These BBQ chicken skewers are juicy, tasty, and super easy to make! Just marinate chicken pieces, thread them onto sticks, and grill until perfectly charred. Yum!
I love how they are perfect for summer gatherings. Plus, you can mix up the veggies on the skewers—who doesn’t want a rainbow of flavors on their plate? 🌈
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: This recipe uses chicken breast, which is lean and cooks quickly. If you’re looking for a juicier option, try using chicken thighs instead. They have more fat, which adds flavor and moisture.
Barbecue Sauce: You can use your favorite brand of barbecue sauce or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous! If you’re avoiding sugar, look for a low-sugar or sugar-free barbecue sauce. For a different flavor, try a teriyaki or soy-based sauce.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is great for marinating, but you can swap it for another oil like canola or avocado oil if that’s what you have on hand. Both work well for grilling!
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a nice umami flavor. If you don’t have it, soy sauce can work as a substitute, though it will change the flavor slightly.
Spices: The garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika give depth to the chicken. Feel free to mix in some cayenne for heat or substitute the smoked paprika with regular paprika for less smokiness.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Skewers Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken on skewers can be tricky! Follow these steps to get juicy and well-cooked pieces. First, it’s important to marinate your chicken to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Soak your wooden skewers to prevent burning. This is a must!
- Leave space between chicken pieces on the skewer for even cooking.
- Heat the grill to medium-high, and grill while turning the skewers to avoid burning.
- Check for doneness: the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer.
- Brush with barbecue sauce towards the end to keep your chicken from burning.
Resting after grilling helps keep the juices in, ensuring every bite is tasty! Serving with lime and avocado adds freshness that complements the BBQ flavor beautifully.
How to Make The Best BBQ Chicken Skewers!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1.5 pounds chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your choice of flavor)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers
For Serving:
- Lime wedges
- Fresh herbs (such as basil or cilantro – for garnish, optional)
- Avocado or guacamole (for serving, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious BBQ chicken skewers recipe takes about 30 minutes of preparation time, plus at least 30 minutes for marinading. You’ll also need around 12-15 minutes for grilling. All in all, it’s a lovely way to enjoy BBQ in about 1-1.5 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Skewers:
If you are using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This will prevent them from burning on the grill. If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this step!
2. Marinade the Chicken:
In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes with olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to toss everything together until the chicken is well coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or if you have time, pop it in the fridge for up to 2 hours to really soak in the flavors!
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan, just get it hot over medium heat. This will help give a nice char to your chicken skewers.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Now it’s time to thread the marinated chicken onto your skewers. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece so they cook evenly. This is an important step for getting that perfect grilled texture!
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for about 12-15 minutes. Remember to turn them occasionally for even cooking. In the last few minutes of grilling, brush some extra barbecue sauce on the chicken for added flavor.
6. Let Them Rest:
Once the chicken is done, remove the skewers from the grill and allow them to rest for a few minutes. This helps to keep the chicken juicy!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your BBQ chicken skewers with lime wedges, and if you like, add fresh herbs and avocado or guacamole on the side. Enjoy your tasty grilled treat!
Can I Use Thighs Instead of Breasts for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative to chicken breasts and will give you a juicier result. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Worcestershire Sauce?
No worries! You can substitute Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a little vinegar. This will add a nice depth of flavor to your marinade while maintaining a savory profile.
Can I Pre-Make the Skewers?
Yes, you can! Prepare the skewers and marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Just be sure to keep them covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to grill. This will enhance the flavors even more!
How Do I Store Leftover BBQ Chicken Skewers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a microwave or warm them in a pan over low heat until heated through. They’re great for salads or wraps as leftovers!
