BBQ Chicken Skewers: The Ultimate Summer Grilling Recipe

When summer arrives and grilling season kicks into high gear, there’s nothing quite like the sizzle and aroma of perfectly charred BBQ Chicken Skewers. These delicious kebabs combine tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a mouthwatering marinade to create a backyard BBQ masterpiece that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a weekend cookout or simply enjoying an outdoor dinner on a warm evening, these chicken skewers are the perfect addition to your summer meal rotation.

Why BBQ Chicken Skewers Are the Perfect Choice for Summer Grilling

There’s a reason BBQ chicken kebabs remain a summertime staple year after year. These flavorful skewers offer the perfect balance of convenience, versatility, and deliciousness that make them ideal for any grilling occasion. Here’s why these tasty kebabs deserve a spot in your outdoor cooking repertoire:

Simple Preparation with Impressive Results

One of the best things about grilled chicken skewers is how simple they are to prepare. With minimal prep work, you can create a dish that looks as good as it tastes. The colorful combination of chicken chunks and vibrant vegetables creates an appetizing presentation that’s perfect for everything from casual family dinners to more formal backyard entertaining.

Customizable for Every Taste Preference

The beauty of BBQ chicken kebabs lies in their versatility. You can easily customize the marinade and vegetable combinations to suit your family’s preferences or to accommodate dietary restrictions. From spicy to sweet, there’s a flavor profile for everyone when it comes to these grilled chicken favorites.

Quick Cooking Time for Easy Summer Meals

When the temperature rises, the last thing you want is to spend hours in a hot kitchen. Chicken skewers cook quickly on the grill, making them perfect for those busy summer evenings when you want a delicious meal without the wait. Their relatively short cooking time also makes them ideal for backyard BBQ gatherings where you want to spend more time with guests and less time manning the grill.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect BBQ Chicken Skewers

Creating mouthwatering grilled chicken kebabs starts with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make BBQ chicken skewers that will have everyone asking for seconds:

The Protein: Selecting the Right Chicken

The foundation of any great chicken skewer recipe begins with choosing the right cut of meat:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Chicken thighs tend to be more forgiving on the grill and stay juicier, while breasts offer a leaner option. Either works beautifully for kebabs.
• 1.5-2 pounds: This amount serves approximately 4-6 people, depending on portion sizes.
• Cut into 1-inch cubes: Uniform size ensures even cooking.

The Vegetables: Adding Color and Flavor

The vegetables provide both visual appeal and complementary flavors:

• 1 red bell pepper: Cut into 1-inch squares
• 1 green bell pepper: Cut into 1-inch squares
• 1 yellow bell pepper: Cut into 1-inch squares
• 1 red onion: Cut into chunks
• 2 zucchini: Sliced into thick rounds
• Optional additions: Cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, pineapple chunks

The Marinade: Infusing Your Skewers with Taste

The marinade is where you can really make your BBQ chicken kebabs shine:

• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Optional heat: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce

Additional Supplies: The Grilling Essentials

Don’t forget these important items:

• Wooden or metal skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak in water for at least 30 minutes before using to prevent burning.
• Basting brush: For applying additional marinade during grilling.
• Oil for grill grates: To prevent sticking.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Perfect BBQ Chicken Skewers

Follow these detailed instructions to create delicious grilled chicken kebabs that will impress everyone at your summer cookout:

Preparing the Marinade

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients until well combined.
2. Reserve about 1/4 cup of marinade in a separate container for basting during grilling. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
3. Pour the remaining marinade into a large resealable plastic bag or container.

Marinating the Chicken

1. Add chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
2. Seal the bag or cover the container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably 4-6 hours for maximum flavor. For best results, avoid marinating longer than 24 hours as the acid in the marinade can break down the chicken too much.
3. Turn the bag or stir the chicken occasionally to ensure even marination.

Assembling Your Skewers

1. If using wooden skewers, remove them from the water and pat dry.
2. Remove chicken from marinade, discarding the used marinade.
3. Thread chicken and vegetables onto skewers, alternating pieces. Leave a small space between items to ensure even cooking.
4. For the most even cooking, group similar items together. For example, create some skewers with just chicken and others with just vegetables, as they have different cooking times.

Grilling Your BBQ Chicken Skewers

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-450°F).
2. Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
3. Place skewers on the grill, ensuring they’re not overcrowded.
4. Grill for about 10-12 minutes total, turning every 2-3 minutes to ensure even cooking.
5. Baste occasionally with the reserved marinade during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
6. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and shows nice grill marks.

Serving Suggestions for Your Kebabs

1. Remove skewers from the grill and allow to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.
2. Serve hot, either on the skewers for a dramatic presentation or removed from skewers onto a platter.
3. Garnish with fresh chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley, and provide lemon or lime wedges on the side.

Tips for Grilling Success with Chicken Skewers

Take your BBQ chicken kebabs from good to great with these professional grilling tips:

Preventing Dry Chicken

• Don’t overcook! Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
• Consider using chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier results.
• If using chicken breasts, consider brining them first in a solution of 1/4 cup salt to 4 cups water for 30 minutes before marinating.

Managing Different Cooking Times

• If you want perfectly cooked vegetables and chicken, consider making separate skewers for each, as they have different cooking times.
• Place vegetable skewers around the outside of the grill where it’s slightly cooler.
• Cut denser vegetables like onions slightly smaller than softer vegetables like zucchini.

Creative Marinade Variations

• Asian-inspired: Use soy sauce, ginger, honey, and garlic.
• Mediterranean: Olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and garlic.
• Spicy Southwestern: Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the base marinade.
• Teriyaki: Use teriyaki sauce, pineapple juice, and brown sugar.

Serving and Storing Your BBQ Chicken Skewers

Make the most of your grilled chicken kebabs with these serving and storage recommendations:

Perfect Pairings for a Complete Meal

• Serve with fluffy rice pilaf or couscous to absorb the delicious juices.
• Add a fresh garden salad or Greek salad for a light, refreshing side.
• Grilled corn on the cob makes an excellent complementary side dish.
• Warm pita bread or naan is perfect for sopping up extra sauce.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

• Refrigerate leftover skewers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• For best results when reheating, remove chicken and vegetables from skewers.
• Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or briefly on a grill.
• Alternatively, enjoy leftover chicken and vegetables cold in a salad.

If you liked this recipe, here’s another similar one you might enjoy: BBQ Chicken Drumsticks.

Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Chicken Skewers

How long should I marinate chicken for skewers?

For optimal flavor, marinate your chicken for at least 2 hours, with 4-6 hours being ideal. You can marinate for up to 24 hours, but be cautious about marinating longer than this, as the acid in the marinade can start to break down the proteins in the chicken, resulting in a mushy texture.

Can I prepare BBQ chicken skewers ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and even assemble the skewers up to 24 hours before grilling. Store assembled, uncooked skewers covered in the refrigerator. This makes them perfect for barbecue parties where you want to minimize day-of preparation.

What’s the best way to prevent wooden skewers from burning?

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading your ingredients. For extra protection, you can wrap the exposed ends with aluminum foil. Alternatively, invest in reusable metal skewers for frequent grilling.

How do I know when chicken skewers are fully cooked?

The safest way to check for doneness is using an instant-read meat thermometer. Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The meat should be opaque and white throughout with no pink areas.

Can I cook BBQ chicken skewers in the oven instead of a grill?

Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through. You can finish them under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to get some charring if desired.

What can I use instead of chicken for vegetarian skewers?

For vegetarian options, try firm tofu, halloumi cheese, or tempeh as protein alternatives. Just adjust the marinating and cooking times accordingly, as these proteins cook differently than chicken.

Are BBQ chicken skewers keto-friendly?

They can be! Simply omit the honey or brown sugar from the marinade and replace with a keto-friendly sweetener if desired. Choose low-carb vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and onions for the skewers.

Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just beginning your outdoor cooking journey, these BBQ chicken skewers are sure to become a staple in your summer recipe collection. Their vibrant colors, delicious flavors, and versatility make them perfect for any grilling occasion. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy one of summer’s most beloved dishes!