These BBQ chicken skewers are a summer favorite! Tender chicken chunks are soaked in a tasty marinade, then grilled to juicy perfection. They’re simple and packed with flavor!
I love tossing these on the grill for a quick dinner. They are great with a side of veggies or rice. Honestly, who can resist easy-to-eat skewers? I always make extra for leftovers! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: You can use either chicken breasts or thighs in this recipe. I often prefer thighs as they tend to be juicier and more flavorful. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey breast works well too!
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce, which can significantly change the flavor. For a kick, try a spicy BBQ sauce or a sweet one if you like your skewers on the sweeter side. Homemade BBQ sauce is also a great option!
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the marinade. If you don’t have olive oil, you can substitute with canola oil or avocado oil without losing much flavor.
Spices: The smoked paprika gives a nice smoky flavor, but if you don’t have it, try regular paprika or chili powder for a different twist. If you’re a fan of heat, adding cayenne pepper can really ramp it up!
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the flavors. If limes aren’t available, lemon juice is a suitable substitute.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken Skewers Stay Juicy?
Keeping your chicken skewers juicy is key to a delicious meal! Start by marinating the chicken for 30 minutes up to a few hours. This helps infuse flavor and moisture.
- Don’t rush the grilling! Preheat your grill adequately and cook on medium-high heat. This ensures the outside sears while the inside remains moist.
- Turn the skewers occasionally to evenly cook without drying out any side. Basting with BBQ sauce in the last few minutes adds extra moisture and flavor.
- Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C for safe and juicy meat. Use a meat thermometer if you can!
Best Easy BBQ Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup BBQ sauce, plus extra for basting and serving
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime (plus extra lime wedges for serving)
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before grilling)
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh basil or parsley, avocado dip or green sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and marinating, plus approximately 10-12 minutes for grilling. If you let the chicken marinate for a couple of hours, you’ll enhance the flavor even more. Overall, you can have delicious BBQ chicken skewers ready in about 30 minutes of active cooking and prep, plus some extra marinating time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and lime juice. Whisk them together until it’s a smooth mixture. This will be your flavorful marinade!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Now, add the chicken cubes into the bowl with the marinade. Toss everything together until the chicken is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes (1-2 hours is best for more flavor).
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for about 400°F (200°C). This will help get a nice char on the skewers!
4. Assemble the Skewers:
After marinating, take the chicken out of the fridge. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, making sure to leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure all sides are evenly cooked. In the last few minutes, brush the chicken with extra BBQ sauce and cook until it’s slightly caramelized and at an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Finish and Serve:
Once cooked, carefully remove the skewers from the grill and brush with more BBQ sauce for added flavor. Serve the BBQ chicken skewers hot, garnished with some fresh basil or parsley, lime wedges, and a side of avocado dip or your favorite sauce for dipping.
Enjoy your juicy, smoky, and flavorful BBQ chicken skewers at your next gathering or family meal!
FAQ for Easy BBQ Chicken Skewers
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs tend to be juicier, but feel free to choose whichever you prefer. You can even use turkey if you’re looking for a leaner option!
How Can I Make These Skewers Spicier?
If you like a little heat, you can add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade. Alternatively, try using a spicy BBQ sauce instead of a regular one for an extra kick!
Can I Prepare the Skewers Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken skewers up to 24 hours in advance! Just keep them covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to grill, they’ll be packed with flavor and ready to cook!
How Do I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them up in the microwave or on a grill, brushing with a little extra BBQ sauce if desired to keep them juicy.
