These BBQ chicken skewers are juicy, tasty, and perfect for any cookout! Marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce, every bite is full of flavor. Plus, they grill up quickly!
Trust me, watching those chicken pieces get all charred and crispy makes me smile every time. 😄 I love serving them with a side of grilled veggies—it’s simple and always a hit!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Chicken breast is the go-to for skewers due to its lean protein. If you’re looking for a little more flavor and moisture, you might try using thighs instead. They stay juicier on the grill!
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce for this recipe. You can also experiment with homemade sauce or different flavors like honey BBQ or spicy chipotle. If you want a healthier option, opt for a low-sugar BBQ sauce.
Olive Oil: This adds moisture and helps the marinade stick. If you’re out of olive oil, avocado oil or canola oil works too! Just ensure it has a high smoke point for grilling.
Seasonings: Garlic powder and onion powder give great depth in flavor. If you prefer fresh ingredients, minced garlic and finely diced onions are perfect substitutes. Don’t forget to adjust the quantities to taste!
Skewers: Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning. If you’re in a rush, metal skewers are a great alternative and reusable. They heat up nicely and give a nice char on the chicken.
How Can You Ensure Even Cooking on the Grill?
The key to perfectly grilled chicken skewers is ensuring even cooking. Here are some steps to help:
- Ensure chicken cubes are evenly sized – aim for 1-inch pieces. This helps them cook at the same rate.
- Leave space between the chicken on the skewer. This allows hot air to circulate around each piece, cooking them evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill. Cook in smaller batches if needed, so each skewer gets enough heat.
- Use a meat thermometer! Cooking to an internal temperature of 165°F is crucial for juicy and safe chicken.
- Brush with BBQ sauce in the last few minutes. This adds flavor and prevents burning of the sauce during long cooking times.
Remember to let the skewers rest a bit after grilling; it helps retain moisture. Enjoy your cooking!
The Best BBQ Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your choice of flavor)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (soaked in water if wooden)
For Serving:
- Lime wedges
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
- Optional dipping sauce (additional BBQ sauce or ranch)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and marinating (1 hour minimum), followed by about 15 minutes for grilling. So overall, you should plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, including marinating time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, we’re getting things flavorful! Combine the BBQ sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s mixed well. This will be your lovely marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the cubed chicken breasts into your marinade. Toss them around so they are all evenly coated. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. If you have a bit more time, let it marinate for up to 4 hours. The longer, the better!
3. Prepare the Skewers:
If your skewers are wooden, soak them in water for about 30 minutes. This will help keep them from burning on the grill. If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this step.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Now let’s get assembling! Take the marinated chicken pieces and thread them onto the skewers. Make sure to leave a little space between the pieces so they cook evenly. It’s like putting together a fun puzzle!
5. Preheat the Grill:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You want it to be around 375-400°F (190-200°C). A hot grill means perfectly cooked chicken!
6. Grill the Skewers:
Place those chicken skewers on the grill and let them cook for about 10-12 minutes. Remember to turn them occasionally so they cook all over. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). For a little extra yumminess, brush some additional BBQ sauce on during the last few minutes of grilling.
7. Serve:
Once they’re done, take the skewers off the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Then, serve them with lime wedges for that zesty kick! Don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh cilantro or parsley on top if you’d like. Serve with a side of BBQ sauce or ranch for dipping, and you’re all set!
Enjoy your delicious BBQ chicken skewers!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can be a great alternative as they tend to be more flavorful and tender. Just keep in mind that they may need a slightly longer cooking time since they can vary in thickness. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C, just like with chicken breasts.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 1 hour, but for the best flavor, aim for 4 hours. If you need to marinate the chicken overnight, it’s best to reduce the amount of salt in the marinade slightly to prevent the chicken from becoming too salty.
How to Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat on the grill for a few minutes, or in the microwave if you’re short on time. Just be careful not to overcook, or they may dry out!
Can I Make These Skewers in the Oven?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches the appropriate internal temperature. You can also broil them for the last few minutes to get that nice char.
