These BBQ chicken skewers are juicy and packed with flavor! Marinated in a tangy sauce, they are grilled to perfection, making them a hit at any cookout.
There’s something fun about eating off a stick, right? 😂 I love tossing these on the grill in summer and serving them with a side of corn on the cob. It’s a true feast!
Making these skewers is a breeze! Just marinate, skewer the chicken, and grill them for a quick and tasty meal that everyone will enjoy. You won’t have leftovers, trust me!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Chicken breast is lean and cooks quickly. You can also use chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness. They may take a bit longer to cook but are often more forgiving if overcooked.
BBQ Sauce: The soul of your skewers! Choose your favorite flavor, whether sweet, tangy, or spicy. If you’re out, you can mix ketchup with a splash of vinegar and some spices for a quick substitute!
Olive Oil: Olive oil helps keep the chicken moist while grilling. If you’re looking for a different flavor, avocado oil works well, too, and has a high smoke point which is great for grilling.
Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika add depth to the flavor. Replace smoked paprika with regular paprika if you prefer less smokiness, or add a pinch of cayenne for heat!
Lime: Fresh lime juice brightens the dish. If lime isn’t available, lemon juice can work as a good substitute. The citrus helps cut through the richness of the BBQ sauce.
How Can You Get Perfectly Cooked Chicken Skewers?
The key to delicious BBQ chicken skewers is cooking them properly to keep them juicy. Here are some tips:
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This helps to tenderize the meat and soak up all the flavors.
- Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat. This will help achieve those beautiful grill marks and prevent sticking.
- Thread the chicken pieces closely on the skewers, but don’t pack them too tightly to allow airflow for even cooking.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping occasionally. You want a nice char on each side, but keep an eye on the temperature.
- Brush on BBQ sauce in the last few minutes of cooking. This will caramelize and create a sticky glaze that’s delicious!
- Let the skewers rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
The Best BBQ Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your choice of flavor)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Fresh herbs (like basil or cilantro), for garnish
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak them in water for 30 minutes)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy and delicious recipe takes about 30-60 minutes for marinating the chicken, plus 15-20 minutes for grilling. That’s a total of around 45 minutes to 1 hour. Perfect for a quick meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinating the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, add the chicken pieces and drizzle in the olive oil. Then sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the chicken. Toss everything together until the chicken is fully coated with the seasonings. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. This step will help to infuse the chicken with flavor!
2. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, it’s a good time to get your grill ready. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that your chicken will cook evenly and get those lovely grill marks.
3. Assembling the Skewers:
Once the chicken has marinated, take it out of the fridge. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure they have been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Start threading the marinated chicken pieces onto your skewers, packing them closely but not too tightly. This helps them cook evenly.
4. Grilling the Skewers:
Carefully place the skewers on the grill. Grill them for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning them occasionally so they cook evenly on all sides. You want the chicken to be cooked through and have nice, brown grill marks.
5. Adding the BBQ Sauce:
During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the skewers with your chosen BBQ sauce. This gives them a nice sticky glaze and adds extra flavor!
6. Letting Them Rest:
Once the chicken skewers are done, remove them from the grill and let them sit for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy before you dig in!
7. Serving:
Serve your BBQ chicken skewers with lime wedges on the side. Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your skewers with extra BBQ sauce if you like it saucy!
Can I Use Bone-in Chicken Instead of Boneless Chicken for Skewers?
While you can use bone-in chicken, it’s not recommended for skewers since it takes longer to cook through and may not cook evenly. If you prefer using bone-in pieces, consider removing the bones or adjusting the cooking time accordingly, which could be about 15-20 minutes longer. Boneless chicken is ideal for ensuring tender pieces throughout.
What Can I Use Instead of BBQ Sauce?
If you don’t have BBQ sauce on hand, you can make a simple marinade using a mix of soy sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar for a sweet and savory flavor. Alternatively, teriyaki sauce or a spicy harissa paste can add a unique twist to your skewers. Just be mindful of the saltiness and adjust seasoning accordingly!
How to Store Leftover BBQ Chicken Skewers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave them for a quick option, but for the best results, reheat on a grill or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to retain the texture and flavor. Brush with a bit more BBQ sauce, if desired, to freshen up the taste!
Can I Prep These Skewers the Night Before?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and assemble the skewers the night before. Just cover them and store them in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making for even tastier skewers when you grill them the next day!
