These BBQ chicken skewers are easy to make and full of tasty flavor! Juicy chicken pieces are marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce before being grilled to perfection on skewers.
Grilling these is such a backyard delight that I can’t resist having them at every cookout. Pair them with some fresh veggies and a big smile—yum!
I love how quick these skewers are to prepare. Just soak your skewers, marinate the chicken, and let the grill do all the work. It’s fun and delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe because they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you’re looking for a change, feel free to use chicken thighs for a richer flavor or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option!
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite brand, or try making homemade sauce for a personal touch. You can substitute with teriyaki sauce or a marinade made of soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic for a different twist.
Olive Oil: This adds a nice richness, but you can replace it with vegetable oil or avocado oil, which also handle high heat well.
Apple Cider Vinegar: It gives a tangy kick! You can swap it with lemon juice or white vinegar if that’s what you have on hand.
Spices: Smoked paprika is essential for that BBQ flavor, but regular paprika will work in a pinch. If you like heat, consider adding some cayenne pepper or chili powder!
How Do I Get My Chicken Skewers to Cook Evenly?
Cooking chicken evenly on skewers can be tricky. Here’s how to nail it:
- Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures they cook at the same rate.
- Marinate for at least an hour. The longer, the better—overnight works wonders!
- When threading the chicken onto the skewers, leave small gaps between pieces. This allows heat to circulate, helping them cook evenly.
- Use medium-high heat on the grill. Too high and they’ll burn outside, too low will dry them out!
- Turn the skewers occasionally but don’t flip too often. This lets them develop those nice grill marks and cook properly.
Rest your skewers for a few minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute, so your chicken stays tender. Enjoy your BBQ chicken skewers perfectly cooked every time!
The Best BBQ Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes prior)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty BBQ chicken skewers recipe will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes. You’ll spend about 15 minutes prepping and marinating the chicken, then about 15 minutes grilling. Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, or longer if you can! The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well to create a delicious marinade that will soak into the chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and make sure each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer it to a zip-top bag. Place it in the refrigerator and let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for even better flavor.
3. Get Ready to Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure they’ve been soaking in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Take the marinated chicken out and thread the pieces onto the skewers. Leave a little space between each cube so they cook evenly. This will help get those tasty grill marks!
5. Grill the Skewers:
Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Turn them occasionally to get nice grill marks and ensure they are cooked through. If you like, brush some extra barbecue sauce on during the last few minutes of cooking for more flavor!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the skewers are cooked, take them off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve with lime wedges on the side and any extra barbecue sauce for dipping. Enjoy your flavorful BBQ chicken skewers with family and friends!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and will yield even juicier skewers. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized cubes for even cooking, and adjust the grilling time slightly if needed since they may take a couple of minutes longer to cook through compared to breasts.
What If I Don’t Have Barbecue Sauce?
No problem! You can make your own quick BBQ sauce by mixing together ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and your favorite spices. Combine about 1 cup of ketchup, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of vinegar, and add seasonings like cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder to taste. Feel free to customize it based on what you have on hand!
How to Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover BBQ chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for around 10-15 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through. To keep them juicy, consider covering them with a damp paper towel while reheating in the microwave.
Can I Make the Skewers Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the skewers and marinate them in advance. Just marinate the chicken cubes in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, thread them onto skewers and grill as directed. This can help enhance the flavor while saving you time on the day of cooking!
