These BBQ chicken skewers are juicy and packed with flavor! Marinated in a tangy barbecue sauce, each bite is both sweet and smoky, making them a perfect treat for any gathering.
It’s so much fun to grill these up and see everyone’s smiles when they take a bite. I love serving them with fresh veggies on the side—talk about a tasty meal that everyone enjoys!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for skewers because they cook evenly. If you’re looking for a different protein, try using boneless thighs or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
BBQ Sauce: Choose a BBQ sauce you love! There are many varieties available—smoky, spicy, or sweet. If you want it healthier, consider making your own sauce with tomato paste, vinegar, honey, and spices.
Olive Oil: While olive oil adds a nice flavor, any cooking oil like canola or avocado oil can work. For a different twist, use coconut oil for added sweetness.
Spices: The smoked paprika gives a nice depth to the flavor, but if you’re out, regular paprika or even chili powder can be a good substitute. Don’t forget to adjust to your taste!
Fresh Herbs: Cilantro is my go-to, but if that’s not your flavor, fresh basil or parsley can also brighten up the dish quite nicely.
How Do I Properly Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating is a key step in enhancing the chicken’s taste. If done right, it can really elevate your skewers. Here’s how to do it:
- Mix your marinade ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
- Add chicken cubes, making sure each piece is well coated.
- Cover and let it sit in the fridge; the longer, the better—up to 24 hours is great for deep flavor.
- Remember, even 30 minutes can work wonders if you’re short on time. Just ensure they’re coated well!
The Best BBQ Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if wooden)
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Fresh herbs (like cilantro or basil) for garnish
- Optional: Avocado or guacamole for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating the chicken. The grilling will take another 10-15 minutes. So, altogether, expect to spend around 1 hour to enjoy these tasty BBQ chicken skewers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
Start by grabbing a large bowl. In it, mix together the BBQ sauce, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors. This marinade is what will give your chicken its delicious BBQ taste!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Next, add the cubed chicken to the marinade. Use your hands or a spoon to toss the chicken pieces around until they are well coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge. It’s best to let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, letting it sit overnight makes the flavor even better!
3. Preheat and Prepare the Grill:
While the chicken marinates, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This is the perfect temperature to get those nice grill marks and cook the chicken through. If you are using wooden skewers, make sure they’ve been soaking in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
4. Thread the Chicken:
After marinating, it’s time to get threading! Take the chicken cubes out of the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Carefully thread the chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece so they cook evenly. You can fit about 4-5 pieces of chicken on each skewer.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Now, place your skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure they don’t stick and cook evenly. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is cooked through and has a lovely char on the outside.
6. Glaze with BBQ Sauce:
In the last few minutes of grilling, brush some extra BBQ sauce over the chicken skewers for an extra pop of flavor. This helps to caramelize the sauce just a bit, making it even tastier!
7. Serve:
Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully remove the skewers from the grill. Serve them hot with lime wedges on the side, and don’t forget fresh herbs for garnish! If you like, provide some guacamole or sliced avocado for dipping. Enjoy your delicious BBQ chicken skewers!
Can I Use Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative as they remain juicy and tender when grilled. Just ensure they’re cut into similar 1-inch cubes for even cooking. The marinade will work wonderfully with thighs too!
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 30 minutes for a lighter flavor, but marinating overnight will give you a more intense flavor. Just remember to keep it in the refrigerator while marinating to keep the chicken safe.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Skewers?
No worries! You can grill the chicken directly on the grill grates. Just make sure to oil the grill before cooking to prevent sticking. You could also use a grill basket for easier handling and to avoid losing any pieces.
How Do I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the grill over low heat to maintain moisture. Enjoy them cold in salads or wraps, too!
