The Best BBQ Chicken Skewers are a tasty treat for any cookout! Juicy chicken pieces are coated in a flavorful barbecue sauce and grilled on skewers to perfection.
These skewers are perfect for summer days and backyard fun. Honestly, I could eat these every day—just remember to have extra napkins ready! 😄
I love how easy they are to make. Just mix up the sauce, marinate the chicken, and throw them on the grill. They’re quick, delicious, and always a hit at parties!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal here for tender skewers. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey breast also works well. For a different texture, consider using chicken thighs; they’re juicier and can really boost flavor.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought brand or homemade sauce for the best flavor. If you’re trying to cut down on sugar, opt for a sugar-free BBQ sauce, or make your own with spices, tomato sauce, and a touch of vinegar.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds richness to the marinade, but any vegetable oil would do. If you want to add a bit more flavor, avocado oil or sesame oil could also be excellent substitutes.
Spices: Garlic powder and onion powder are great convenience spices. If you prefer fresh, use minced garlic and finely chopped onions. Smoked paprika gives a lovely smoky flavor – if you don’t have it, regular paprika is fine, but you’ll miss that depth.
Herbs: Fresh basil or cilantro adds a nice touch at the end. If you’re not a fan of either, parsley can be a good alternative. You could also sprinkle on some fresh herbs like dill or mint for a refreshing twist.
How Do I Get the Chicken Tender and Juicy?
Marinating the chicken is key to achieving tender and juicy skewers. This step infuses flavor and helps keep the chicken moist while cooking. Aim to let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes, but longer is better. If you can, refrigerate it for up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
- Mix the olive oil, spices, and BBQ sauce in a bowl before adding the chicken.
- Make sure to coat each piece well – this really helps with flavor and moisture retention.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers; give some space between the chicken pieces to ensure even cooking.
The Best BBQ Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)
- Fresh basil or cilantro for garnish (optional)
- Wooden or metal skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if wooden)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to grill. Plus, if you can marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to 2 hours, you’ll get even better flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with the spices. This step is crucial for packing in flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add ¾ cup of BBQ sauce to the chicken mixture and stir well to ensure all the pieces are covered. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or pop it in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours if you want to maximize the flavor.
3. Get the Grill Ready:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. To prevent the chicken from sticking, lightly oil the grill grates with a paper towel dipped in olive oil.
4. Skewer the Chicken:
Take the marinated chicken and thread it onto the skewers, making sure to leave a little space between each piece. This helps ensure even cooking and a nice char.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the chicken skewers on the preheated grill. Cook them for about 12-15 minutes, turning them occasionally, until the chicken is charred and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). It’s perfectly okay to make those grill marks!
6. Add Extra BBQ Sauce:
In the last few minutes of grilling, brush on some additional BBQ sauce to give the chicken an extra layer of flavor. Yum!
7. Rest and Serve:
When the chicken is cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices inside juicy and tender!
8. Enjoy Your Skewers!
Serve the BBQ chicken skewers with lime wedges and sprinkle fresh basil or cilantro on top if you’d like. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute for breasts as they tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized cubes for even cooking. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, so always check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What If I Don’t Have BBQ Sauce?
No worries! You can make a simple homemade BBQ sauce using ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and some of your favorite spices. Mix 1 cup of ketchup, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of vinegar, a teaspoon of garlic powder, and a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Adjust to taste and use it for marinating!
How to Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover BBQ chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or on the grill for a few minutes to keep them juicy. If you want to freeze leftovers, place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months; just remember to thaw them in the fridge before reheating.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Skewers?
Yes, adding vegetables is a fantastic idea! Bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes work really well. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces as the chicken for even cooking. You may need to brush the veggies with a bit of olive oil and seasoning before grilling for extra flavor!
