These BBQ chicken skewers are juicy, tender, and packed with flavor! With a simple marinade and just a few ingredients, they make for a fun meal at any cookout.
There’s something about grilled chicken on a stick that just feels like summer, right? I love serving them with a colorful salad on the side. Perfect for sharing (or not)! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts is my go-to for skewers since they cook evenly. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs are a great and juicy alternative.
Barbecue Sauce: Feel free to use your favorite store-bought sauce or make your own! You can even swap it for teriyaki sauce for an Asian twist. If you’re watching sugar intake, look for reduced-sugar options.
Honey: Honey adds a nice sweetness, but you can substitute it with maple syrup or agave nectar if preferred. Just keep in mind it may alter the flavor slightly.
Olive Oil: This helps with marinating and cooking. If you don’t have olive oil, any mild oil like canola or avocado oil will work just fine.
Fresh Herbs: Cilantro or basil add a fresh taste. If you’re not a fan, parsley or green onions can be used instead, or you can skip herbs altogether if you prefer.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Skewers Are Juicy and Well-Cooked?
Getting juicy chicken skewers can seem tricky, but with a few key tips, you’ll nail it every time! The marinade not only adds flavor but also keeps the chicken moist during cooking. Here’s how to get it right:
- Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents burning.
- Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least an hour. Overnight is even better!
- When threading, leave a little space between each chicken cube. This helps them cook evenly.
- Preheat the grill well to medium-high before putting the skewers on. A hot grill gives those perfect grill marks.
- Turn the skewers occasionally but don’t move them too much. Let them sear properly!
By following these tips, your skewers will not only taste amazing but also look great on the plate. Enjoy your BBQ chicken skewers with a squeeze of lime for a refreshing kick!
The Best BBQ Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your choice)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Skewering and Serving:
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Fresh herbs (e.g., cilantro or basil), for garnish (optional)
- Additional barbecue sauce, for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 1 hour for marinating the chicken. You’ll then need about 12 minutes for cooking on the grill. So, if you plan ahead, you can have delicious BBQ chicken skewers ready in about 1 hour and 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, place them in a bowl of water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This step is important! Soaking prevents them from burning while the chicken cooks on the grill.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, olive oil, honey, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This tasty marinade will ensure your chicken is flavorful and succulent!
3. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the cubed chicken breast to the bowl, making sure all the pieces are well-coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight if you want an even richer flavor.
4. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, fire up your grill and set it to medium-high heat. This will help achieve those delicious grill marks on the chicken!
5. Assemble the Skewers:
Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge. Thread the chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. This will allow the chicken to cook evenly and get that perfect char.
6. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Turn them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly and get beautiful grill marks. Your chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7. Add Extra Flavor:
During the last few minutes of grilling, brush some additional barbecue sauce over the chicken skewers. This adds even more tasty flavor and stickiness!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the skewers are done, carefully remove them from the grill. If you want, sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for a lovely touch. Serve the skewers hot with lime wedges on the side and some extra barbecue sauce for drizzling. Enjoy your delicious BBQ chicken skewers!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat for These Skewers?
Absolutely! You can swap the chicken for beef, pork, or even shrimp. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary; for example, shrimp cooks faster, while beef or pork may require a bit longer to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature.
What Can I Use Instead of Wooden Skewers?
If you don’t have wooden skewers, metal skewers are a great alternative! They can be reused multiple times and won’t need soaking. Just be careful as they can get very hot on the grill, so use oven mitts when handling them!
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 1 hour or up to 24 hours. The longer it marinates, the more intense the flavor will be. Just be cautious not to exceed 24 hours as the texture could become mushy due to the acidity in the barbecue sauce.
How to Store Leftover BBQ Chicken Skewers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the grill until warmed through. If you’re reheating from frozen, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
