How to Make Traeger Chicken Kabobs with Bourbon BBQ Sauce

BBQ chicken kabobs are a summer staple, loved for their juicy, flavorful bites. This unique recipe adds a smoky and sweet bourbon twist to the classic BBQ chicken kabobs, creating a dish that’s perfect for any grill enthusiast. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and memorable meal.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup Traeger Texas Spicy BBQ Sauce
• 1/2 cup Traeger Apricot BBQ Sauce
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• 1 tsp onion powder

Preparation:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a resealable bag, combine the chicken cubes, Traeger Texas Spicy BBQ Sauce, Traeger Apricot BBQ Sauce, bourbon, honey, garlic, and onion powder. Seal the bag and massage the marinade into the chicken. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight, to ensure the chicken absorbs all the flavors.

2. Prepare the Grill: Set your Traeger grill to 450°F and preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes. The high temperature will help achieve a nice char on the chicken skewers while keeping the inside juicy.

3. Skewer the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, ensuring an even distribution for consistent cooking.

4. Grill the Kabobs: Place the skewers directly on the grill grates toward the front of the grill. Close the lid and cook until the chicken starts to char, approximately 2-3 minutes. Move the skewers to the center of the grill and continue cooking until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F, which should take an additional 8-10 minutes.

5. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the chicken kabobs from the grill and serve hot. Enjoy the smoky, sweet, and slightly boozy flavors that make these bourbon BBQ chicken kabobs a standout dish.

Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Kabobs:

1. Marination Time: For the best results, let the chicken marinate overnight. This allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender bite.

2. Even Cooking: Ensure the chicken pieces are cut into uniform sizes to promote even cooking. This helps prevent some pieces from being undercooked while others are overcooked.

3. Grill Placement: Starting the skewers at the front of the grill and then moving them to the center ensures a perfect char without burning. This technique helps in achieving that ideal crispy exterior while maintaining a juicy interior.

4. Monitor Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Cooking to 165°F ensures the chicken is safe to eat and perfectly cooked.

Conclusion:

This bourbon BBQ chicken kabobs recipe is a delightful twist on traditional BBQ chicken. The combination of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors, enhanced by the subtle notes of bourbon, makes it a perfect dish for grilling enthusiasts. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or looking to try something new, these kabobs are sure to impress. Enjoy your grilling adventure!