These juicy BBQ chicken skewers are a perfect treat for your grill! Marinated in a tasty sauce, they are super easy to make and full of flavor.
Honestly, who can resist delicious chicken on a stick? They’re great for family BBQs or a cozy night in. I love to serve them with some fresh veggies on the side—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using chicken thighs for their juiciness, but breasts work too. Thighs are often more forgiving and less likely to dry out. If you’re looking for a leaner option, go for breasts or even turkey chunks!
BBQ Sauce: You can use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce, or whip up a simple homemade version. If you want to cut sugar, try sugar-free sauces. They still deliver great flavor!
Olive Oil: This helps keep the chicken moist while grilling. You can swap it with other oils like avocado oil if you prefer. Both are great at high heat.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds tanginess to the marinade. White vinegar or lemon juice can work as alternatives if you’re out of ACV.
Honey or Brown Sugar: These add sweetness to balance the sauce. If you’re avoiding sugar, consider using maple syrup or agave nectar as substitutes.
How Do I Get Perfectly Grilled Chicken Skewers?
Getting juicy chicken skewers requires careful grilling. Follow these simple steps to ensure they’re cooked perfectly:
- Start with marinating your chicken well. The longer it sits (up to 4 hours), the more flavorful it will be.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high for a good sear. If it’s too hot, the outside may burn before the inside cooks.
- Leave a little space between chicken pieces on the skewers. This allows heat to circulate and cook them evenly.
- Turn the skewers regularly as you grill. This helps to create an even char. About every 3-4 minutes works well.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Let the skewers rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps retain the juices inside!
Juicy BBQ Chicken Skewers for Grilling
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1.5-inch chunks
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before grilling)
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15-20 minutes for prep time, plus a minimum of 1 hour for marinating the chicken (ideally 3-4 hours). Grilling will take around 10-12 minutes. So overall, you can expect to spend about 1.5-4 hours including marination, but the active cooking time is just under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and ground black pepper until everything is well combined. This is the flavor base for your skewers!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken chunks to the marinade, ensuring they get a good coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. If you have more time, letting it marinate for 3-4 hours will give even better flavor!
3. Prepare the Grill:
About 15 minutes before you are ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures you get a nice sear on your chicken!
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Take the marinated chicken pieces out of the fridge. Thread the chicken onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece. This helps them cook evenly!
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning them every 3-4 minutes to ensure they are cooked through and have a nice char on the outside. You can check for doneness with a meat thermometer—the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6. Optional Glaze:
If you want an extra layer of flavor, brush additional BBQ sauce on the skewers during the last few minutes of grilling to create a delicious glaze.
7. Let Them Rest:
Once grilled, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken nice and juicy.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish your juicy BBQ chicken skewers with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve them hot and enjoy your tasty creation!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken for Skewers?
Absolutely! While thighs offer great flavor and moisture, chicken breasts are a leaner option. You can also use chicken tenders or even turkey for a twist. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if the pieces are larger or smaller.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have BBQ Sauce?
No worries! You can make your own sauce using ketchup, vinegar, and spices like Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar for sweetness. Or use a marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for a lighter option!
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
For the best flavor, aim for 3-4 hours, but you can marinate it for as little as 1 hour if you’re short on time. Just avoid marinating for more than 24 hours, as the acidity can start to break down the meat too much.
How Do I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently on the grill or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep them moist!
Can I Grill Vegetables with the Chicken Skewers?
Definitely! Veggies like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini make great additions. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces as the chicken and thread them onto the skewers alongside the chicken for a colorful, delicious combo!