Unforgettable Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Chicken Skewers: Your Ultimate Summer and Game Day Recipe
Fire up the grill and get ready to impress with these phenomenal Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Chicken Skewers! They are undeniably simple to prepare, incredibly quick to cook, and burst with a flavor combination that will instantly make them the undisputed stars of any summer cookout, backyard barbecue, or spirited game day gathering. Prepare for crispy, caramelized bacon encasing tender, juicy chicken, all basted with an irresistible sweet and savory glaze.
Why These Bacon-Wrapped Skewers Are a Must-Try
There’s something truly magical about food cooked over an open flame, and these Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Chicken Skewers perfectly capture that essence. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes: the smoky crunch of perfectly rendered bacon, the succulent tenderness of chicken breast tenderloins, and a vibrant glaze that caramelizes beautifully under the grill’s heat. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that minimizes prep time and maximizes enjoyment. They’re crisp on the outside and wonderfully tender on the inside, making them an ideal choice for any casual meal or festive occasion.
Their versatility knows no bounds. Whether you’re planning a laid-back summer evening meal with the family, hosting a bustling barbecue for friends, or fueling up your cheering squad on game day, these skewers fit the bill. They work brilliantly as a standalone main course, a delightful appetizer, or even as part of a larger grilled feast. The ease of preparation means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your guests.
Embracing the Best of Grilling Season and Game Day Feasts
Grilling season is a beloved time, bringing with it an array of incredible flavors and outdoor culinary adventures. From the sweet char of grilled corn on the cob to the rich, creamy delight of grilled brie with strawberries, and even the nostalgic crackle of s’mores cooked over a fire pit, summer practically begs for food cooked over a flame. These bacon-wrapped chicken skewers seamlessly blend into this tradition, offering a savory counterpoint to other grilled favorites.
But the joy of grilling isn’t limited to summer. As football season kicks off, our grill becomes a weekend essential, churning out fantastic game day grub every single weekend. Whether we’re tailgating at the stadium or hosting a lively crowd at home, the grill is always fired up, ensuring a winning spread to keep everyone energized and cheering on their favorite team. These chicken skewers have become a staple in our game day repertoire, praised for their portability, easy handling, and undeniably delicious taste that appeals to fans of all ages.
The Brilliance of Chicken Tenderloins and Bacon
The foundation of this recipe lies in two incredibly simple yet powerful ingredients: boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins and thick-cut bacon. A few weeks ago, I stumbled upon some pre-trimmed chicken tenderloin strips, practically calling out to be skewered. The idea was simple: thread them onto skewers for an easy grill. But we elevated this concept significantly by first wrapping each tenderloin in a luscious strip of bacon. The addition of bacon is a game-changer – its rich, salty, and smoky flavor perfectly complements the lean chicken, infusing it with moisture and creating an incredibly satisfying crispy crust as it cooks.
Chicken tenderloins are an ideal choice for skewers because they are naturally lean and cook quickly and evenly, preventing them from drying out. When embraced by bacon, they transform into miniature culinary masterpieces. The bacon acts as a natural basting agent, rendering its fat to keep the chicken moist while simultaneously developing a desirable crispiness and a beautiful caramelized exterior that is simply irresistible. This dynamic duo ensures that every skewer is packed with flavor and textural appeal, making them universally loved by kids and adults alike.
The Irresistible Sweet and Savory Glaze
What truly sets these Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Chicken Skewers apart is the unbelievably simple, yet incredibly effective basting sauce. We coat them with a delightful concoction of ketchup, maple syrup, yellow mustard, and a dash of black pepper. This sauce is nothing short of brilliant; it brings all the elements together in a symphony of flavors. As the skewers grill, the sauce caramelizes onto the crispy bacon and tender chicken, forming a glossy, flavorful glaze that adds depth and an extra layer of deliciousness.
The ketchup provides a foundational tang and sweetness, while the maple syrup contributes a rich, complex sweetness that promotes beautiful caramelization. Yellow mustard introduces a sharp, zesty counterpoint, balancing the sweetness and adding a subtle depth of flavor. Finally, a hint of black pepper ties it all together with a gentle warmth. This combination ensures the chicken remains wonderfully juicy inside, while the exterior achieves that perfect crispy, sticky, and savory-sweet finish. These skewers have quickly become a staple on our menu, beloved by everyone, including the pickiest eaters, who find them fun and utterly delicious to devour. The ease of prep and quick grilling time mean they’re a frequent request, and rightly so!
Essential Ingredients and Supplies
Crafting these delectable skewers requires just a few key ingredients and basic grilling supplies. Quality ingredients make all the difference in achieving that irresistible flavor and texture. (Specific measurements can be found in the recipe section below).
Ingredients Breakdown:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast Tenderloins: These are the ideal cut for skewers. Their lean nature ensures quick cooking, and their inherent tenderness means you’ll have succulent chicken every time. Using pre-trimmed tenderloins saves precious prep time.
- Slices of Thick-Cut Bacon: The star enhancer! Thick-cut bacon is preferred because it holds up better on the grill, renders slowly, and provides ample fat to keep the chicken moist. It also crisps up beautifully, creating that coveted salty, smoky, and crispy exterior.
- Ketchup: More than just a condiment, ketchup forms the sweet and tangy base of our glaze. Its acidity and slight sweetness are crucial for a balanced flavor profile and help the sauce adhere to the meat.
- Maple Syrup: Adds a sophisticated, rich sweetness that is far superior to plain sugar. Maple syrup is key to achieving that desirable caramelized glaze on the bacon and chicken, enhancing the overall depth of flavor.
- Yellow Mustard: Don’t underestimate its role! Yellow mustard introduces a piquant, tangy kick that perfectly cuts through the sweetness of the maple syrup and ketchup, ensuring the glaze is vibrant and well-rounded, not overly sweet.
- Ground Black Pepper: A simple seasoning that adds a mild heat and a foundational depth to the sauce. It enhances the savory notes and provides a subtle warmth that elevates the overall flavor without overpowering it.
Essential Supplies:
- Outdoor Grill or Grill Pan: Whether you prefer the smoky char of an outdoor grill or the convenience of an indoor grill pan, both work wonderfully. Ensure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.
- Wooden or Metal Skewers: These are essential for holding the chicken and bacon together. If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning. Metal skewers are reusable and conduct heat well.
- Small Bowl: For whisking together the flavorful basting sauce.
- Whisk: To thoroughly combine the sauce ingredients into a smooth mixture.
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Chicken Skewers: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps to create perfectly grilled, flavor-packed bacon-wrapped chicken skewers:
- **Prepare Your Grill:** Begin by heating your outdoor grill or grill pan to a medium-high temperature. Ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking and achieve those beautiful grill marks.
- **Wrap the Chicken:** Take each chicken tenderloin and carefully wrap a slice of thick-cut bacon around it. The bacon should snugly embrace the chicken.
- **Skewer the Chicken:** Thread each bacon-wrapped chicken tenderloin onto a wooden or metal skewer. It’s important to weave the skewer through both the bacon and the chicken multiple times to secure everything in place. This prevents the bacon from unraveling during grilling and ensures even cooking.
- **Whisk the Sauce:** In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, maple syrup, yellow mustard, and ground black pepper. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are well incorporated and the sauce is smooth.
- **Grill and Baste:** Carefully place the prepared skewers on your well-oiled, preheated grill. Grill one side for approximately 3 minutes, or until the bacon begins to crisp and shows nice grill marks.
- **Flip and Baste (First Round):** Using tongs, flip the skewers to the other side. Immediately baste the just-grilled, crispy side with about half of the prepared sauce. Allow the second side to cook for another 3 minutes.
- **Flip and Baste (Second Round):** Flip the skewers back to the first side (the one you just basted). Now, baste the freshly grilled side with the remaining half of the sauce.
- **Continue Grilling to Perfection:** Continue to flip and baste the skewers every few minutes until the bacon is deeply caramelized and crispy, and the chicken is thoroughly cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) as measured with a meat thermometer. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and perfectly juicy.
- **Serve and Enjoy:** Once cooked, remove the Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Chicken Skewers from the grill. Let them rest for a minute or two before serving hot.
Pro Tips for Grilling Success
To ensure your Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Chicken Skewers turn out perfectly every time, consider these expert tips:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Give each skewer enough space on the grill for even cooking and proper air circulation. Overcrowding can lower the grill temperature and steam the food instead of searing it.
- Monitor Heat: Keep an eye on your grill’s temperature. If the bacon is browning too quickly, move the skewers to a slightly cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat to prevent burning while the chicken cooks through.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: The only way to truly guarantee perfectly cooked chicken is by checking its internal temperature. A good instant-read thermometer is an invaluable tool for grilling.
- Rest the Meat: After removing from the grill, let the skewers rest for 2-3 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
- Experiment with Variations: Feel free to adjust the glaze to your taste. A touch of cayenne pepper can add heat, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce can deepen the savory notes. You can also add small pieces of bell peppers or onions between the chicken pieces for extra flavor and color.
Storage and Reheating Recommendations
Should you be lucky enough to have any leftovers of these delectable Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Chicken Skewers, proper storage and reheating will ensure they remain delicious.
Store any cooled leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, to best maintain their crispy texture, we recommend using an oven or an air fryer. Simply place the skewers on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket and heat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the bacon is crisp again. Alternatively, you can reheat them quickly in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until warm throughout, though this method may result in slightly less crispy bacon.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
These Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Chicken Skewers are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes, elevating them into a complete and satisfying meal.
- Fresh Salads: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, a vibrant watermelon and feta salad, or a creamy potato salad are excellent choices.
- Grilled Vegetables: Complement the skewers with other grilled favorites like asparagus, bell peppers, zucchini, or corn on the cob.
- Rice or Quinoa: A simple side of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa can absorb the delicious glaze and make the meal more substantial.
- Bread: Serve with warm crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce.
- Beverages: For summer cookouts, chilled lemonade, iced tea, or a light beer pair wonderfully. For game day, soft drinks or your favorite game-time beverage will hit the spot.
Explore More Summer Cookout Favorites
Make your entire summer cookout spread a delicious triumph from start to finish. Discover an array of irresistible appetizers, fresh vibrant salads, perfect grilled sides, refreshing cold drinks, and tempting desserts in my Summer Grilling Favorites collection. Everything you need for an epic outdoor feast is right there to inspire and delight your taste buds!
Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe
These skewers combine savory bacon, tender chicken, and a delectable sweet-tangy glaze for an unforgettable grilling experience. Perfect for any gathering!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Yield: 15 skewers
Category: Appetizer, Main Course
Ingredients
- 15 boneless, skinless chicken breast tenderloins
- 15 slices of thick-cut bacon
- 15 wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak for 30 minutes)
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Ensure grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Wrap each chicken tenderloin snugly with one slice of thick-cut bacon.
- Carefully thread each bacon-wrapped chicken tenderloin onto a skewer, weaving the skewer through both the bacon and chicken multiple times to secure them.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, maple syrup, yellow mustard, and black pepper until well combined to form the basting sauce.
- Place the skewers on the hot, oiled grill. Grill one side for approximately 3 minutes, or until the bacon begins to crisp and shows char marks.
- Flip the skewers to the uncooked side and immediately baste the grilled, crispy side with about half of the prepared sauce. Continue grilling this side for another 3 minutes.
- Flip the skewers back to the first side (the one you just basted). Now, baste the freshly grilled side with the remaining half of the sauce.
- Continue to flip and baste the skewers every few minutes until the bacon is fully caramelized and crispy, and the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Chicken Skewers from the grill. Let them rest for a minute or two, then serve immediately and enjoy!
If you create these incredible Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Chicken Skewers, don’t forget to snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram @thebakermama! I absolutely love seeing your culinary creations. If you’re on Facebook, consider joining my Friends of The BakerMama group to connect with fellow food enthusiasts and share all the delicious recipes you’ve tried. Your inspiration and creativity with my ideas truly bring me joy. Enjoy every savory bite!
xoxo,
