Juicy BBQ Chicken Skewers (30-Min Marinade!)

These aren’t just skewers—they’re caramelized, sticky-glazed masterpieces with a secret marinade trick. No dried-out chicken here!

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.

Quick Facts

⏱ Prep Time: 10 mins | 🕒 Marinate: 30 mins | 🔥 Grill Time: 10 mins
🍽 Servings: 6 | 🔢 Calories: 230/skewer

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:

Main Components

• 1.5 lbs chicken thighs (juiciest) or breasts (leaner), 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (divided: ½ cup for marinade + ½ cup for glazing)

Flavor Boosters

• 2 tbsp honey (for caramelization)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (depth of flavor)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (tenderizes)

Equipment

• 8-10 wooden skewers (or metal)
• Grill brush & meat thermometer

Pro Prep Notes

Sauce Upgrade: Mix ½ cup BBQ sauce + honey + paprika for glaze

Skewer Hack: Soak wooden skewers in warm water for 30+ mins to prevent burning

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:

1. Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, whisk:
   • ½ cup BBQ sauce
   • Honey, paprika, garlic, and vinegar
2. Add chicken, coating thoroughly
3. Cover and refrigerate 30 mins (up to 4 hours)

2. Prep the Grill

1. Clean grates with brush
2. Oil grates: Fold paper towel, dip in oil, grip with tongs, rub on heated grill
3. Preheat to 450°F (230°C) – Droplets should sizzle on contact

3. Skewer Like a Pro

1. Thread chicken tightly (no gaps) to prevent spinning
2. Leave ½-inch space at each end

4. Grill to Perfection

1. Place skewers diagonally on grates
2. DO NOT TOUCH for 3 mins (forms crust)
3. Flip when edges caramelize (3-4 min/side)
4. At 160°F (71°C), brush with reserved glaze
5. Pull at 165°F (74°C) internal temp

Pro Tip

For crosshatch marks: Rotate 45° after first flip

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 Suggestions

Perfect Pairings

• Grilled corn with chili lime butter
• Cucumber salad with dill yogurt
• Garlic naan for scooping

Presentation

Garnish with charred lemon wedges

Drizzle with extra glaze

Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds

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.

Nutrition Facts

Per skewer (with glaze):

Fat: 8g

Calories: 230

Protein: 26g

Carbs: 12g

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

FAQs

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.

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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!