These BBQ chicken skewers are juicy, tasty, and easy to make! Marinated in a flavorful sauce, each bite is a smoky delight that’s perfect for summer grilling.
Honestly, I can’t resist them at cookouts. Plus, they cook quickly, so you won’t be waiting forever to feast. Just fire up the grill, and let the fun begin! 🍗🔥
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Chicken breast is ideal for skewers as it cooks evenly and is lean. If you’re looking for a juicier option, thigh meat is a great alternative; just remember it may take a bit longer to cook. For a vegetarian version, try cubed tofu or tempeh!
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce for convenience. For a homemade touch, mix ketchup with honey, vinegar, and some spices. If you want something lighter, consider brushing on a marinade of lemon juice and herbs instead.
Spices: The spices here are essentials! If you’re out of smoked paprika, regular paprika with a bit of cayenne can add nice heat. Garlic and onion powder can be swapped for fresh minced garlic or onion; just be cautious with the amounts to avoid overpowering flavors.
Wooden Skewers: Wooden skewers are classic! Just remember to soak them to prevent burning. If you don’t have skewers, a grill basket works just as well for grilling your chicken pieces.
How Do You Properly Marinate Chicken?
Marinating chicken helps boost flavor and tenderness. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl until smooth.
- Add chicken pieces, ensuring each piece is coated well.
- Cover and let it rest in the fridge—30 minutes is good, but if you have time, let it sit for up to 2 hours!
For best results, use a glass or plastic container, as metal can react with certain acids in the marinade. Don’t forget to shake or stir the mixture occasionally!
The Best BBQ Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for brushing)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if using)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful BBQ chicken skewers recipe takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to grill. Plus, you’ll want to give them at least 30 minutes to marinate, so the total time is around 1 hour including marination. Perfectly easy for a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
Grab a bowl and mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir it well until everything is nicely combined and you have a flavorful marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade. Make sure all the chicken is well-coated—this will help infuse it with lots of flavor! Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you want that extra punch of taste.
3. Prepare the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure they’ve been soaking in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Once your chicken is marinated, grab the skewers and thread the pieces onto them. You can fit about 4-5 pieces on each skewer—just make sure they’re evenly spaced out for cooking!
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally so they cook evenly. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe eating.
6. Brush with BBQ Sauce:
In the last few minutes of cooking, brush some extra BBQ sauce on the skewers. This adds a delicious glaze and extra flavor!
7. Let Them Rest:
Once they’re done, take the skewers off the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps keep them juicy!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the BBQ chicken skewers with lime wedges and your choice of sides like grilled corn or a fresh salad. Dive in and enjoy the deliciousness!
Can I Use Thigh Meat Instead of Chicken Breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative as they remain juicy and flavorful during grilling. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly, and follow the same marinating and grilling instructions.
Can I Make These Skewers Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken the night before! Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill. This will help deepen the flavor. Additionally, you can assemble the skewers in advance, but it’s best to grill them the same day for the best texture.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them on the grill, in the oven, or in the microwave. If using the microwave, heat in short increments to avoid drying them out.
Can I Use Store-Bought BBQ Sauce?
Definitely! Using store-bought BBQ sauce is a convenient option that can save you time without sacrificing flavor. Just choose your favorite brand, or pick one that’s low in sugar for a healthier alternative. You can also mix different sauces together to create your own unique flavor!
