Easy BBQ Chicken Kebabs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These BBQ Chicken Kebabs are tender, packed with flavor, and easy to customize with your favorite veggies or sauces. The barbecue marinade not only adds great taste but also helps keep the chicken moist and caramelizes beautifully on the grill. With minimal ingredients and quick cook time, this is a no-fuss recipe that tastes like summer any time of year.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Your favorite BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Bell peppers, chopped (optional)
• Red onion, chopped (optional)
• Wooden or metal skewers

Directions

1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
2. Cut chicken into 1½-inch cubes.
3. In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat.
4. Thread chicken (and optional vegetables) onto skewers.
5. Preheat grill to medium-high heat or oven broiler to high.
6. Grill or broil kebabs for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway, until chicken is nearly cooked through.
7. Brush BBQ sauce generously over the chicken and grill for an additional 2–3 minutes on each side, until caramelized and fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F / 74°C).
8. Remove from heat, let rest for a few minutes, and serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 20 minutes (including skewering)
Cook time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Use pineapple chunks between chicken pieces for a sweet tropical twist.
• Add zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for more veggies.
• Spice it up with a chipotle BBQ sauce or a dash of cayenne.
• Try it with shrimp or tofu for an alternative protein.
• Serve over rice, couscous, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover kebabs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, remove from skewers and warm in a skillet or microwave until hot.
These kebabs can also be frozen (without the skewers) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I bake these kebabs instead of grilling?

Yes, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, turning once and brushing with BBQ sauce halfway through.

What’s the best cut of chicken to use?

Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving, but chicken breasts also work well when not overcooked.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Cut the chicken into even-sized pieces, avoid overcooking, and use a meat thermometer to check doneness.

Can I marinate the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, marinate in the spice mix or even the BBQ sauce up to 24 hours in advance for deeper flavor.

Do I have to use vegetables?

No, you can make chicken-only skewers, but veggies add color, flavor, and balance.

What BBQ sauce works best?

Use your favorite! Sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy—they all work well in this recipe.

Can I cook these in a grill pan?

Yes, a stovetop grill pan works great. Cook over medium-high heat and follow the same timing.

Are these kebabs gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your BBQ sauce is gluten-free.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just make sure not to overcrowd the grill or pan so everything cooks evenly.

What should I serve with BBQ chicken kebabs?

They pair well with corn on the cob, potato salad, coleslaw, grilled veggies, or a fresh green salad.

Conclusion

Easy BBQ Chicken Kebabs are a quick, flavorful, and fun-to-make meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With juicy chicken, bold barbecue flavor, and endless customization options, these kebabs bring smoky-sweet goodness to your plate in under an hour. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking indoors, this recipe is a guaranteed hit you’ll want to make again and again.

Easy BBQ Chicken Kebabs

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Easy BBQ Chicken Kebabs are juicy, flavorful skewers of chicken grilled or broiled to perfection with a sweet and smoky barbecue glaze. Perfect for weeknight dinners, backyard cookouts, or meal prep.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1½-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
• 1 red onion, chopped (optional)
• Wooden or metal skewers

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Instructions

1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
2. Cut chicken into 1½-inch cubes.
3. In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat.
4. Thread chicken and optional vegetables onto skewers.
5. Preheat grill to medium-high heat or oven broiler to high.
6. Grill or broil kebabs for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway, until chicken is nearly cooked through.
7. Brush BBQ sauce generously over the chicken and grill for an additional 2–3 minutes on each side, until caramelized and fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F / 74°C).
8. Remove from heat, let rest for a few minutes, and serve.

Notes

• Use chicken thighs for juicier, more forgiving results.
• Don’t skip soaking wooden skewers if grilling to avoid burning.
• For added flavor, marinate chicken in BBQ sauce up to 24 hours ahead of time.
• Cook time may vary slightly depending on grill or broiler heat level.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 skewer (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 540mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 95mg