These BBQ chicken skewers are juicy, tasty, and perfect for a summer cookout! Just marinate the chicken in your favorite sauce, skewer with veggies, and grill to perfection.
They’re so easy to make and always a hit! I love serving them with fresh corn or a salad. Trust me, your friends will be begging for seconds! 🍗✨
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving when grilled than breasts, but feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer them. Just note that you may need to adjust cooking time for breasts as they cook faster.
Barbecue Sauce: Store-bought sauce can save time, but homemade is often tastier. You can also experiment with different styles of BBQ sauce—like spicy or honey—depending on your taste. If you’re watching sugar intake, try a low-sugar version!
Olive Oil: This helps keep the chicken moist. If olive oil isn’t available, you can substitute it with another oil like canola or avocado oil. They all work great for grilling!
Worcestershire Sauce: It adds depth to the marinade. If you’re out, a mix of soy sauce and a splash of vinegar can work in a pinch. Alternatively, coconut aminos can be a great gluten-free option.
Smoked Paprika: This ingredient gives a lovely smokey flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika can be used, though you may want to add a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
How Do You Ensure Even Cooking on the Skewers?
Properly threading and spacing your chicken on skewers is key for even cooking. Here are some tips:
- Leave about 1/4 inch of space between pieces while skewering. This allows heat to circulate better, ensuring that each piece cooks evenly.
- If using wooden skewers, soaking them for at least 30 minutes is a must to prevent burning. I often keep them submerged while prepping other ingredients.
- Rotate the skewers on the grill every few minutes. This helps to get those beautiful grill marks without burning any sides.
The Best BBQ Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8-10 wooden or metal skewers
For Garnish and Serving:
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Fresh herbs (like cilantro or basil) for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This BBQ chicken skewers recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 10-12 minutes to grill. Don’t forget to add 30 minutes if you’re using wooden skewers, as they need to soak in water! For even tastier chicken, letting it marinate for up to 2 hours in the fridge is a great idea. The total time can vary but plan for about 40-50 minutes if you’re soaking and marinating.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Skewers:
If you are using wooden skewers, start by soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent them from burning on the grill. While they soak, preheat your grill to medium-high heat so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to cook!
2. Making the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk or spoon to mix everything together until nicely blended. This is where all the flavor comes from!
3. Marinating the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the bowl with the marinade. Toss everything together until the chicken is nicely coated. For the best flavor, let this sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, cover it and put it in the fridge for up to 2 hours—yummy!
4. Assembling the Skewers:
Now it’s time to thread the chicken! Take the marinated chicken and carefully thread the pieces onto the skewers. Make sure to leave a little space between each chunk to help them cook evenly. It’s like a flavor-packed kebab!
5. Grilling the Skewers:
Once your grill is ready, place the skewers on it. Grill the chicken for about 10-12 minutes, turning them a couple of times as they cook. Brush some barbecue sauce on the chicken during the last few minutes for that classic BBQ glaze. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is cooked through and has those lovely grill marks!
6. Finishing Up:
After grilling, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy. Meanwhile, get your lime wedges ready!
7. Serving Time:
Serve your BBQ chicken skewers with the lime wedges and your favorite dipping sauce on the side. Don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for a burst of color and flavor. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts for thighs. Just keep in mind that breasts can dry out more easily, so be sure to marinate for the full 2 hours if you can and monitor them closely while grilling to avoid overcooking.
Do I Need to Soak Wooden Skewers?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes is essential. This prevents them from burning on the grill. If you forget to soak them, you can use metal skewers instead, which do not require soaking.
How Should I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a grill or in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through, avoiding the microwave if possible as that can make them tough.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the chicken when you’re ready to grill. This can actually save you time and enhance the flavors!
