There’s nothing quite like the smoky, caramelized goodness of BBQ Chicken Skewers sizzling on the grill. Juicy, tender chicken pieces, bathed in a tangy, slightly sweet BBQ marinade, threaded onto skewers, and grilled to perfection—this is summer on a stick! Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or craving an easy weeknight dinner, these skewers bring big flavor with minimal effort.
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Why You’ll Love BBQ Chicken Skewers
Simple & Quick: Easy to prep and fast to cook, perfect for busy nights.
Smoky & Sweet: A mouthwatering balance of smoky char and sticky-sweet BBQ sauce.
Great for Grilling: Whether using an outdoor grill or stovetop grill pan, these skewers cook beautifully.
Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or switch up the sauce for endless variations.
Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike love these juicy, flavorful bites!
Ingredients in BBQ Chicken Skewers
These skewers are all about bold, classic BBQ flavors with simple ingredients.
Chicken Breast or Thighs: Juicy and tender, perfect for absorbing the marinade.
BBQ Sauce: Your favorite brand or homemade for that rich, sticky glaze.
Soy Sauce: Adds a savory depth of flavor.
Honey or Brown Sugar: Brings a touch of sweetness to balance the smoky BBQ taste.
Garlic & Onion Powder: Essential for an extra punch of flavor.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth.
Olive Oil: Keeps the chicken moist while grilling.
Lemon Juice or Vinegar: A hint of acidity to tenderize and brighten the flavors.
Optional Veggies: Bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra color and texture.
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, olive oil, and lemon juice. Add the chicken pieces and let them marinate for at least [time] to soak up all the flavors.
Prepare the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for [time] to prevent burning.
Thread the Skewers: Alternate pieces of chicken and veggies (if using) onto the skewers, making sure not to overcrowd them.
Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
Grill the Skewers: Cook for [time], turning occasionally and basting with extra BBQ sauce until the chicken is caramelized and cooked through.
Rest & Serve: Let the skewers rest for a few minutes before serving to keep the juices locked in. Enjoy hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side!
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Skewers
With Dipping Sauces: Serve with extra BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or a spicy aioli for dipping.
Over Rice or Salad: Pair with a simple side of rice or a fresh garden salad.
With Grilled Veggies: Complement the skewers with charred corn, asparagus, or roasted potatoes.
In Wraps or Sandwiches: Slide the chicken off the skewers and tuck it into pita bread or buns for a quick BBQ sandwich.
Additional Tips
Let the Chicken Marinate: The longer it sits, the more flavorful it becomes.
Keep the Heat Medium-High: This ensures a nice char without drying out the chicken.
Use Metal Skewers for Convenience: They don’t burn and can be reused.
Rotate for Even Cooking: Turn the skewers frequently for a perfect char.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to [time].
FAQ
Q1: Can I use a different protein?
A1: Yes! Try shrimp, beef, or tofu for a different twist.
Q2: Can I bake these instead of grilling?
A2: Yes, bake at [temperature] for [time], flipping halfway through.
Q3: How long should I marinate the chicken?
A3: At least [time], but overnight gives the best flavor.
Q4: Can I make these ahead of time?
A4: Yes! Marinate the chicken and thread the skewers a few hours in advance.
Q5: What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
A5: Any good-quality store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce works. Go sweet, smoky, or spicy!
Q6: Can I make this recipe keto-friendly?
A6: Yes! Use a sugar-free BBQ sauce and skip the honey/brown sugar.
Q7: Do I need to soak metal skewers?
A7: Nope! Only wooden skewers need soaking to prevent burning.
Q8: How do I know when the chicken is done?
A8: Use a meat thermometer—165°F (74°C) is the safe internal temperature.
Q9: Can I freeze marinated chicken for later?
A9: Yes! Freeze in an airtight bag, then thaw before grilling.
Q10: What veggies go best on skewers?
A10: Bell peppers, onions, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms all grill beautifully!
Final Thoughts
BBQ Chicken Skewers are easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a summer cookout or a quick weeknight meal. With juicy grilled chicken coated in a smoky-sweet glaze, these skewers will have everyone coming back for more. Fire up the grill and get ready for your new favorite BBQ dish!
Print
BBQ Chicken Skewers
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: American
Description
Juicy, smoky BBQ chicken skewers marinated in a sweet & spicy beer-based rub—perfect for grilling! Ready in 45 minutes (mostly hands-off), these are a crowd-pleaser for BBQs, game day, or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
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2 lbs chicken tenders (or breast cut into strips)
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Wooden skewers (soaked 20 mins)
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3-4 tbsp honey BBQ dry rub (e.g., KC Masterpiece)
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1 cup beer (lager or IPA)
Instructions
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Skewer chicken: Thread tenders onto soaked skewers. Place in a dish.
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Make marinade: Whisk BBQ rub + beer until smooth. Reserve ⅓ cup.
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Marinate: Brush skewers with remaining marinade. Refrigerate 30 mins.
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Grill:
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Sear over direct heat: 1 min per side.
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Brush with reserved marinade, close lid, cook 5 mins. Flip, repeat until internal temp reaches 165°F.
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Rest 5 mins before serving.
Notes
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No grill? Use a grill pan or broiler (adjust cook time).
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Spice level: Add cayenne to the rub for heat.
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Beer swap: Use apple juice or broth for alcohol-free version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 35g