These BBQ chicken skewers are juicy, flavorful bites perfect for summer grilling! Marinated in a tasty sauce, they’re easy to make and always a hit at cookouts.
My secret? I never skip the veggies on the skewers! Green peppers and onions add crunch, and they soak up all that BBQ goodness. Can’t wait to share! 🍗💚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for grilling. They cook evenly and stay juicy. If you’re looking for a change, try using chicken thighs for a bit more flavor and tenderness.
BBQ Sauce: Your choice of BBQ sauce can change the whole flavor profile! I love a tangy sauce, but feel free to use sweet, spicy, or even homemade BBQ sauce. If you’re making it from scratch, a blend of ketchup, vinegar, and spices can work great!
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and helps create a nice glaze on the chicken. If you’re looking for a substitute, maple syrup or agave nectar can do the trick. For a sugar-free option, try using a sugar substitute like monk fruit or stevia.
Skewers: Wooden skewers need soaking to prevent burning. If you forget to soak them, metal skewers are a great alternative since they won’t catch fire. Just be careful—they can get really hot!
How Do You Ensure Even Cooking on Skewers?
Threading the chicken evenly on the skewers is crucial so that everything cooks uniformly.
- Leave a small gap between each piece for better air circulation and cooking.
- Use a mix of pieces if you like—small chunks or even bell peppers and onions add color and flavor!
- Cook on medium-high heat, turning the skewers to get nice grill marks and even cooking all around.
- Always check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety and juiciness!
Best BBQ Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for serving)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Skewering:
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 15 minutes for preparation, plus at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken. You’ll also need around 10-12 minutes for grilling. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour to enjoy these delicious BBQ chicken skewers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, add the BBQ sauce, olive oil, honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk to blend everything together until it’s smooth and combined. This mixture will make your chicken juicy and flavorful!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take the chicken pieces and add them to the marinade in the bowl. Stir well to ensure all the chicken is coated evenly. Once coated, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes—if you have time, let it sit for up to 2 hours for even better flavor.
3. Grill the Chicken Skewers:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While the grill is heating, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, making sure to leave a little space between each piece. This helps the chicken cook evenly!
4. Cooking the Skewers:
Once the grill is ready, place the skewers on it cautiously. Grill the chicken for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally; you want to make sure they cook evenly and get those lovely grill marks. The chicken is done when it’s no longer pink in the center and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
5. Finish and Serve:
During the last few minutes of cooking, brush some extra BBQ sauce over the skewers to enhance the flavor. Once cooked, take the skewers off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve with additional BBQ sauce and some lime wedges on the side. Enjoy your tasty BBQ chicken skewers!
Can I Use Thighs Instead of Breasts for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative as they stay juicier and more flavorful. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so always check the internal temperature for safety.
What BBQ Sauce Works Best?
You can use any BBQ sauce you like, but for best results, choose one that’s not too watery; thicker sauces adhere better to the chicken and create a nice crust on the grill. Try a sweet and tangy variety for an extra flavor kick!
Can I Prepare These Skewers Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Just make sure to keep it covered in the fridge. When it’s time to cook, simply skewer and grill as directed.
How Should I Store Leftover BBQ Chicken Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them on a grill, stovetop, or microwave, but be mindful not to overcook them again to prevent drying out.
