BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

BBQ chicken skewers are not only packed with flavor, but they are also incredibly easy to prepare. The marinade enhances the chicken, keeping it juicy and tender while giving it a smoky, tangy kick. Grilling the chicken on skewers makes them perfectly portioned and easy to serve. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for your family, these skewers are customizable with your favorite vegetables or side dishes. Plus, they’re a fun and interactive meal for any BBQ!

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Wooden or metal skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if using wooden skewers)

Optional vegetables for skewers:

• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks

• 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks

• 1 red onion, cut into chunks

• 1 zucchini, cut into rounds

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

Directions

1. Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, olive oil, honey (if using), apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until well combined.

2. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken cubes in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss to coat. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to allow the flavors to develop.

3. Prepare the skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning. If using metal skewers, no soaking is necessary. Alternate threading the marinated chicken and vegetables onto the skewers, making sure the chicken pieces are evenly spaced.

4. Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 400°F). If using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat.

5. Grill the skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can baste the chicken with more BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling for extra flavor and a caramelized finish.

6. Serve and enjoy: Once the chicken is fully cooked and has a nice char, remove the skewers from the grill. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh herbs or a squeeze of lime, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 (2 skewers per person)

• Prep time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)

• Cook time: 12-15 minutes

• Total time: 30-45 minutes (depending on marinating time)

Variations

• Spicy BBQ chicken skewers: Add cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the marinade for some heat.

• Chicken and pineapple skewers: Add chunks of fresh pineapple to the skewers for a sweet and savory combination.

• Vegetarian skewers: Replace the chicken with tofu or grilled vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, and bell peppers for a vegetarian option.

• Asian-style BBQ skewers: Marinate the chicken in soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger for an Asian-inspired BBQ flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover grilled chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the skewers in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat them on the grill for a few minutes to bring back the grilled flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are a great option for skewers because they are more flavorful and remain tender and juicy even after grilling.

2. How long should I marinate the chicken?

For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but 1-2 hours is ideal for deeper flavor. Don’t marinate for more than 2 hours, as the chicken can become too tender and mushy.

3. Can I cook these skewers in the oven?

Yes, you can cook the skewers in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the skewers on a baking sheet, and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

4. Can I make the BBQ chicken skewers ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time and assemble the skewers. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill. Just be sure to grill them fresh for the best flavor and texture.

5. Can I use a different BBQ sauce for this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite BBQ sauce, whether it’s tangy, sweet, or spicy. You can even make your own homemade BBQ sauce to customize the flavor.

6. How can I make these skewers spicier?

To add more heat, include diced jalapeños in the marinade or brush the skewers with a spicy sauce like sriracha or hot sauce during grilling.

7. Can I grill the vegetables with the chicken?

Yes, grilling vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, onions, and mushrooms alongside the chicken is a great way to make the skewers more colorful and flavorful. Just make sure the vegetables are cut into similar-sized pieces to the chicken for even cooking.

8. Can I make these skewers on a stovetop grill pan?

Yes, you can use a stovetop grill pan. Preheat the pan over medium-high heat and cook the skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked.

9. Can I freeze the marinated chicken before grilling?

Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before assembling the skewers and grilling.

10. How do I keep the chicken from drying out on the grill?

To avoid dry chicken, make sure to cook it over medium heat and not too quickly. You can also baste the chicken with extra BBQ sauce while grilling to keep it moist and flavorful.

Conclusion

BBQ chicken skewers are an easy and flavorful dish that brings the classic flavors of barbecue to your table. Whether you’re grilling for a family dinner or hosting a summer BBQ, these skewers are sure to be a hit. With juicy, marinated chicken and your favorite vegetables, they’re full of smoky, tangy goodness. Customize them to your liking and enjoy a fun, hands-on meal that’s as delicious as it is satisfying!