These BBQ chicken skewers are full of flavor and super easy to make! Marinated in a tasty BBQ sauce, they get a nice char while grilling, making them juicy and delicious.
Just imagine tearing into these tasty bites with friends at a backyard BBQ! I love serving them with fresh veggies on the side. It’s a fun and tasty meal everyone will enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless are best for skewers. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could use chicken thighs, which stay juicy and tender. Alternatively, firm tofu works for a vegetarian option.
Barbecue Sauce: Store-bought sauces are convenient, but homemade adds personal touch! If you’re avoiding sugar, try a low-sugar or vinegar-based sauce. A spicy sauce can also give your skewers a nice kick.
Olive Oil: This adds moisture and helps with grilling. You can swap it with avocado oil for a higher smoke point or use melted coconut oil for a different flavor. Just ensure whatever oil you use is suitable for high heat.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds tanginess to the marinade. If you don’t have it, white vinegar or lemon juice can be effective substitutes. They both bring acidity to balance the sweetness of the sauce.
Spices (Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder): These contribute big flavors! You can mix it up with smoked paprika if you’re after a smoky taste. Fresh garlic and onion can replace the powders, just adjust the quantity to taste.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Skewers Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken skewers can be tricky, but you can nail it with a few tips! First, cut the chicken into uniform cubes. This way, everything cooks evenly. Before grilling, ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high. It helps get those nice grill marks and cook the chicken quickly.
- Assemble the skewers with a little space between each piece to promote even cooking.
- Monitor the internal temperature with a meat thermometer, aiming for 165°F (74°C).
- Turning the skewers regularly helps avoid burning and ensures everything cooks evenly.
If you want extra flavor, brush on more barbecue sauce in the last few minutes of cooking. This creates a sticky, delicious glaze!
The Best BBQ Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak them in water for 30 minutes)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes for prep, plus additional marinating time of at least 30 minutes (ideally 1-2 hours or overnight), and around 15 minutes for grilling. In total, you’re looking at approximately 1 hour for quick preparation and marinating, plus grilling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into 1 to 2-inch cubes. This ensures that each piece cooks evenly on the grill.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your barbecue sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk or spoon to mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth.
3. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes into the marinade, making sure they’re all well coated in that delicious sauce. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for even better flavor, aim for 1-2 hours or overnight if you have the time!
4. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F or 200°C. This will help you get those nice grill marks on your chicken.
5. Assemble the Skewers:
Once the chicken is marinated and the grill is ready, take your skewers and carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces onto them. Leave a little space between each piece so they can cook evenly without steaming.
6. Grill the Skewers:
Place your chicken skewers on the grill. Let them cook for about 10-15 minutes, making sure to turn them occasionally. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C, and you see beautiful grill marks!
7. Finish with Extra BBQ Sauce:
If you love extra flavor, during the last few minutes of grilling, brush on some additional barbecue sauce for a glaze that will make the skewers extra tasty.
8. Serve:
Once done, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This will keep them juicy! Serve with lime wedges and any sides or toppings you enjoy, like avocado dip, more barbecue sauce, or grilled veggies.
Enjoy your delicious BBQ chicken skewers!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use thigh meat instead of chicken breasts for a juicier option. Just make sure to cut the thighs into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. Also, if you’re looking for a lower-fat alternative, skinless chicken tenders work well too!
What If I Don’t Have Barbecue Sauce?
No worries! You can easily make a quick homemade barbecue sauce using ketchup, honey, apple cider vinegar, and spices like paprika or cayenne. Mix 1 cup of ketchup, 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of your favorite spices to taste for a delicious DIY option!
How to Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or on the grill for a few minutes to get that fresh grill flavor back!
Can I Make These Skewers in the Oven?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning once during cooking, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This is a great alternative if you don’t have access to a grill!
