These BBQ chicken skewers are super easy to make and packed with flavor! Juicy chicken bits are marinated in tasty BBQ sauce and then grilled to perfection on skewers.
Who doesn’t love food on a stick? It makes everything more fun! I usually serve these with a side of fresh veggies, and they’re a hit at family cookouts!
What I enjoy most is how quickly they cook up on the grill. Just marinate, skewer, and grill—dinner in no time! Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juicy texture. If you prefer breasts, they work too, but can dry out more easily. For a different protein, consider using shrimp or firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
BBQ Sauce: You can use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce, or make a simple homemade one with ketchup, vinegar, and spices. If you’re avoiding sugar, try using a sugar-free BBQ sauce or a mix of mustard and vinegar for tanginess.
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps the marinade stick. If you’re out of olive oil, feel free to substitute with vegetable or canola oil. For a different taste, you can use sesame oil.
Honey: This ingredient is optional but adds a nice sweetness. For a vegan version, use maple syrup or agave nectar. If you’re cutting back on sugar, just omit it altogether.
Smoked Paprika: This gives a wonderful smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika will work, but for smoke, consider adding a bit of liquid smoke to the marinade.
How Do You Get Juicy and Flavorful Chicken Skewers?
The key to juicy chicken skewers is properly marinating the chicken. A good marinade penetrates and flavors the meat while keeping it tender. Here are some steps to boost your marinade game:
- Combine olive oil, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Cut chicken into uniform pieces, as this helps them cook evenly.
- Toss chicken in the marinade, ensuring all pieces are coated.
- Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, but if you can, marinate overnight in the fridge. This makes a big difference!
Also, remember to let the skewers rest after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute and keep the chicken moist. Enjoy your skewers with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime for extra zest!
The Best BBQ Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
For Serving:
- Lime wedges
- Fresh herbs (such as basil or cilantro) for garnish
- Avocado or guacamole, for dipping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
About 1 hour and 30 minutes, including a 30-minute marinade time. If you have more time, letting the chicken marinate overnight will enhance the flavor. Grilling will take around 15-20 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This step is important to prevent them from burning on the grill.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix the olive oil, honey (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This will create a flavorful marinade for the chicken!
3. Marinate the Chicken:
Cut the chicken into uniform pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss until they are well coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, leave it in the refrigerator overnight.
4. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures the chicken will cook evenly and get those lovely grill marks.
5. Assemble the Skewers:
Once marinated, thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers. Make sure they are packed closely together but not too tight so they can cook evenly.
6. Grill the Chicken:
Brush the skewers with a bit of BBQ sauce to enhance the flavor. Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and have nice grill marks.
7. Add Extra Flavor:
For the last few minutes of cooking, brush on more BBQ sauce to keep the chicken juicy and flavorful.
8. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken more tender.
9. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve the BBQ chicken skewers with lime wedges, fresh herbs, and optional avocado or guacamole for dipping. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used in place of thighs; just keep an eye on the cooking time as breasts may cook faster. Cut them into uniform pieces and marinate as the recipe directs.
How Long Should I Marinate the Chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. However, if you have more time, marinating it overnight in the refrigerator can really enhance the taste.
What Kind of Skewers Should I Use?
You can use either wooden or metal skewers. If using wooden skewers, soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand helps prevent them from burning on the grill. Metal skewers don’t require soaking and can be reused!
How to Store Leftover BBQ Chicken Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or microwave until heated through. You can also enjoy them cold in salads or wraps!
