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Kid-Approved Honey Bourbon BBQ Chicken Skewers – Easy 30-Min Recipe

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These Kid-Approved Honey Bourbon BBQ Chicken Skewers are a quick and easy 30-minute meal featuring a sticky, smoky, sweet glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights, they use simple pantry ingredients and are a hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (kosher preferred)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 8–10 wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 20 minutes)
  • Optional: sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Soak the skewers (if using wooden ones): Place wooden skewers in a shallow dish of water and let them soak for 20 minutes to prevent burning.
  2. Make the sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together ketchup, honey, bourbon, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and onion powder until smooth. Set aside about 1/4 cup of the sauce for glazing at the end.
  3. Prep the chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Cut into 1.5-inch cubes. Season with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Toss to coat.
  4. Thread the skewers: Thread 4-5 pieces of chicken onto each skewer, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
  5. Preheat your pan: Place a cast-iron grill pan or large skillet over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes until hot. Lightly brush the pan with oil.
  6. Sear the skewers: Place skewers in the hot pan in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the second side.
  7. Glaze the chicken: Reduce heat to medium-low. Brush the reserved sauce onto the skewers, flip, and brush the other side. Cook for 1-2 more minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Rest and serve: Remove skewers from the pan and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Brush one last layer of sauce on top. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.

Notes

Don’t skip the double-glaze for the best sticky, caramelized texture. Watch the heat carefully to prevent burning the sugar in the sauce. Chicken thighs are recommended over breasts for juiciness. For a kid-friendly version, substitute bourbon with apple juice.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken skewers, honey bourbon BBQ, 30-minute meal, kid-friendly, easy dinner, grilled chicken, BBQ chicken skewers

Find it online: https://bitesienna.com/kid-approved-honey-bourbon-bbq-chicken-skewers-easy-30-min-recipe/