Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
- Perfect for grilling season and outdoor gatherings
- Customizable with different marinades and vegetables
- Can be made ahead for meal prep
- Pairs well with a variety of side dishes
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Barbecue sauce
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Bell peppers (optional)
- Red onion (optional)
- Wooden or metal skewers
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes and place them in a bowl.
- Marinate: In a separate bowl, mix barbecue sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour over the chicken and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours for more flavor).
- Soak Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, alternating with pieces of bell pepper and red onion if using.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks. Brush with extra barbecue sauce in the last few minutes of grilling.
- Serve: Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite sides.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 40 minutes (including marinating)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Spicy BBQ Skewers: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Honey BBQ Skewers: Mix honey into the barbecue sauce for a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: Replace barbecue sauce with teriyaki sauce for an Asian-inspired twist.
- Lemon Herb Skewers: Swap barbecue sauce for a lemon, garlic, and herb marinade.
- Vegetarian Option: Use tofu or mushrooms instead of chicken.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the grill, in a skillet, or in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it may dry out the chicken.
- Freezing: Freeze marinated raw chicken cubes for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling.
FAQs
How do I prevent chicken from drying out on the grill?
Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, and avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.
Can I bake these skewers instead of grilling?
Yes! Bake them at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
What’s the best type of chicken to use?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay juicier, but chicken breasts work well too.
Can I use store-bought barbecue sauce?
Absolutely! Use your favorite brand or make a homemade version.
How long should I soak wooden skewers?
Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
What sides go well with BBQ chicken skewers?
Serve with coleslaw, grilled vegetables, cornbread, or a fresh salad.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the marinade up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge.
How can I make these skewers healthier?
Use a low-sugar barbecue sauce and add more vegetables to the skewers.
Can I cook these on a stovetop?
Yes! Use a grill pan over medium heat, cooking for about 12-15 minutes.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
Conclusion
BBQ Chicken Skewers are a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for grilling season. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or looking for a quick and delicious meal, these skewers are easy to customize and pair well with a variety of sides. Try different marinades, add vegetables, and enjoy the smoky, juicy goodness of homemade BBQ chicken skewers!
BBQ Chicken Skewers
- Total Time: 55min
- Yield: 4servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
BBQ Chicken Skewers are a delicious and easy-to-make dish, perfect for summer grilling, family gatherings, or quick weeknight meals. These skewers feature juicy, marinated chicken grilled to perfection with smoky barbecue flavors. Serve them with coleslaw, grilled veggies, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- Protein: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Marinade:
- Barbecue sauce
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Vegetables (Optional):
- Bell peppers
- Red onion
- Other:
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes and place them in a bowl.
- Make the Marinade: In a bowl, mix barbecue sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate: Pour the marinade over the chicken, mix well, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours).
- Soak Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, alternating with bell peppers and onions if using.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat to medium-high and lightly oil the grates.
- Grill the Skewers: Cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is fully cooked (165°F). Brush with extra barbecue sauce in the last few minutes.
- Serve: Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Spicy Variation: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Sweet & Tangy: Mix honey into the barbecue sauce.
- Baking Option: Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Stovetop Cooking: Use a grill pan over medium heat, cooking for 12-15 minutes.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 40min
- Cook Time: 15min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
