These BBQ chicken skewers are juicy, flavorful, and super fun to eat! With marinated chicken pieces grilled to perfection, they are perfect for summer cookouts or family dinners.
I love how easy they are to whip up—just thread the chicken on skewers, toss them on the grill, and you’re all set! Don’t forget the dipping sauce; it’s like magic! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe as they cook evenly. However, you can use thighs for a juicier result, or even tofu for a vegetarian option!
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce for flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier choice, try a homemade or low-sugar version. Experimenting with different flavors can give unique twists to the dish!
Spices: Garlic and onion powder add depth to the marinade. If you prefer fresh ingredients, you can substitute them with minced garlic and chopped onions. Don’t shy away from adding a pinch of cayenne for heat!
Lime: Fresh lime wedges enhance the flavor profile. If limes aren’t available, lemon can work as a substitute for similar zing.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Grilled Perfectly?
Grilling chicken skewers can be tricky—but with a bit of care, you can achieve juicy results. Here’s how to manage it:
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to boost flavor—longer is better!
- Preheat the grill so the chicken gets that beautiful sear. This helps lock in juices.
- Leave a bit of space between the chicken pieces on the skewer to ensure even cooking.
- Turn the skewers every few minutes to avoid burning and cook on medium-high heat. An internal temp of 165°F confirms doneness.
- Don’t forget to brush additional BBQ sauce during the last minutes; it adds a nice glaze.
The Best BBQ Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (plus extra for serving)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)
- Fresh herbs (such as basil or cilantro) for garnish
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes prior to use)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful BBQ chicken skewers recipe takes about 30 minutes for marinating, plus about 20 minutes for grilling. So, plan for around an hour total, including prep and grilling time. Perfect for a sunny day or a fun grill night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until all the ingredients are combined. Then, add the chicken cubes into the bowl and make sure they are all nicely coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, you can marinate it for up to 2 hours for even more flavor!
2. Prepare for Grilling:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill or grilling pan to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure you soaked them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning. Once the grill is ready, take the chicken out of the fridge. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece so they can cook evenly.
3. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill. Cook the chicken skewers for about 15 to 20 minutes, turning them occasionally to make sure they cook evenly. You’re looking for that beautiful golden-brown color and for the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you like, brush some extra barbecue sauce on the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking to take the flavor up a notch!
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, carefully remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy! Serve your BBQ chicken skewers with lime wedges for squeezing over the top and garnish with your choice of fresh herbs. Don’t forget to have extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat for These Skewers?
Absolutely! While chicken is traditional, you can also use beef, pork, or shrimp. Just keep in mind that cooking times will vary; for example, shrimp will cook much quicker, so be sure to adjust the grilling time accordingly.
What If I Don’t Have Barbecue Sauce?
No problem! You can quickly make a simple marinade with equal parts ketchup and vinegar, adding in a bit of honey or brown sugar for sweetness and your favorite spices for flavor. Alternatively, any flavorful sauce like teriyaki or a spicy sriracha blend can work well.
How to Store Leftover BBQ Chicken Skewers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but be cautious not to overcook as they can dry out.
Can I Prep These Skewers in Advance?
Definitely! You can marinate the chicken up to 2 hours ahead of time or even the night before. Just keep it covered in the fridge. Assembling the skewers in advance can also save time; prepare them and store in the fridge until you’re ready to grill!
