These BBQ chicken skewers are juicy and full of flavor! They’re easy to whip up with tender chicken, colorful veggies, and a delicious barbecue sauce that brings it all together.
I can’t resist these skewers at a summer cookout! They’re perfect to share with friends, and they disappear fast. Just make sure to grab one before they’re all gone! 😂
What I love about this recipe is how simple it is. Just thread your ingredients on skewers, brush with barbecue sauce, and grill them up. It’s a tasty treat for any occasion!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for skewers because they cook evenly. If you’re looking for something different, try thighs for a juicier option or even shrimp for a quick cook. Just be sure to adjust cooking times!
Barbecue Sauce: You can use store-bought for convenience, but homemade is great if you have the time. If you’re in a pinch, any sweet, tangy sauce works—like teriyaki or a spicy salsa if you’re up for some heat!
Olive Oil: This adds richness and helps prevent sticking. You can substitute with other oils like canola or avocado oil if you prefer. I especially love using avocado oil for its high smoke point and mild flavor!
Smoked Paprika: This ingredient gives a delicious smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika works too, but you might miss out on that smoky punch. You can also add a touch of liquid smoke if you’re feeling adventurous!
Honey: This is optional, but it adds a nice sweetness. If you’re avoiding sugar, maple syrup or agave syrup can work well as alternatives. Even a bit of brown sugar will do the trick!
How Do I Properly Marinate the Chicken?
Marinating the chicken is key to adding flavor and moisture. Make sure to cover all pieces of the chicken thoroughly with the marinade. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix the marinade ingredients in a bowl until uniform.
- Add the chicken cubes, ensuring they’re all evenly coated. Use your hands for best results!
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the fridge. For the best flavor, let it marinate for at least 30 minutes but no more than 2 hours to keep the chicken tender.
Remember, marinating longer can enhance the flavors but don’t overdo it, especially if the marinade has acid like lime juice, as it can make the chicken mushy.
The Best BBQ Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for sweetness)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Juice of 1 lime
For Assembly:
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
- Lime wedges and fresh herbs (like cilantro or basil) for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 30 minutes to 2 hours for marinating the chicken, and another 15 minutes for grilling. In total, you can expect to spend around 1 hour, including soaking the skewers and letting everything cook. It’s easy, fun, and perfect for your next BBQ!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This will help prevent them from burning on the grill. If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this step!
2. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, olive oil, honey (if you want a touch of sweetness), minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and lime juice. Stir well to combine all the flavors into a delicious marinade.
3. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the cubed chicken to the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each piece is well coated in the mixture. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or if you have time, up to 2 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be!
4. Preheat the Grill:
Get your grill ready by preheating it to medium-high heat. If you’re using charcoal, arrange the coals for direct cooking. You want a hot grill to get those nice grill marks on your chicken!
5. Assemble the Skewers:
Now it’s time to thread the chicken. Take the marinated chicken pieces and thread them onto the skewers. Leave a little space between each piece for even cooking. This will help them grill up nicely.
6. Grill the Skewers:
Before placing the skewers on the grill, lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook them for about 12-15 minutes. Turn them occasionally so they cook evenly. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe eating!
7. Brush with BBQ Sauce:
If you like extra flavor, brush some additional barbecue sauce onto the skewers during the last few minutes of grilling. This will add a nice glaze!
8. Rest and Garnish:
Once the chicken skewers are cooked through, take them off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle. Before serving, garnish with fresh lime wedges and herbs for a colorful touch. Enjoy your BBQ chicken skewers with your favorite sides!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken for These Skewers?
Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs for a juicier option or even chicken tenders if you prefer. Just be mindful of the cooking time since darker meat like thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Skewers?
Yes! Bell peppers, onions, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini are great additions. Just make sure to cut the vegetables into similar sizes as the chicken pieces for even cooking. You might want to soak the wooden skewers longer if you’re adding veggies to ensure they stay moist while grilling.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, just until heated through.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just add the chicken right before you’re ready to grill. This will save you time and allow the chicken to absorb all those delicious flavors!
