A Summer Night’s Saucy Kentucky Chicken Skewers

In case you missed it, this year for Father’s Day, Kiddo really out did himself when it came to the perfect gift for Hubby. It was a grill that does it all – smoker, charcoal, gas and even has a side burner for keeping sauces warm or simmering a pot of beans.

The upside to this awesome gift is we no longer need several grills. The down side is that Hubby has to adjust his grilling skills to the quirks of a new grill. Anyone who grills knows that no two grills are exactly the same. I gotta admit, Hubby is doing an amazing job making the transition. Thus far, we’ve smoked a tri-tip and crab legs, along with the usual back yard affairs of burgers, steaks, and dogs. Hubby couldn’t be happier. And those of us who benefit from his awesome grilling skills are delighted.

Kentucky Chicken Skewers
Bacon Bourbon Barbecue Sauce
1/2 lb Bacon
1 small Yellow Onion, sliced
3 Garlic Cloves, minced
1 tablespoon Chipotle Seasoning
1/2 cup Ketchup
2 tablespoons Maple Syrup
2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
1/4 cup Kentucky Bourbon
1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
1 pinch Cayenne Pepper or to taste
Kosher Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste

To Make the Bacon Bourbon Barbecue Sauce
Cook the bacon and set it aside on paper towels to drain, reserving 1 tablespoon of the grease in the pan. While the bacon is cooking, slice the onion and mince the garlic. Set aside until the bacon is cooked.

Add the onion to the pan with the reserved bacon drippings. Caramelize the onions over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes or until nicely golden. Once the onions are caramelized, add the garlic and chipotle chili seasoning and cook until fragrant, about a minute.

In a blender, puree the seasoned onions with the bacon. Add the ketchup, syrup, vinegar, mustard, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Bourbon and spice seasonings. Puree everything until smooth to produce a bacon-barbecue pasty sauce.

Chicken Skewers
1 lb Chicken Thigh Cutlets
Bamboo Skewers as needed
1/2 cup Parsley, for garnish

To Prepare the Chicken Skewers
Place half of the barbecue sauce into a large mixing bowl. Cut chicken into bite-size pieces and mix into the barbecue sauce. Cover and place in the refrigerator to marinate overnight. Place remaining barbecue sauce in a covered bowl or jar and store in the refrigerator.

When ready to grill, build a nice fire for direct and indirect cooking.

While the coals are beginning to ashen, soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes. Skewer chicken, leaving small gaps between the meat for even cooking.

Lightly oil grate to prevent sticking and grill chicken for about 5 minutes per side until nicely charred. Move to indirect cooking and continue to grill until cooked through, about 5 minutes longer. While the chicken is grilling, gently warm the barbecue sauce in a sauce pan over low heat.

Transfer to a serving platter. Chop parsley and sprinkle over skewered chicken for garnish. Serve with remaining warmed barbecue sauce for dip.

Grilled corn on the cob and barbecue bean are awesome sides to complete the meal.

Author: Rosemarie's Kitchen

I'm a wife, mother, grandmother and avid home cook.I believe in eating healthy whenever possible, while still managing to indulge in life's pleasures. View all posts by Rosemarie's Kitchen