These BBQ chicken skewers are perfect for summer grilling! Tender chunks of chicken are coated in a tasty BBQ sauce and grilled to perfection, making them juicy and full of flavor.
Get ready for some fun at the grill—these skewers are a hit at every BBQ! I love serving them with fresh veggies and a smile. Plus, cleanup is easy; just toss leftover bamboo sticks away!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness, but breasts are a lean option. You can also use tofu for a vegetarian version; just marinate and grill it in the same way!
BBQ Sauce: Store-bought sauce is quick, but homemade can be more flavorful. Try mixing ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and a splash of vinegar if you’re feeling adventurous!
Smoked Paprika: This adds a lovely smoky flavor. If unavailable, you can use regular paprika or even cayenne for some heat, but adjust the amount to your spice preference.
Honey: This is optional but adds a nice sweetness. Maple syrup or agave can work as substitutes if you’re looking for alternatives.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Skewers Cook Evenly on the Grill?
One key to perfect chicken skewers is ensuring the chicken cooks evenly. Here are some tips:
- Cut the chicken into uniform pieces (about 1.5 inches) so they cook at the same rate.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Don’t crowd the skewers; leaving space between pieces helps heat circulate.
- Use medium-high heat and turn the skewers every few minutes for even grilling.
Following these steps will help you achieve perfectly cooked, juicy chicken skewers that everyone will love!
Best BBQ Chicken Skewers for Grilling
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soaked in water for 30 minutes before use)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious BBQ chicken skewers recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and at least 1 hour for marinating, preferably 3-4 hours for the best flavor. Then, grilling takes around 10-12 minutes. So, all in all, plan for at least 1 hour and 15 minutes to up to 4 hours including marinating time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
Start by grabbing a large bowl. Whisk together the BBQ sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, honey (if using), and lemon juice. This mixture will be your tasty marinade!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the bowl with the marinade. Stir it well so all the chicken gets coated. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. For more flavor, let it marinate for 3-4 hours if you can!
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, it’s a great time to preheat your grill to medium-high heat, which is around 400°F (200°C). This ensures a great sear on the skewers!
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Once the chicken is marinated, take it out of the fridge. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving some space between each piece. This helps them cook evenly. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure they’re soaked to avoid burning!
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes to get that beautiful grill mark. Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Glaze and Finish:
If you want extra flavor, brush some more BBQ sauce on the skewers during the last few minutes of grilling. This creates a nice, sticky glaze!
7. Let Them Rest:
Once the skewers are done, carefully remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute in the chicken, keeping them juicy!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if you like. Serve these delicious skewers with your favorite sides, like grilled vegetables or coleslaw, and watch everyone enjoy your masterpiece!
Enjoy your flavorful, juicy BBQ chicken skewers, perfect for any grilling occasion!
FAQ about BBQ Chicken Skewers
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add more flavor to your skewers. Just keep the cooking time the same, as both breasts and thighs will cook through around the same duration on the grill.
What BBQ Sauce Should I Use?
You can use any BBQ sauce you love! Store-bought sauces are convenient, but if you prefer homemade, mix ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and vinegar for a delicious alternative.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but you can let it sit in the marinade for up to 4 hours. Just avoid excessively long marinating times as the chicken may become too soft.
How Do I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on a skillet over low heat to maintain their juicy texture. Enjoy them in salads or wraps for a tasty lunch!
