Maple Bacon Wrapped Chicken Skewers - Massachusetts BBQ

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the combination of smoky bacon, juicy chicken, and sweet maple syrup sizzling to perfection on the Arteflame grill. These Maple Bacon Wrapped Chicken Skewers are an instant crowd-pleaser, delivering mouthwatering flavor and a beautiful caramelized glaze. By searing them on the high-heat center grate and finishing them on the griddle, you lock in the juices and create an irresistible BBQ favorite. Perfect for backyard cookouts in Massachusetts!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
• 1 lb thick-cut bacon, sliced into halves
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for grilling)
• Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them inside the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the oiled napkins.
3. Light the paper napkins and let the fire burn for about 20 minutes until the grill is fully heated.

Step 2: Prepare the chicken skewers

1. In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Season the chicken pieces with the spice mixture, coating evenly.
3. Wrap each chicken piece with a half-slice of bacon and secure it onto a soaked wooden skewer.

Step 3: Sear on the grill grate

1. Once the Arteflame center grill grate reaches 1,000F, place the skewers on the grate for an initial high-heat sear.
2. Let the skewers sear for about 1 minute per side to lock in the juices.

Step 4: Finish cooking on the griddle

1. Move the skewers from the grill grate to the hot griddle surrounding it.
2. Brush each skewer generously with maple syrup.
3. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160F.

Step 5: Rest and serve

1. Remove the skewers from the grill when they reach 160F internal temperature.
2. Let them rest for 5 minutes, allowing carryover cooking to bring the temperature up to 165F.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips

• Use thick-cut bacon to prevent burning before the chicken is fully cooked.
• Soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
• The maple syrup will caramelize beautifully on the griddle, so keep an eye to prevent scorching.
• Always allow the chicken to rest before serving to retain juiciness.

Variations

1. Spicy Maple Skewers: Add 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a kick of heat.
2. Garlic Herb Skewers: Brush the skewers with garlic butter instead of maple syrup for a savory twist.
3. Teriyaki Bacon Skewers: Replace maple syrup with a teriyaki glaze for a delicious Asian-inspired flavor.
4. Honey Mustard Skewers: Mix honey and Dijon mustard for a tangy-sweet glaze.
5. BBQ Bacon Skewers: Swap out the maple syrup for your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky BBQ flavor.

Best pairings

• Grilled Sweet Corn with Herb Butter
• Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese
• Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Maple Glaze
• Bourbon Peach Iced Tea

Conclusion

These Maple Bacon Wrapped Chicken Skewers are a must-try for any backyard BBQ in Massachusetts. With the Arteflame grill, you’ll achieve a perfect sear, juicy center, and delicious caramelized coating. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try a variation, these skewers are sure to impress at your next cookout!