Grilled chicken only gets better when skewered with bacon, accompanied by fresh, crunchy vegetables and brushed with a balsamic glaze.
Chicken and bacon skewers are officially ready to become your next grilling obsession. These easy skewers feature chicken with a maple balsamic glaze, zucchini, summer squash, and peppers woven together with bacon.
Food on a stick is just more fun, right. Especially when there’s bacon involved. These skewers will be the star of your next cookout. Maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and spices add flavor to the chicken, and the chicken and vegetables are super succulent because they’re nestled in between waves of bacon while they cook. The end result is a skewer with a perfect balance of sweet and salty, with plenty of protein and colorful pops of veggies. 
Step by Step Guide to Making Balsamic Glazed Chicken and Bacon Skewers
Preparing the Skewers:
- Soak Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in warm water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Make Balsamic Glaze: In a saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, homemade seasoning mix, and sea salt. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Marinate Chicken: Toss chicken pieces in the glaze. For best results, marinate in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours.
Assembling Skewers:
- Assemble Skewers: Weave bacon, chicken, and vegetables onto each skewer, alternating between them. Use two bacon slices per skewer, weaving around the pieces.
- Preheat Grill/Broiler: Preheat to medium-high heat or set the broiler to preheat.
Cooking:
- Cook Skewers: Grill each side for about 5 minutes or broil for 8 minutes per side until the bacon and chicken are fully cooked.
- Rest and Serve: Let skewers rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy with a cold glass of white wine.
Recipe Notes:
- Marinating Time: Marinating the chicken enhances the flavors but is optional if pressed for time.
- Seasoning: If you cannot find Badia Complete Seasoning, make your own mix by combining garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Balsamic Glazed Chicken and Bacon Skewers
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
Sweet and savory chicken and bacon skewers, glazed with balsamic. Perfect for grilling or broiling!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cups (60 ml) balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp Badia Complete Seasoning
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1 lbs (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken tenders or breasts, cut into bite-size chunks
- 2 red and/or orange bell peppers, deseeded and chopped into bite-size chunks
- 1 zucchini, chopped into bite-size chunks
- 1 summer squash, chopped into bite-size chunks
- 10 slices bacon
Instructions
Preparing the Skewers
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in warm water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- In a saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, seasoning mix, and sea salt. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Toss chicken pieces in the glaze. Marinate in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours.
Assembling Skewers
- Weave bacon, chicken, and vegetables onto each skewer, alternating between them. Use two bacon slices per skewer, weaving around the pieces.
- Preheat grill/broiler to medium-high heat.
Cooking
- Grill each side for about 5 minutes or broil for 8 minutes per side until the bacon and chicken are fully cooked.
- Let skewers rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For even cooking, ensure all chicken pieces are roughly the same size before marinating.
- To prevent the bacon from burning too quickly, start by grilling the chicken and vegetables first, then add the bacon for the last few minutes of cooking.
- Leftover skewers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently in a skillet or oven.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Marinating Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 500
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 80
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I marinate the chicken in the balsamic glaze?
For best results, marinate the chicken pieces in the balsamic glaze in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours.
What should I do if I’m using wooden skewers?
If using wooden skewers, soak them in warm water for 30 minutes before assembling to prevent burning on the grill.
Can I use other vegetables besides zucchini and summer squash?
Yes, you can substitute or add other vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes, but make sure they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
I used thick-cut bacon and added some pineapple chunks for a sweet touch. The balsamic glaze is to die for!
So glad to hear it turned out well!
Grilled these up for the family last night and they were demolished in minutes! Even my picky eaters asked for seconds.
Hooray for that, thanks for letting us know!
Totally obsessed with the balsamic glaze on these skewers! I went with a mix of chicken and shrimp, and it was divine.
Kudos on this recipe! Grilled these up last night and the flavor was out of this world. I threw in a bit of smoked paprika to the seasoning mix for an extra kick. Will be making these again soon.
I’m mostly vegetarian but decided to try this recipe for a family gathering, and I’m glad I did. Everyone loved it! I also made a veggie version using halloumi instead of chicken, and it worked beautifully with the glaze. Highly recommend!
Just when I thought chicken couldn’t get any more delicious, I tried this recipe. The glaze is incredible, and weaving the bacon through the skewers? Genius!
I appreciated the alternative seasoning suggestion, as I try to use homemade spice blends. Paired it with a light salad and it was the perfect meal.
Just made these skewers for our weekend BBQ and they were a HIT! The balsamic glaze added such a unique flavor. I subbed in my own spice mix for the Badia and it turned out fantastic. Definitely keeping this recipe in my summer grilling rotation!
Paired these skewers with a chilled bottle of Chardonnay, just like suggested, and it was a delight!
The balsamic glaze is something I’ll be using on other dishes too. Brilliantly done!
Perfect balance of flavors and the recipe was easy to follow. My neighbors were asking for the recipe over the fence!
First time making skewers and this recipe made it so easy! The combination of sweet, salty, and savory hits all the right notes. I’ll be making this again for my next rooftop BBQ party.
I love finding new ways to make chicken exciting, and this recipe did not disappoint! I served it with a quinoa salad.
That looks delicious! Thanks for sharing your recipe.
Greeting
Catering in Den Haag
Is there an alternative to Badia Complete Seasoning?
I have never heard of this in Canada.
Badia Complete seasoning is made of garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, ground coriander seeds, chopped dried parsley, dried oregano, black pepper and salt. You can either make it yourself by mixing these powders together – or just go with your favorite grill-seasoning!