BBQ Chicken Skewers are a classic summer dish that brings together tender chunks of chicken and a perfect smoky flavor.
These skewers are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile.
Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or simply looking for a delicious dinner idea, BBQ chicken skewers make for an unforgettable meal.
The combination of juicy grilled chicken, a savory marinade, and colorful vegetables is what makes them a crowd favorite.
In this recipe, we will walk you through the process step by step, ensuring that your skewers come out perfect every time.
What Are BBQ Chicken Skewers?
BBQ Chicken Skewers are a simple yet flavorful dish made by threading marinated chunks of chicken onto skewers.
They are often paired with vegetables and grilled over an open flame, giving the chicken a rich, smoky taste.
This method of cooking enhances the natural flavors of the chicken while adding a delicious char from the grill.
BBQ chicken skewers are a popular choice for outdoor gatherings, thanks to their ease of preparation and delicious results.
The beauty of BBQ chicken skewers is that you can customize them with a variety of vegetables, fruits, or even different marinades.
Some like to include peppers, onions, or even pineapple, adding layers of sweetness and charred flavor to the savory chicken.
These skewers are a great way to enjoy the grilling season with a meal that’s both fun to make and eat.
Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Skewers
To make BBQ Chicken Skewers, you’ll need a few basic ingredients, but feel free to get creative with your additions.
Start with boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs.
Chicken breast is leaner, while thighs offer more flavor and tenderness.
For the marinade, you’ll need olive oil, garlic, and a variety of seasonings like paprika, cumin, and chili powder to bring out that smoky barbecue flavor.
Adding a touch of vinegar or lemon juice will help tenderize the chicken and bring some tanginess to the mix.
In addition to the chicken, you can add vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or mushrooms.
These vegetables not only add color but also absorb the delicious marinade, becoming tender and flavorful when grilled.
Pineapple chunks are also a fantastic option if you’re looking to add a sweet contrast to the savory chicken.
Optional additions include fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to infuse extra fragrance, or even bacon for those who love a smoky, crispy twist on their skewers.
How to Prepare BBQ Chicken Skewers: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Cut and Skewer the Chicken
Begin by cutting the chicken into uniform, bite-sized chunks.
This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly on the grill.
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, alternating with vegetables or fruits if you’re adding them.
Be sure not to overcrowd the skewers to allow proper airflow for even grilling.
Step 2: Make the BBQ Marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, and your choice of seasonings like paprika, cumin, chili powder, and black pepper.
Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for acidity and to tenderize the chicken.
Whisk everything together until well combined, creating a smooth marinade.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Place the skewered chicken into a large resealable bag or a shallow dish.
Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure all pieces are well coated.
Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
For even more flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more intense the flavor will be.
Optional Add-Ons for BBQ Chicken Skewers
BBQ chicken skewers are highly customizable, so feel free to get creative with your add-ons.
You can add vegetables like bell peppers, red onions, zucchini, and mushrooms for extra color and flavor.
Pineapple chunks are a great addition if you enjoy a sweet contrast to the savory chicken.
For an even richer taste, wrap the chicken in bacon before threading it onto the skewer.
Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can be placed directly on the skewers for added fragrance and flavor.
To spice things up, you can sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce onto the skewers for an extra kick.
If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with adding different fruits like peaches or mangoes for a tropical twist.
The key is to mix and match flavors that complement the chicken and marinade.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover BBQ Chicken Skewers
If you have leftover BBQ chicken skewers, you can store them easily in the refrigerator or freezer.
To store in the fridge, simply place the skewers in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
Leftover BBQ chicken skewers will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
If you want to store them for a longer period, freeze the skewers.
Wrap them in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn.
When you’re ready to reheat, remove the skewers from the fridge or freezer.
To reheat in the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and bake the skewers for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
If reheating from frozen, you may want to bake them for a bit longer.
For grilling, you can place the skewers back on a preheated grill for a few minutes until warmed through.
Reheating in a microwave is an option, but it may make the chicken a bit less tender.
Conclusion
BBQ Chicken Skewers are a fantastic choice for any grilling occasion, offering a delicious mix of tender chicken, smoky flavors, and customizable ingredients.
Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or making a quick dinner, these skewers are easy to prepare, full of flavor, and versatile enough to fit any taste.
Experiment with different marinades, vegetables, and add-ons to create your perfect BBQ skewer.
Don’t forget to save any leftovers for a quick and tasty meal the next day.
Enjoy your BBQ Chicken Skewers and bring the summer grilling fun right to your table!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for skewers?Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in skewers. They are more flavorful and tend to stay juicier than chicken breasts, making them a great alternative.
- Can I make these skewers in the oven if I don’t have a grill?Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the skewers on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked.
- What vegetables work best with BBQ chicken skewers?Bell peppers, onions, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms are all great options. You can also add fruits like pineapple for a sweet twist.
- How do I make my BBQ chicken skewers spicier?To add heat, incorporate chili flakes, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper into the marinade. You can also use spicier peppers like jalapeños or serrano peppers on the skewers.
- Can I prepare the chicken skewers ahead of time?Yes! You can marinate the chicken and assemble the skewers the night before. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to grill.
BBQ Chicken Skewers
Equipment
- 4 wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Tongs
- Brush for basting (optional)
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into 1-inch chunks)
- 1 red bell pepper cut into chunks
- 1 green bell pepper cut into chunks
- 1 red onion cut into chunks
- 1 zucchini sliced into thick rounds
- 1 cup pineapple chunks optional
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the chicken and vegetables:
- Cut the chicken into uniform chunks. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Cut the vegetables (bell peppers, onion, zucchini) into large chunks.
Make the marinade:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic, paprika, cumin, chili powder, lemon juice or vinegar, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined.
Marinate the chicken:
- Place the chicken chunks in the marinade and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to an hour (or overnight for more flavor).
Assemble the skewers:
- Thread the marinated chicken, vegetables, and optional pineapple onto the soaked skewers, alternating between chicken and vegetables. Do not overcrowd the skewers to ensure even cooking.
Grill the skewers:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If desired, baste the skewers with leftover marinade during grilling for extra flavor.
Serve and enjoy:
- Remove the skewers from the grill and serve hot with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- For a spicier version, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
- If you prefer a sweeter BBQ flavor, consider adding honey or brown sugar to the marinade.
- You can easily make this recipe ahead of time by marinating the chicken overnight and assembling the skewers just before grilling.
- Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand, such as mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or eggplant.
