These BBQ chicken skewers are super tasty and so easy to make! With juicy chicken pieces marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce, they’re perfect for summer cookouts or family dinners.
I can’t resist a good skewer, especially when they’re on the grill. They’re fun to eat and easy to share. Plus, you can customize them with your favorite veggies—win-win!
What I love most is how quickly they cook, making meal prep a breeze. Just pop them on the grill, and they’re ready to enjoy in no time—deliciousness on a stick!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star here. You could use chicken thighs instead for more moisture and flavor, or even tofu for a vegetarian option!
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite brand! A sweet BBQ sauce works well, but feel free to try a spicy or tangy one for a kick. You can even make your own using ketchup, vinegar, and spices if you’re feeling adventurous!
Olive Oil: While olive oil is a great choice, you can substitute with vegetable oil or canola oil if you prefer. Just avoid oils with strong flavors that might overpower the dish.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a nice tang. If you don’t have it, lemon juice or white vinegar could work in a pinch. Both will give you that necessary acidity to balance the flavors.
Spices: Smoked paprika gives a nice depth of flavor, but if you don’t have it, regular paprika with a bit of added cumin could do well. Adjust the garlic and onion powder amounts according to your preference!
How Do You Ensure Your Chicken Stays Juicy on the Grill?
Keeping chicken juicy requires some careful timing and techniques. First, marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes—longer for more flavor. The olive oil and vinegar in your marinade help to keep the meat moist.
- Make sure to preheat your grill—this helps create those nice grill marks and seals in juices.
- Avoid overcrowding the skewers; give each piece room so they cook evenly. This prevents steam build-up.
- Turn the skewers regularly, using tongs, for even cooking. A few turns will give you nice grill marks!
- Brush with BBQ sauce in the last few minutes of grilling for extra flavor without burning the sauce.
Let the skewers rest a couple of minutes after grilling; this allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken.
Best BBQ Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Grilling:
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and at least 30 minutes to marinate, plus another 12 minutes for grilling. So, you’ll need around 1 hour total. If you can marinate the chicken overnight, it will taste even better!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent them from burning on the grill. If you’re using metal skewers, they’re ready to go!
2. Marinate Chicken:
In a large bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss them until they are well-coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For an even tastier result, marinate the chicken overnight!
3. Preheat the Grill:
While your chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. A hot grill will give your skewers those delicious sear marks!
4. Skewer Chicken:
Once marinated, take the chicken out and thread the pieces onto the skewers. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.
5. Grill Skewers:
Place the chicken skewers onto the grill. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally so they cook evenly. If you like extra flavor, brush some additional barbecue sauce onto the chicken during the last few minutes of grilling.
6. Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked all the way through, take the skewers off the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, and serve with lime wedges and any leftover barbecue sauce on the side. Enjoy these tasty BBQ chicken skewers at your next gathering or family meal!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and can add extra flavor and moisture to your skewers. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces as the breasts for even cooking.
What If I Don’t Have Wooden Skewers?
No problem! Metal skewers work great, and you don’t need to soak them. Just make sure to lightly grease the skewers before threading the chicken to prevent sticking. If you prefer, you can even grill the chicken without skewers using a grill basket!
How to Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave them for a quicker option, but be cautious not to overcook!
Can I Use Store-Bought BBQ Sauce?
Yes, using store-bought BBQ sauce is perfectly fine and can save you time! Choose your favorite brand or a new flavor to try, and feel free to adjust the amount based on your taste preference. If you like a bit of heat, look for spicy BBQ options for an extra kick!
