken Kabobs
- Prepare the Marinade
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together tomato paste, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, sweet smoked paprika, and salt until smooth and thick. - Marinate the Chicken
Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and toss them in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to soak in the flavor. - Wrap with Bacon and Skewer
Cut bacon slices in halves or thirds, then wrap each piece of marinated chicken with bacon. Thread them onto skewers, alternating with chunks of onion, pineapple, or bell peppers if desired. - Preheat the Grill
Heat your grill to medium-high. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning. - Grill to Perfection
Place the kabobs on the hot grill. Cook for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crisp and chicken reaches 165°F internally. Brush with more honey BBQ sauce during the last 2–3 minutes for extra stickiness. - Rest and Serve
Let kabobs rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or scallions if you like a pop of freshness.
Pro Tips for Irresistible Honey BBQ Chicken Skewers
• Don’t Skip Marinating: Letting the chicken marinate boosts flavor and tenderness. Overnight works best.
• Precook Bacon Slightly: Par-cook the bacon to ensure it crisps up by the time the chicken is done.
• Use Indirect Heat for Thick Pieces: Move kabobs to a cooler part of the grill if they brown too fast before cooking through.
• Keep Extra Sauce Handy: A drizzle of extra honey BBQ sauce before serving takes it over the top.
• Leftovers = Gold: Use any extras in wraps, over rice bowls, or on flatbread pizzas.
Perfect Pairings & Flavor Variations
These grilled honey BBQ bacon chicken kabobs pair perfectly with a range of side dishes and flavor twists:
Great Sides:
• Grilled corn on the cob with chili-lime butter
• Creamy coleslaw or vinegar-based slaw
• Garlic butter potato wedges
• Hawaiian macaroni salad
Flavor Variations:
• Spicy Version: Add cayenne or chipotle powder to the marinade
• Tropical Vibe: Add pineapple chunks to each skewer for sweet contrast
• Gluten-Free: Ensure your Worcestershire sauce and bacon are gluten-free
• Low-Sugar: Swap brown sugar with monk fruit or erythritol-based alternatives
Make-Ahead Note:
You can assemble the skewers up to 12 hours ahead and keep them in the fridge until ready to grill. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Why These Kabobs Deserve a Spot on Your Grill All Season Long
The combination of grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich honey BBQ glaze makes these kabobs absolutely irresistible. The honey in the sauce creates a caramelized coating, while the bacon bastes the chicken, locking in moisture and flavor. With just a handful of pantry ingredients and minimal prep, these kabobs deliver restaurant-quality flavor without fuss.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to something special, grilled honey BBQ bacon chicken kabobs are a go-to recipe you’ll turn to all grilling season. Serve them straight from the grill, let guests build their own kabobs, or slice the cooked chicken onto flatbreads or salads — you can’t go wrong.
This is backyard comfort food at its best — smoky, sticky, savory, and oh-so-satisfying.
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like the satisfying flavor combo of grilled honey BBQ bacon chicken kabobs — a perfect trifecta of smoky, sweet, and savory. The juicy marinated chicken, crisp bacon, and sticky BBQ glaze deliver a punch of flavor that’s always a hit at any BBQ or family dinner. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that feels special every time you grill it. With simple ingredients and a few expert tricks, this dish proves that weeknight meals or party plates don’t have to be complicated to be unforgettable. Fire up the grill, grab your skewers, and let these kabobs steal the show.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these grilled honey BBQ bacon chicken kabobs in the oven?
Yes, you can bake them if grilling isn’t an option. Preheat your oven to 400°F and place the skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway through. To mimic grill char, broil them for the last 2–3 minutes until the bacon crisps up and the sauce caramelizes.
How do I prevent the bacon from burning before the chicken is cooked?
To avoid burning the bacon, you can partially cook the bacon (about 3–4 minutes) before wrapping it around the chicken. This gives it a head start so it finishes cooking at the same rate as the chicken. Also, use indirect heat on the grill to prevent flare-ups and burning.
Can I prepare these kabobs ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the kabobs up to 12 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to grill. You can also marinate the chicken overnight to intensify the flavor. This makes them a convenient option for entertaining or weeknight grilling.
More Relevant Recipes
PrintGrilled honey BBQ bacon chicken kabobs
These Grilled Honey BBQ Bacon Chicken Kabobs are juicy, smoky, and glazed with a sticky-sweet homemade BBQ sauce. Perfect for summer grilling, these skewers combine tender marinated chicken with crispy bacon for a bold and irresistible flavor combo.
Ingredients
- 2 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs: provides juicy, tender texture and absorbs marinade well
- ¼ cup tomato paste: adds rich, savory base to the BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar: gives sweetness and caramelization
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar: adds tang and balances sweetness
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: provides umami depth
- ½ tbsp Dijon mustard: enhances flavor and emulsifies sauce
- 1 tsp sweet smoked paprika: offers smoky aroma and flavor
- ½ tsp salt: brings out the natural flavors of all ingredients
- 8–10 slices bacon, halved: wraps the chicken and crisps on grill
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together tomato paste, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, paprika, and salt until smooth.
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and add to marinade. Toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Preheat grill to medium-high. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Cut bacon slices in halves or thirds. Wrap each chicken piece with a slice of bacon.
- Thread the bacon-wrapped chicken onto skewers, alternating with optional veggies or pineapple.
- Grill skewers for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken reaches 165°F and bacon is crisp.
- Brush with remaining BBQ marinade during the last 2–3 minutes of grilling for a glossy finish.
- Let kabobs rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish if desired.
Notes
- Precook bacon for 3–4 minutes before wrapping to help it crisp faster on the grill.
- Use indirect heat on the grill if chicken browns too fast before cooking through.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Can be baked at 400°F for 20–25 minutes with broiling at the end.
- Use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option, but increase cook time slightly.
