BBQ Chicken Skewers

BBQ Chicken Skewers: A Flavorful Experience

There’s something undeniably wonderful about BBQ chicken skewers; the smell of grilling meat and the sight of perfectly charred pieces are enough to make anyone’s mouth water. These delightful culinary creations not only satisfy cravings but also serve as a wonderful dish for gatherings with family and friends. Over the years, I’ve experimented with various recipes, and I have to say, the one I’m sharing today is a true winner.

To start, let’s gather the ingredients that you’ll need to create these delicious skewers. You’ll need about 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which provide that tender, juicy goodness. The marinade is where the magic happens; you’ll mix together 1/3 cup of barbecue sauce, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and a medley of spices: 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, along with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Finally, don’t forget the skewers to hold everything together!

Once you have everything ready, the process of making these skewers is relatively simple and incredibly rewarding. Start by combining the barbecue sauce, olive oil, brown sugar, and spices in a bowl. This marinade is pivotal for infusing flavor into the chicken, so don’t rush this step. After mixing it all together, toss the chicken thighs in the marinade, making sure they are well-coated. I usually leave them to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have more time, letting them soak in that deliciousness for a few hours or overnight can really elevate the flavor.

Now, let’s get to the fun part: skewering the chicken. You can use wooden or metal skewers, but if you go for wooden ones, remember to soak them in water first to prevent burning on the grill. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a bit of space between each piece—this ensures they cook evenly and get that nice char we all love.

Grilling Time!

When it’s time to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This step is crucial because it ensures that the chicken sears nicely, locking in those delicious juices. Grill the skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally so they char evenly. As the chicken cooks, it’s a good idea to brush on a bit more of the marinade during the last couple of minutes, which elevates that bold BBQ flavor even more. You’ll know the chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. After you pull them off the grill, let them rest for a few minutes — this allows the juices to redistribute for even more tenderness.

You might be wondering how to serve these juicy skewers. They pair beautifully with a side of grilled vegetables or a refreshing salad. If you enjoy a flavorful twist, you can also check out these juicy honey garlic BBQ chicken skewers that make for an excellent alternative.

A Few Things I’ve Learned

Over the years, I’ve developed a few tricks that can take your BBQ chicken skewers to the next level. For instance, if you want an added layer of complexity, try marinating your chicken with spices a day in advance. It not only enhances the flavor but also helps tenderize the meat. Another tip: consider adding vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or cherry tomatoes to the skewers. They add color and a delightful burst of flavor that complements the succulent chicken.

But, if you are looking to mix things up even further, why not explore international flavors? Marinating chicken in Korean BBQ sauce adds a fantastic twist; you can find an inspiring recipe for that here. Another great option is making skewers with garlic and Parmesan for those who enjoy a cheesy, savory palette, which you can read about in this recipe.

Storing Leftovers

After you’ve enjoyed your delicious skewers, you might have a few left over—if you’re lucky! To store them, allow the skewers to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They should stay fresh for up to three days. You can enjoy them cold, toss them in a salad, or reheat them on the grill or in the oven.

Conclusion

In summary, BBQ chicken skewers are a delightful dish that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply looking for a family-friendly meal, this recipe ticks all the boxes. For more tips and variations, you might find inspiration from Tastes of Lizzy T or explore a different approach with Sum of Yum. Happy grilling!

BBQ Chicken Skewers

Delicious BBQ chicken skewers marinated in a flavorful sauce, perfect for gatherings and summer grilling.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: BBQ, Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

For the Marinade

• 1/3 cup barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4-6 skewers Use wooden or metal skewers; soak wooden ones in water first.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Combine the barbecue sauce, olive oil, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper in a bowl to create the marinade.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and ensure they are well-coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally a few hours or overnight for better flavor.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
4. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, spacing them evenly.

Grilling

1. Grill the skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
2. During the last couple of minutes, brush on more marinade for added flavor.
3. Check if the chicken is done by ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Let the skewers rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Skewers can be served with grilled vegetables or a refreshing salad. For variations, consider adding vegetables to the skewers or trying different marinades such as Korean BBQ sauce.