These BBQ chicken skewers are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for grilling! You’ll love the sweet and tangy sauce that makes them irresistible. Plus, they cook up quickly for those busy evenings!
Nothing beats the smell of these skewers on the grill! I often serve them with a side of veggies for a colorful plate, and I can’t help but sneak a bite before they hit the table! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast holds up well on skewers. You can swap it for thigh meat if you like it juicier and more flavorful. For a vegetarian option, firm tofu or hearty vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini will also work well.
BBQ Sauce: Your favorite BBQ sauce works best here. If you want to make it healthier, consider using a low-sugar or homemade version. You can also try teriyaki sauce for an Asian twist.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil gives a nice flavor, but any neutral oil like canola or grapeseed oil can replace it. If you want more flavor, try using garlic-infused oil.
Spices: Garlic and onion powder flavor the marinade nicely. If you don’t have them, fresh minced garlic and chopped onions can be used instead. Smoked paprika adds a great depth; if you can’t find it, regular paprika will do, but it won’t have that smoky taste.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Skewers Are Juicy and Flavorful?
Marinating is key for juicy chicken skewers! The marinade not only adds flavor but also helps keep the chicken moist. Here’s how to get the best results:
- Mix all marinade ingredients well, and make sure the chicken is fully coated.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. For better flavor, aim for a few hours or even overnight if time allows.
- When threading, leave a little space between pieces on the skewer. This allows even cooking and great grill marks!
- Cook on a preheated grill, turning occasionally. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
The Best BBQ Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for serving)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Fresh herbs (such as cilantro or basil) for garnish
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes before use)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for preparation, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating the chicken. Cooking on the grill takes about 10-15 minutes. So, all in all, you should allocate around 50 minutes to enjoy these delicious BBQ chicken skewers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed. This will be the tasty marinade for your chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the bowl with the marinade. Use a spoon or your hands to make sure each piece of chicken is covered with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or longer if you have time. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be!
3. Prepare for Grilling:
While your chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to cook. Once the chicken has marinated, take your soaked wooden skewers and start threading the marinated chicken pieces onto them. Leave a little space between each piece to help them cook evenly.
4. Grill the Skewers:
Place the chicken skewers on the hot grill. Cook them for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally so they get nice grill marks on all sides. If you like, you can brush some extra BBQ sauce on them during the last few minutes of grilling for extra flavor!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove the skewers from the grill. Serve them hot, garnished with lime wedges and fresh herbs. Don’t forget to offer some extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious BBQ chicken skewers!
Can I Use Dark Meat Instead of Chicken Breast?
Absolutely! Dark meat, such as chicken thighs, works great for skewers as it stays juicy and flavorful. Just be sure to cut the pieces into similar sizes for even cooking. Adjust the cooking time slightly if the pieces are larger, as dark meat may take a bit longer than breast meat.
How Do I Keep the Skewers from Burning on the Grill?
Soaking the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes, as noted in the recipe, helps prevent burning. Additionally, you can try wrapping the exposed tips in aluminum foil. This will protect them from direct heat while cooking!
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Yes! Marinating the chicken overnight can enhance the flavor even more. Just make sure to keep it in the refrigerator and not go beyond 24 hours to prevent the chicken from becoming mushy.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them on a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes or pop them in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes. You can also enjoy them cold or on a salad!
