Grilled Honey BBQ Bacon Chicken Kabobs

The sweet heat of honey combined with smoky BBQ and crispy bacon brings these chicken kabobs to life. Threaded onto skewers and grilled to perfection, they’re a surefire hit for summer parties or casual dinners.

Wrapped in bacon and brushed with a sticky glaze, each juicy chicken bite bursts with layers of flavor. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a weekend cookout or need a quick weeknight meal with wow-factor, these kabobs deliver on all fronts. Pair with grilled corn, coleslaw, or roasted veggies for a full BBQ feast.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 large chicken breasts, cut into 1½-inch cubes

• 12 slices of bacon, cut into thirds

• 1/2 cup honey

• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)

Directions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.

2. Wrap each chicken cube with a piece of bacon and secure with a soaked skewer, threading 4-5 pieces per stick.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, BBQ sauce, and apple cider vinegar.

4. Season kabobs with salt and pepper on all sides.

5. Grill skewers for 3–4 minutes per side, brushing with the honey-BBQ glaze during cooking.

6. Continue turning and basting until the bacon is crisp and chicken is cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F/74°C).

7. Remove from grill, let rest 5 minutes, and serve hot with extra sauce if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Everything You Need to Know About Making Grilled Honey BBQ Bacon Chicken Kabobs

When it comes to summertime grilling, few things are as crowd-pleasing and delicious as skewered meats hot off the grill. And among all the skewered delights, these Grilled Honey BBQ Bacon Chicken Kabobs truly stand out. Why? Because they combine the bold, smoky flavor of crispy bacon with tender, juicy chicken and a sticky-sweet BBQ glaze that caramelizes to perfection over open flames. Whether you’re feeding a backyard crowd or whipping up a fast weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress.

Let’s take a flavorful dive into the magic of this dish, including ingredient tips, cooking techniques, variations, pairing suggestions, and everything in between.

Why These Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Skewers Work

There’s something irresistibly comforting about meat on a stick. It’s casual yet satisfying, fun to eat, and ideal for social gatherings where everyone wants a bite-sized taste of the good stuff.

This recipe nails the trifecta of flavor, texture, and convenience:

• Flavor: Sweet honey, tangy BBQ sauce, smoky bacon, and seasoned chicken create a perfect balance.

• Texture: The bacon crisps up beautifully, while the chicken stays juicy thanks to the bacon wrapping and the quick grilling time.

• Convenience: These skewers are easy to prepare in advance, grill quickly, and serve without any mess.

Every bite offers a punch of BBQ flavor followed by a whisper of sweetness and the irresistible crunch of bacon. If you’ve been stuck in a grilled chicken rut, this recipe is your flavorful escape.

A Quick Look at the Star Ingredients

Let’s break down what makes each ingredient special:

• Chicken Breast

Lean and protein-packed, chicken breast is a favorite for grilling. Cutting it into uniform cubes ensures even cooking. You could also use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer a richer, juicier bite.

• Bacon

Thick-cut bacon is ideal here. It crisps up without burning too quickly and adds smoky depth to the dish. When wrapped around chicken, it acts as a natural flavor jacket that keeps everything moist and tender.

• Honey + BBQ Sauce

This dynamic duo creates the sticky-sweet glaze that makes this dish shine. Honey provides natural sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize, while BBQ sauce brings in tangy, spicy, and smoky elements. Go for a high-quality BBQ sauce, store-bought or homemade.

• Apple Cider Vinegar

This is a game-changer. Just a splash helps cut through the richness of the bacon and adds balance to the sweetness of the glaze.

Tips for Success on the Grill

Here are a few tips to ensure your kabobs turn out perfect every time:

• Soak Your Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning on the grill.

• Preheat the Grill: Always preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You want enough heat to crisp the bacon but not so much that the glaze burns.

• Don’t Overcrowd: Leave a bit of space between the chicken pieces on the skewers so the heat can circulate and cook everything evenly.

• Brush, Turn, Repeat: Apply the honey-BBQ glaze multiple times during grilling to build up a sticky, flavorful coating.

• Check Internal Temp: Always check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.

Make It Your Own: Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

This recipe is delicious as-is, but there’s plenty of room to get creative:

• Spicy Kick: Add sriracha or chipotle powder to the glaze for a spicy version.

• Garlic Lovers: Stir in a little fresh garlic or garlic powder into the glaze.

• Herb Infusion: Mix in finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme for a fragrant twist.

• Asian Fusion: Swap BBQ sauce for hoisin sauce and add sesame seeds and green onions after grilling.

• Vegetable Additions: Alternate chunks of bell peppers, red onions, or pineapple between the chicken and bacon for extra color and nutrition.

What to Serve with Honey BBQ Bacon Chicken Kabobs

Pairing is everything. These kabobs are incredibly versatile and go well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some favorites:

• Grilled Corn on the Cob: Slathered in butter and sprinkled with a little chili powder and lime.

• Creamy Coleslaw: The tangy creaminess balances the sticky-sweet glaze of the kabobs.

• Potato Salad: Classic, creamy, and cooling.

• Garlic Bread: For a slightly indulgent, smoky side.

• Fresh Garden Salad: Light and refreshing, to cut through the richness of the bacon.

For drinks, a cold beer, sparkling lemonade, or iced tea pairs beautifully with these grilled skewers.

Meal Prep & Storage

These kabobs are also meal-prep friendly!

• Prep Ahead: Assemble the skewers and store them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before grilling.

• Storage: Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving for too long, as the bacon can turn rubbery.

Ideal Occasions for This Recipe

Because these kabobs are so simple to make and look incredibly appetizing, they’re perfect for a wide range of occasions:

• Backyard BBQs

• Family dinners

• Summer cookouts

• Fourth of July parties

• Game day snacks

• Tailgating events

• Casual date nights at home

• Potluck gatherings

They’re an instant crowd-pleaser that works just as well for laid-back meals as they do for festive celebrations.

Conclusion

These Grilled Honey BBQ Bacon Chicken Kabobs are everything you want in a summer recipe, easy to prepare, fun to eat, and bursting with sweet, smoky, savory flavor in every bite. The combination of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a sticky glaze is downright addictive and guaranteed to be a hit at any cookout or casual dinner.

Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just starting out, this recipe is approachable and rewarding. It brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels special, satisfying, and oh-so-summery. So, fire up the grill, grab your skewers, and get ready to enjoy a dish that tastes like sunshine and good times.

Let this be your go-to grilling recipe, not just this summer, but every time you want to create delicious memories, one smoky-sweet bite at a time.