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Maple Barbecue Chicken Kabobs

With a touch of caramelized sweetness, this takes your traditional barbecue sauce and elevates it to a whole new level.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 6
Author Sandra

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs frozen chicken breasts thawed
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Preparation

  • Thaw chicken breast and prepare the chicken into 1-2 inch cubes: cut the chicken breast into 1-inch slices, then each slice into 1-inch cubes

Marinade

  • Mix brown sugar, ketchup, red wine vinegar, water, pure maple syrup, Worcestershire sauce, ground mustard, paprika, kosher salt and pepper in a large bowl. Place chicken breasts in the marinade. Cover and let the chicken marinate for at least 2-4 hours or overnight. I like to throw all the ingredients in a Ziplock and let it marinate this way.
  • If you are using metal skewers skip this part, if you are using wood skewers follow the directions below.
  • Now I know there is a debate whether or not to soak your skewers and to each their own. But I soak mine, I have found that I get fewer wood pieces in the chicken and they don’t go up in flames. They still may char a tad, but not falling apart or on fire.
  • I completely soak my skewers for 30 minutes, sometimes accidentally longer, like the whole day. Make sure the entire stick is completely covered in water. Once they have soaked, remove and start to assemble the skewers.

Kabobs:

  • Remove the chicken from the fridge, stack the 1-2 inch cubed chicken breast on the skewer. Set kabob on a plate and repeat the process. Once completed, drizzle the extra marinade over the chicken, and let it sit while the grill is heating up.
  • Heat gas or charcoal grill, remove chicken from marinade. Place chicken on grill over medium heat. Cover grill and cook 3 minutes, then turn over the kabob and cook another 3 minutes. At this point, check the chicken. 
    To know if the chicken is done the juices should be clear and the center of thickest part is cut (170°F). If not done, continue to cook. At this point, I leave the lid open and just turn the kabobs so they are cooked evenly on both sides. My chicken takes about 8-10 minutes.
  • Remove from grill and serve immediately. Or cover with foil and serve later.
  • Great to serve with grilled corn on the cob, cornbread, and coleslaw.
  • Use the leftovers the next day for a grilled chicken salad.

Notes

Total time does not include the time thaw chicken breast or to marinade.