These BBQ chicken skewers are super delicious and perfect for grilling season! The chicken is marinated in a tasty sauce, giving it a smoky and sweet flavor. Perfect for outdoor cookouts!
I love making these with colorful veggies on the skewers too. It makes dinner look pretty! Plus, it’s so easy to prepare and a hit with everyone. Time to fire up the grill and enjoy! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for skewers. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey breast works too. You could also use thighs for more flavor, but they may take a little longer to cook.
BBQ Sauce: Choose a sauce you love! You can make your own or use store-bought. If you’re short on sauce, try mixing ketchup with some vinegar and spices for a quick substitute.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a tangy kick! If you don’t have it, white wine vinegar or lemon juice can work nicely too.
Spices: Smoked paprika gives a lovely depth to the skewers. If you don’t have it, regular paprika plus a pinch of cumin can do the trick. Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper if you prefer less heat!
Herbs: Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil brighten up the flavors. No fresh herbs? Dried herbs like Italian seasoning can be a good alternative, but use them sparingly since they’re stronger in flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Skewers Stay Juicy and Flavorful?
To keep your chicken skewers moist and tasty, marinating is key. The marinade not only adds flavor but also tenderizes the chicken.
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl, mixing well.
- After adding chicken, coat it thoroughly and let it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (2 hours for the best flavor).
- When skewering, ensure there is space between chicken pieces. This helps them cook evenly.
- On the grill, monitor cooking closely, turning them for even grilling. Brushing with extra BBQ sauce keeps them juicy.
How to Make The Best BBQ Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for brushing)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before using)
For Serving:
- Lime wedges
- Fresh herbs (like cilantro or basil) for garnish
- Avocado or guacamole (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken. You’ll then need about 12 minutes to grill the skewers. Altogether, you can expect to spend around 1 hour (plus an optional 2 hours for better flavor) to get these tasty skewers ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if you like a bit of heat). Give it a good mix until everything is well blended. This will create a tasty marinade for your chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, making sure each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, let it marinate for up to 2 hours if you have the time.
3. Grill the Chicken Skewers:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece so they cook evenly. Once the grill is hot, place the skewers on and grill for about 10-12 minutes. Be sure to turn them occasionally; brush them with more BBQ sauce for extra flavor and shiny grilling marks until the chicken is fully cooked.
4. Rest and Serve:
When done, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps the juices redistribute for super tender chicken. Serve your BBQ chicken skewers with lime wedges, sprinkle with fresh herbs, and add avocado or guacamole on the side if you’d like. Enjoy your delicious BBQ feast!
Can I Use Other Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can use thighs or drumsticks instead of breasts for juicier skewers. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly; thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook through than breasts.
What if I Don’t Have Apple Cider Vinegar?
No problem! You can substitute apple cider vinegar with white vinegar or lemon juice. Both will add a nice acidity to balance the flavors in the marinade, giving your skewers a tasty zing!
Can I Prep These Skewers in Advance?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead. Just keep it covered in the fridge. If you’re using wooden skewers, thread the chicken on them just before grilling to avoid them getting soggy.
How to Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover BBQ chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a hot skillet or on the grill for a few minutes, brushing with a bit more BBQ sauce to keep them moist and flavorful.
