These BBQ chicken skewers are juicy, flavorful, and super easy to make! Tender pieces of chicken marinated in a tangy sauce are grilled to perfection on a skewer. What’s not to love?
They’re great for backyard parties or cozy dinners. I can’t resist sneaking bites off the grill—who can? 🙈 Serve them with some fresh veggies for a tasty meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless breasts are great for skewers because they cook evenly. If you want a juicier option, you could use thighs instead, which are more flavorful and less likely to dry out.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or make your own! A mix of ketchup, vinegar, honey, and spices is quick to whip up. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try a sugar-free sauce.
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the marinade. Feel free to substitute with avocado oil or melted coconut oil if you prefer a different flavor or if you’re cooking at higher temperatures.
Spices: The garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika are key for flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works too but without that smoky kick. You could even try a bit of chili powder for some heat!
How Do You Marinate Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating is all about letting the chicken soak up flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix your marinade in a large bowl, ensuring all ingredients combine well.
- Once you add the chicken, make sure every piece is fully coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in the fridge. The longer you marinate—up to 4 hours—the more flavorful the chicken will be.
- Also, consider using a zip-top bag for easy coating and cleaning! Just squeeze out the air before sealing it.
Remember, marinating is a simple step that can take your chicken skewers to a whole new level!
The Best BBQ Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other Essentials:
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling)
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour to marinate the chicken. After marinating, grilling will take around 10-15 minutes. So, in total, you’ll need about 1 hour and 25 minutes to make these delicious BBQ chicken skewers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. This flavorful marinade will soak into the chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade. Make sure all the pieces are well coated in that yummy mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. The longer you let it sit (up to 4 hours), the more flavor the chicken will absorb. Yum!
3. Get Ready to Grill:
When you’re close to finishing the marinade time, it’s time to prepare your grill! Preheat it to medium-high heat so it’s hot and ready for those tasty skewers.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Take the chicken out of the fridge and thread the marinated pieces onto your skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. This helps them cook evenly and get that perfect char. Make sure not to pack them too tightly!
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes. Remember to turn them occasionally so they get grill marks and cook evenly. Keep an eye on the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safely cooked.
6. Add More Flavor:
If you like, during the last few minutes of grilling, brush on some additional BBQ sauce for even more deliciousness!
7. Let Them Rest:
Once they’re done grilling, take the skewers off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve your BBQ chicken skewers with lime wedges on the side! If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh cilantro or parsley for a lovely garnish. Dig in and enjoy your tasty creation!
## FAQ – BBQ Chicken Skewers
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative! They stay juicier during grilling, which adds wonderful flavor. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces as the chicken breasts for even cooking.
What Can I Use Instead of BBQ Sauce?
If you don’t have BBQ sauce on hand, you can use a combination of honey, soy sauce, and vinegar to create a sweet and tangy marinade. Alternatively, a teriyaki sauce or a homemade sauce with ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and spices works well too!
How Do I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or reheat on a grill or stovetop pan for a few minutes until heated through.
Can I Make These Skewers in the Oven?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet and cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. Broil for the last minute to get a nice char on the chicken, if desired!
