Grilled Bacon Wrapped Chicken Skewers: Smoky, Juicy, and Unforgettable
Introduction
The first time I threaded chicken and bacon onto skewers, the neighborhood seemed to pause — the scent of smoky bacon mingling with warm, herb-scented chicken made everyone wander outside. This is the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary dinner into a small celebration: Grilled Bacon Wrapped Chicken Skewers are comfort food with a little sizzle and a lot of heart. If you love bright, spiced skewers, you might also enjoy the playful heat in this Grilled Harissa Honey Chicken Skewers recipe, but tonight, let me walk you through a simple and indulgent favorite that your family will ask for again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Melts-in-your-mouth texture: bacon crisps while keeping chicken unbelievably juicy.
- Crowd-pleaser: kids and grown-ups both flock to these skewers.
- Quick dinner idea: ready faster than takeout and ideal for busy weeknights.
- Versatile and festive: scale up for parties or keep it cozy for family night.
- Comforting food with a twist: smoky, sweet, and savory in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes — thighs stay juicier; breasts are a leaner option.
- 12 to 16 thin slices of bacon — regular or center-cut.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil — for a little richness and to help the seasoning stick.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar — adds caramelized sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika — brings a gentle smoke without a smoker.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder — comforting and savory.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper — adjust to taste.
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey — a light glaze for that golden finish.
- Wooden or metal skewers — if using wooden skewers, soak them for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Lemon wedges and chopped parsley, for serving — brightens and freshens the plate.
Substitutions:
- Nutritional yeast — adds cheesy flavor without dairy (use 1 tablespoon in the dry rub for a savory twist).
- Turkey bacon — leaner but less crisp; consider brushing with oil for better browning.
- For a healthier option, use center-cut bacon and chicken breast, and skip the brown sugar.
Timing
- Prep time: 15–20 minutes (cutting, wrapping, and assembling).
- Cook time: 10–14 minutes on a hot grill.
- Total time: 30–35 minutes.
This is a quick weeknight winner: you’ll have a mouthwatering, family favorite on the table faster than any delivery app could arrive — and it smells so much better.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and season: Heat your grill to medium-high (about 400°F). In a bowl, toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Your kitchen will smell amazing at this point — warm and smoky with a sweet undertone.
- Wrap the chicken: Take a slice of bacon and cut it in half crosswise if the slices are long. Wrap each chicken piece with a bacon half, leaving the ends of the bacon tucked under to secure it.
- Skewer assembly: Thread 3 to 4 bacon-wrapped chicken pieces onto each skewer, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking.
- Grill time: Place skewers on the grill and cook for 4–6 minutes per side, turning gently so the bacon crisps evenly and the chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature. Brush with maple syrup or honey in the last 1–2 minutes for a glossy, caramelized finish.
- Rest and serve: Remove skewers from the grill and let them rest for 3 minutes. Squeeze lemon over the top and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve warm and watch how quickly plates get cleared.
If you love experimenting with global flavors, try pairing these skewers with a platter inspired by this savory Shish Tawook Grilled Chicken Skewers for a fun mixed-skewer night.
Tips and Variations
- Maple Chipotle: Add 1 teaspoon chipotle powder to the rub and use maple syrup for glazing for a smoky-sweet heat.
- Herbaceous: Toss chicken in chopped rosemary and thyme before wrapping for a fragrant, garden-fresh variation.
- Lighter version: Use turkey bacon, and brush with a low-sugar glaze or citrus marinade.
- Party platter: Alternate bacon-wrapped chicken with grilled vegetables on the skewers for a colorful, festive meal.
- Try a beef twist: Love bacon-wrapped bites? See how they translate to beef in this playful riff on Bacon Wrapped Barbecue Beef Bites.
Encourage personalization — these skewers respond beautifully to small changes, and that’s part of the joy.
Serving Suggestions
Picture a warm summer evening: platter of Grilled Bacon Wrapped Chicken Skewers steaming in the center, a bowl of tangy coleslaw, lemon-herb rice, and grilled corn on the cob beside it. For drinks, a cold lager or a sparkling lemonade balances the richness. For a cozy winter night, serve them with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts. This dish is equally at home at backyard barbecues, weeknight dinners, and festive gatherings.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate: Store cooled skewers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes to recrisp bacon, or use an air fryer at 350°F for 4–6 minutes.
- Freeze: Assemble skewers uncooked and flash-freeze on a tray. Transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before grilling.
- Make-ahead: Marinate chicken in the seasoning and oil overnight, then wrap and skewer right before grilling for maximum convenience.
Pro Tips from the Kitchen
- Use thighs for juiciness: Chicken thighs are forgiving when grilled and stay tender.
- Keep space between pieces: Leave a little gap on the skewer so heat circulates and bacon crisps.
- Don’t overcook: Check with a meat thermometer — remove at 165°F to avoid dry chicken.
- Rotate gently: Turn skewers with tongs to keep the bacon intact and prevent tearing.
- Brush late: Apply the glaze in the last minute to avoid burning the sugar.
FAQs
Q: Can I bake these instead of grilling?
A: Yes — bake at 425°F on a wire rack for 18–22 minutes, flipping once. Finish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes to crisp the bacon if needed.
Q: How do I keep bacon from unwrapping on the grill?
A: Tuck the bacon ends under the chicken and use skewers to hold them in place. If bacon still slips, secure with an extra toothpick during grilling.
Q: Are these safe to eat if the bacon isn’t super crispy?
A: As long as the chicken reaches 165°F, they are safe. Crisping adds texture, but tender bacon can be delicious too.
Q: Can I use wooden skewers?
A: Yes — soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
Q: What side dishes go best with these skewers?
A: Bright salads, creamy mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, and simple rice pair beautifully to balance the richness.
Conclusion
There’s a simple magic in Grilled Bacon Wrapped Chicken Skewers: they bring together the smoky comfort of bacon and the tender warmth of chicken to create memories at the table. Whether you’re feeding a family on a busy night or hosting a festive meal, these skewers make you feel connected, cozy, and delightfully indulgent. For another take on bacon-wrapped chicken bites that’s perfect as an appetizer or party skewer, check out Diethood’s Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites recipe. Try them, share them, and make this recipe part of your next celebration — the kind of dish that becomes tradition.
Contents
Grilled Bacon Wrapped Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes Thighs stay juicier; breasts are a leaner option.
- 12 to 16 slices thin slices of bacon Regular or center-cut.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For richness and to help the seasoning stick.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar Adds caramelized sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Brings a gentle smoke without a smoker.
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder Comforting and savory.
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt Adjust to taste.
- 0.25 teaspoon cracked black pepper Adjust to taste.
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey A light glaze for that golden finish.
- Wooden or metal skewers If using wooden skewers, soak them for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Lemon wedges and chopped parsley For serving; brightens and freshens the plate.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat your grill to medium-high (about 400°F).
- In a bowl, toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Take a slice of bacon and cut it in half crosswise if the slices are long. Wrap each chicken piece with a bacon half, leaving the ends of the bacon tucked under to secure it.
- Thread 3 to 4 bacon-wrapped chicken pieces onto each skewer, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking.
Grilling
- Place skewers on the grill and cook for 4–6 minutes per side, turning gently so the bacon crisps evenly and the chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
- Brush with maple syrup or honey in the last 1–2 minutes for a glossy, caramelized finish.
Serving
- Remove skewers from the grill and let them rest for 3 minutes.
- Squeeze lemon over the top and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
Written by Salaheddine — founder of Tasty Sunrise, sharing easy and comforting homemade recipes for every occasion.
📩 admin@tastysunrise.com • Pinterest