These BBQ chicken skewers are juicy and bursting with flavor, perfect for grilling at summer cookouts. Tender chicken pieces are marinated for extra yumminess!
Let’s be real, who doesn’t love food on a stick? I love serving them with tangy dipping sauces for fun. Easy to make and even easier to eat—what’s not to like?
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for skewering since they stay juicy on the grill. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for this recipe. If you want to cut sugar, try a sugar-free version or make your own using tomato sauce and spices. I enjoy the tang of a spicy BBQ sauce for extra kick!
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken on the grill. If you’re vegan, agave nectar or maple syrup makes great substitutes. Both will give a similar effect without altering the taste much.
Spices: If you’re out of garlic or onion powder, minced fresh garlic and onion work well. Adjust the amount to fit your taste – I often go heavier on the garlic!
Skewers: Make sure to soak bamboo skewers in water to prevent burning. Metal skewers are reusable and eliminate this step. I love using colorful metal skewers that add a fun touch!
How Can I Ensure My Chicken Skewers Stay Juicy and Flavorful?
The key to juicy chicken skewers is proper marinating and cooking. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but if you can, let it sit for up to 4 hours. This allows all those flavors to sink in!
- Mix your marinade ingredients well before adding the chicken to coat it evenly.
- When grilling, make sure to preheat the grill for a nice sear. This keeps moisture inside.
- Aim for medium-high heat, which is perfect for cooking the chicken without drying it out.
- Turn the skewers frequently for even cooking, and apply extra BBQ sauce in the last few minutes to keep it flavorful.
Finally, let the skewers rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps redistribute the juices. Trust me, this small step makes all the difference!
The Best BBQ Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (plus more for brushing)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Bamboo or metal skewers (if using bamboo, soak in water for 30 minutes)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and at least 30 minutes to marinate, plus around 12 minutes for grilling. If you want more flavor, let the chicken marinate for up to 4 hours. All in all, you’ll have delicious BBQ chicken skewers ready in about 1 hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, olive oil, honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined to create a tasty marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the cubed chicken breasts to the marinade. Toss them around in the bowl to ensure every piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours if you have the time for extra flavor!
3. Prep the Grill and Skewers:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you are using bamboo skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling. If you’re using metal skewers, they’re ready to go!
4. Assemble the Skewers:
After marinating, take the chicken out of the fridge. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, spacing them snugly but not too tightly together so they can cook evenly.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Lightly oil the grill grates to stop the chicken from sticking. Place the chicken skewers on the grill. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally. You’re looking for nice grill marks and for the chicken to be cooked through.
6. Brush with Sauce:
In the last few minutes of cooking, brush some extra barbecue sauce over the chicken skewers to make them even more delicious!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your BBQ chicken skewers hot, garnished with lime wedges and paired with your favorite sides like avocado dip or grilled corn.
Enjoy making these tasty BBQ chicken skewers!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat for These Skewers?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with other proteins like beef, pork, or shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time: beef and pork generally need about the same time as chicken, while shrimp will cook much more quickly—just 5-7 minutes until they’re pink and opaque.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover BBQ chicken skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave them for 1-2 minutes.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes, making the marinade ahead of time is a great idea! Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before using it. Just remember to give it a good stir before marinating your chicken to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed.
What Can I Use Instead of Barbecue Sauce?
If you’re looking for a different flavor, you can use teriyaki sauce, a homemade honey mustard, or even a yogurt-based marinade. Just keep in mind that the taste will vary, so choose a substitute that will complement your preferences!
