Pepper Jelly Glaze for Chicken: Smoked Chicken Meatball Skewers

Glazed chicken meatball skewers on a grill
Photo via Unsplash

A good pepper jelly glaze for chicken isn't just for whole birds and drumsticks — it turns simple ground chicken meatball skewers into one of the easiest, most crowd-friendly appetizers you can put on a grill. These come together fast, hold their shape on the skewer, and get a sticky, glossy coat that makes them disappear at any get-together.

Why Ground Chicken Works So Well Here

Ground chicken meatballs cook fast and have a mild flavor that welcomes a bold pepper jelly glaze for chicken without any competition. Threaded onto skewers, they get direct contact with the grill grates on all sides, which means more surface area for that glaze to caramelize into a sticky shell.

The Classic Jalapeño Spread is our top pick for this recipe — balanced heat that won't overpower the mild meatballs. For a sweeter take that pairs beautifully with a squeeze of lime, try the Jalapeño Apple Spread instead.

How to Make Glazed Chicken Meatball Skewers

  1. Mix the meatballs with ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, and a pinch of salt, then roll into golf-ball-sized portions.
  2. Thread onto skewers, leaving a little space between each meatball for even cooking.
  3. Grill over medium heat, turning every few minutes, until the meatballs reach 165°F internal, about 12–15 minutes total.
  4. Warm your pepper jelly glaze for chicken in a small saucepan until it's smooth and easy to brush.
  5. Brush generously in the final 3–4 minutes of grilling, turning once to coat all sides.
  6. Rest 2 minutes before serving so the glaze sets into a glossy finish.

Serving Ideas

Serve these skewers straight off the grill with extra warmed glaze on the side for dipping, or pull the meatballs off the skewers and toss them in a bowl for a build-your-own lettuce wrap station. They also hold up well at room temperature, which makes them a great pick for a potluck or backyard party.

Try a Different Heat Level

If your crowd likes more kick, swap in the Red Hot Spread for a punchier glaze. Not sure which one your group will love? The THE BBQ Boost 3 Pack Bundle lets you serve three heat levels side by side.

Find your next favorite glaze at Smoky Mountain Spread.

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