BBQ Chicken Skewers

The aroma of grilled chicken wafts through the air, instantly bringing back memories of summer barbecues with friends and family. BBQ Chicken Skewers are a delicious and easy-to-make dish, taking just about 30 minutes from prep to plate. This recipe works beautifully because the marinade infuses the chicken with flavor while keeping it tender and juicy when grilled.

This recipe is perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or any gathering where you want to impress guests without fuss. You can prepare the marinade in advance and store it in the refrigerator to save time on a busy cooking day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The marinade combines sweet and smoky flavors for a delicious taste.
• Grilling the skewers adds a delightful char and texture.
• Boneless thighs ensure juicy, tender bites every time.
• This dish is quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight meals.

What You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make these tasty skewers.

For the Marinade

• 1/3 cup barbecue sauce
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Chicken

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Skewers, soaked in water if wooden

Note: Use low-sugar barbecue sauce for less sweetness.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Chicken thighs can be replaced with chicken breast.
• Use honey instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness.
• Any barbecue sauce variety can add different flavors.
• Olive oil can be swapped with avocado oil.

How to Make It

Make delicious BBQ Chicken Skewers in a few simple steps.

Mix Marinade

In a bowl, combine barbecue sauce, olive oil, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well blended.

Toss Chicken

Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate.

Thread Chicken

Take skewers and thread the marinated chicken pieces onto them, ensuring not to overcrowd. This helps in even cooking.

Grill Skewers

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally to char evenly.

Brush with Sauce

In the last few minutes of grilling, brush additional barbecue sauce over the skewers for an extra layer of flavor. Continue to grill until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Rest and Serve

Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This step helps retain juices for the perfect bite.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Yes, it freezes well for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Microwave or grill for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.

Tips for Best Results

• Soak wooden skewers beforehand to prevent burning on the grill.
• For extra flavor, marinate chicken for up to 24 hours.
• Keep the grill lid closed to maintain even heat while cooking.
• Use an instant-read thermometer for accurate doneness.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
• Pair with grilled vegetables for a complete BBQ experience.
• Perfect for picnics or backyard gatherings in the summer.