These BBQ chicken skewers are tasty, easy to make, and perfect for a fun meal! With juicy chicken pieces marinated in a sticky, sweet barbecue sauce, they’re sure to please everyone.
Who doesn’t love a meal on a stick? It’s like having a cookout in your backyard anytime! I like to serve mine with a side of fresh veggies for a colorful plate. Yummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juiciness and flavor. If you prefer a leaner option, chicken breasts can work too, but they might dry out more quickly during grilling.
Barbecue Sauce: You can use store-bought BBQ sauce, but homemade adds a personal touch! For a sweet kick, consider using honey BBQ sauce. If you’re watching sugar intake, try a sugar-free version or make your own using tomato paste and spices.
Olive Oil: This adds moisture and helps the chicken and spices stick. If you don’t have olive oil, vegetable oil or avocado oil are good alternatives. They both have high smoke points, perfect for grilling.
Smoked Paprika: It gives a wonderful smoky flavor. If you can’t find it, regular paprika will work, but it won’t be as smoky. Alternatively, use chili powder for a bit more heat.
Fresh Herbs: Cilantro is my go-to for garnish, but parsley is also lovely. If you want some zing, consider fresh mint instead.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Grilled Chicken Skewers?
Getting grilled chicken skewers just right can be a bit tricky, but it’s all about marinating and cooking techniques. Start with marinating to infuse flavor and tenderize the meat. The longer, the better! Aim for at least 30 minutes, but 4 hours is best.
- Soak wooden skewers in water while marinating. This prevents them from catching fire on the grill.
- Preheat the grill to 400°F. A well-heated grill helps achieve great grill marks.
- When skewering, pack the chicken pieces snugly but leaving space for heat circulation.
- Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for safety.
Finishing with extra BBQ sauce during the last moments of cooking enhances flavor beautifully. Enjoy your skewers!”
How to Make The Best BBQ Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Grilling:
- 8-10 wooden or metal skewers
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes of prep time, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating the chicken. If you have the time, letting the chicken marinate for up to 4 hours will enhance the flavor. Grill the skewers for about 10-15 minutes. Total time is approximately 1 hour including marination.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, olive oil, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss everything well until the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or even up to 4 hours if you want more flavor.
2. Prepare the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill. If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this step. Make sure all your ingredients and tools are ready before you start grilling.
3. Preheat the Grill:
Set your grill to medium-high heat, which is about 400°F. It’s a good idea to lightly grease the grill grates with some oil to help keep the chicken from sticking.
4. Skewer the Chicken:
Take the marinated chicken pieces and thread them onto the skewers. Pack the pieces closely together but leave a little space between them to help them cook evenly. It’s all about balance!
5. Grill the Skewers:
Now place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook the chicken for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally. You want to see nice grill marks and make sure the chicken is fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F, so you might want to use a meat thermometer just to be safe.
6. Glaze with Extra BBQ Sauce:
During the last few minutes of grilling, brush some additional barbecue sauce over the skewers for that extra sticky, flavorful glaze. Just a little bit will go a long way!
7. Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked through, take the skewers off the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Then, serve them up with lime wedges on the side and sprinkle some fresh cilantro or parsley on top for garnish. Enjoy your BBQ Chicken Skewers with your favorite sides, like grilled corn, salad, or coleslaw!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs for this recipe. Just keep in mind that chicken breasts may cook a bit faster, so check the internal temperature around the 10-minute mark to ensure they don’t dry out.
What If I Don’t Have Wooden Skewers?
No worries! If you don’t have wooden skewers, metal skewers work perfectly fine. Just remember that metal skewers can get hot, so use tongs or oven mitts when handling them to avoid burns.
Can I Prepare the Skewers in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the skewers ahead of time! Marinate the chicken and assemble the skewers, then cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. This allows for even more flavor to develop before grilling.
How to Store Leftover BBQ Chicken Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the grill for a few minutes until heated through. You can even serve them in wraps or salads for a yummy second meal!
