Grilled BBQ Chicken Skewers
I'm always excited to share recipes that are perfect for any occasion, and my Grilled BBQ Chicken Skewers are definitely a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're hosting a backyard gathering, a quick weeknight meal, or just a casual cookout, these skewers are sure to be a hit. I remember the first time I made them for my family - everyone loved the combination of smoky, char-grilled chicken, sweet, and tangy BBQ sauce.
What makes this recipe special is the simplicity and flexibility it offers. You can easily customize the skewers to your taste by using different types of chicken, vegetables, or even adding some fruits like pineapple or peaches. My kids love helping me thread the chicken and vegetables onto the skewers, making it a fun family activity.
The best part about this recipe is that it's incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can have delicious, juicy chicken skewers ready in no time. In this recipe, I'll guide you through the process of making the perfect Grilled BBQ Chicken Skewers, from preparation to serving.
So, if you're looking for a recipe that's perfect for any occasion, look no further. My Grilled BBQ Chicken Skewers are a must-try, and I'm confident that you'll love them just as much as my family does. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
One of the things I love about this recipe is that it's perfect for a quick weeknight meal. You can have the skewers ready in about 30 minutes, and they're perfect for serving with a variety of sides, such as salads, grilled vegetables, or even some crusty bread. So, let's get started and make some delicious Grilled BBQ Chicken Skewers!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- These skewers are perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a casual cookout.
- The recipe is easy to customize to your taste by using different types of chicken, vegetables, or fruits.
- The skewers are a fun and interactive food that's perfect for kids and adults alike.
- The recipe is budget-friendly and can be made with ingredients you likely have on hand.
- The skewers are a great way to get your daily dose of protein and vegetables.
- The recipe is perfect for a crowd, as you can easily make a large batch of skewers.
- The skewers are a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional BBQ favorites.
Why This Recipe Works
The key to making great Grilled BBQ Chicken Skewers is to cook the chicken at the right temperature and for the right amount of time. This ensures that the chicken is juicy and tender, rather than dry and overcooked. By using a combination of olive oil, salt, and pepper, we create a flavorful crust on the chicken that complements the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
Another important factor is the type of chicken we use. I prefer to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, as they are easier to thread onto the skewers and cook more evenly. You can also use a mixture of both, depending on your personal preference.
The BBQ sauce is also a crucial component of this recipe. By brushing the sauce onto the skewers during the last few minutes of cooking, we create a sweet and sticky glaze that adds flavor and texture to the dish. You can use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or make your own using a combination of ketchup, brown sugar, and spices.
Finally, the type of wood or charcoal we use can also impact the flavor of the skewers. I prefer to use a combination of hickory and oak wood, as they add a smoky flavor to the chicken. However, you can experiment with different types of wood to find the one that works best for you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these delicious Grilled BBQ Chicken Skewers, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The key players in this recipe are chicken breasts or thighs, olive oil, salt, pepper, and BBQ sauce. You'll also need some wooden skewers, which you can find at most grocery stores or online.
When shopping for the ingredients, be sure to choose fresh and high-quality items. For the chicken, look for breasts or thighs that are plump and have a nice pink color. For the vegetables, choose ones that are firm and have no signs of bruising or spoilage.
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breasts, boneless and skinlessYou can also use chicken thighs or a combination of both. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oilUse a high-quality olive oil that has a mild flavor and a high smoke point.
- 2 tsp (10g) saltUse kosher salt or sea salt for the best flavor.
- 1 tsp (5g) black pepperUse freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
- 1 cup (250g) mixed vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and mushroomsChoose a variety of colorful vegetables to add visual appeal to the skewers.
- 1/4 cup (60g) BBQ sauceUse your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- 1 lemon, cut into wedgesUse a fresh lemon for the best flavor.
- 10-12 wooden skewersSoak the skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Salt and pepper to tasteAdjust the seasoning to your taste.
- 2 tbsp (30g) brown sugarUse brown sugar to add a rich, caramel flavor to the skewers.
Equipment You’ll Need
How to Make Grilled BBQ Chicken Skewers
- 1Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F (200°C).
- 2In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and brown sugar. Add the chicken and mixed vegetables, and toss to coat.
- 3Thread the chicken and vegetables onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
- 4Brush the grill with oil to prevent sticking. Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- 5During the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, brush the skewers with BBQ sauce.
- 6Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
- 7Serve the skewers hot, garnished with lemon wedges and your favorite sides.
- 8To make ahead, prepare the skewers up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Grill the skewers just before serving.
- 9To freeze, place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen skewers to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
- 10To reheat, grill the frozen skewers over medium heat, turning occasionally, until cooked through and heated through.
- 11Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- 12Let the skewers rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and the chicken to stay tender.
Expert Tips
- Use a variety of colorful vegetables to add visual appeal to the skewers.
- Don't overcrowd the skewers, as this can cause the chicken and vegetables to steam instead of grill.
- Make sure to soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Let the skewers rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and the chicken to stay tender.
- Experiment with different types of wood or charcoal to find the one that works best for you.
- Use a grill mat or grill pan to prevent the skewers from sticking to the grill.
- Don't press down on the skewers with your spatula, as this can cause the chicken and vegetables to become dense and tough.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not soaking the wooden skewers in water before using, which can cause them to burn on the grill.
- Overcrowding the skewers, which can cause the chicken and vegetables to steam instead of grill.
- Not using a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Not letting the skewers rest for a few minutes before serving, which can cause the chicken to become dry and tough.
- Pressing down on the skewers with your spatula, which can cause the chicken and vegetables to become dense and tough.
- Not using a variety of colorful vegetables to add visual appeal to the skewers.
Variations and Substitutions
- Use different types of protein, such as beef, pork, or tofu, for a variation on the recipe.
- Add some fruit, such as pineapple or peaches, to the skewers for a sweet and savory flavor combination.
- Use different types of vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes or mushrooms, to add some variety to the skewers.
- Add some nuts or seeds, such as almonds or pumpkin seeds, to the skewers for some added crunch.
- Use different types of wood or charcoal to add some smoky flavor to the skewers.
- Add some cheese, such as feta or parmesan, to the skewers for an extra burst of flavor.
- Use different types of sauce, such as teriyaki or buffalo, to add some variety to the skewers.
What to Serve With Grilled BBQ Chicken Skewers
These Grilled BBQ Chicken Skewers are perfect for serving at a backyard gathering or cookout. You can serve them with a variety of sides, such as salads, grilled vegetables, or crusty bread. They're also great for a quick weeknight meal, as they can be ready in about 30 minutes.
Some other ideas for serving the skewers include:
Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating
To store the skewers, you can place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the skewers for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen skewers to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
To reheat the skewers, you can grill them over medium heat, turning occasionally, until cooked through and heated through. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until cooked through and heated through.
It's also a good idea to label the container with the date and contents, so you can easily keep track of how long the skewers have been stored. You should also make sure to store the skewers in a cool, dry place to prevent spoilage.
When reheating the skewers, make sure to heat them to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of chicken is best for Grilled BBQ Chicken Skewers?
You can use either chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. Chicken breasts will yield a leaner skewer, while chicken thighs will be more tender and juicy.
How long do I need to soak the wooden skewers?
You should soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using them. This will help prevent them from burning on the grill.
What type of BBQ sauce is best for this recipe?
You can use either store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce for this recipe. If you're using store-bought, look for a sauce that is low in sugar and has a thick, syrupy consistency.
Can I make these skewers ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the skewers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day. Simply grill them just before serving.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Can I freeze the skewers?
Yes, you can freeze the skewers for up to 3 months. Simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen skewers to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
How do I reheat the skewers?
You can reheat the skewers by grilling them over medium heat, turning occasionally, until cooked through and heated through. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until cooked through and heated through.
What are some good sides to serve with the skewers?
Some good sides to serve with the skewers include salads, grilled vegetables, crusty bread, and corn on the cob.

Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
- 2 tsp (10g) salt
- 1 tsp (5g) black pepper
- 1 cup (250g) mixed vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms
- 1/4 cup (60g) BBQ sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- 10-12 wooden skewers
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp (30g) brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and brown sugar. Add the chicken and mixed vegetables, and toss to coat.
- Thread the chicken and vegetables onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
- Brush the grill with oil to prevent sticking. Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- During the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, brush the skewers with BBQ sauce.
- Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Serve the skewers hot, garnished with lemon wedges and your favorite sides.
- To make ahead, prepare the skewers up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Grill the skewers just before serving.
- To freeze, place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen skewers to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, grill the frozen skewers over medium heat, turning occasionally, until cooked through and heated through.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let the skewers rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and the chicken to stay tender.