These BBQ chicken skewers are juicy, smoky, and packed with flavor! The chicken is marinated in a tasty barbecue sauce and grilled to perfection on sticks for easy eating.
Honestly, who can resist grilled chicken on a stick? It’s like a party on a plate! I love serving them at cookouts. Just make sure to grill extra—everyone loves seconds! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness and flavor. If you’re avoiding dark meat, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can work too, but they might dry out if overcooked.
Barbecue Sauce: Your choice of barbecue sauce can really influence the flavor. If you’re watching sugar, look for sugar-free options or make your own with tomato paste, vinegar, and spices. I love a tangy, vinegar-based sauce for a zesty kick!
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds an aromatic touch. If you don’t have fresh, minced garlic from a jar will do. For a milder taste, you can use garlic powder which also works well.
Smoked Paprika: This gives a lovely smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or even cayenne pepper (for a kick) can be substitutes. Just remember, cayenne is much spicier, so a little goes a long way!
Lime: Juicing fresh lime before serving brightens the dish. Out of limes? Lemon is a good substitute, offering a similar tartness to enhance the flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Skewers Cook Evenly?
Getting evenly cooked chicken skewers is key, and it’s all about preparation! Start by cutting the chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes; this helps them cook at the same rate. Also, remember to leave space between each piece on the skewer to allow heat to circulate.
- Marinate for at least 1 hour—more time equals more flavor!
- Preheat your grill to medium-high. A hot grill is essential for nice sear without drying out the meat.
- Cook the skewers for 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally for even browning.
- Baste while cooking to add moisture and flavor.
Letting the skewers rest for a few minutes after grilling helps the juices redistribute, making each bite tender and delicious.
The Best BBQ Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ cup barbecue sauce (plus more for basting)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Fresh herbs (like cilantro or basil), for garnish
- Skewers (soaked in water for at least 30 minutes if wooden)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and at least 1 hour for marinating. After marinating, grilling will take about 10-15 minutes. Overall, you should plan for around 1 hour and 30 minutes, giving those flavors time to really shine!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This marinade is packed with flavor!
2. Marinating the Chicken:
Add the cubed chicken thighs to the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight if you want a deeper flavor.
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, which is about 400°F (200°C). This ensures your chicken will get those nice grill marks and cook evenly.
4. Skewering the Chicken:
Once the chicken is marinated, thread the pieces onto your skewers. Leave a little space between each piece to help them cook evenly. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure they’ve been soaking in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
5. Grilling the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook them for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally. Remember to baste the skewers with more barbecue sauce as they cook for extra flavor!
6. Resting the Skewers:
Once the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks, remove the skewers from the grill. Let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy!
7. Serving the Skewers:
Serve your BBQ chicken skewers with lime wedges and garnish them with fresh herbs. This adds a lovely touch of flavor and color. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, chicken breasts can be used. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out. Aim for a cooking time of about 8-12 minutes, and ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What If I Don’t Have Time to Marinate?
No worries! You can skip the marinating step; just season the chicken with the spices and a bit of barbecue sauce directly before skewering. For a shortcut, you can also use a store-bought marinade for extra flavor without the wait!
How to Store Leftover Chicken Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave for a quick warm-up or back on the grill for a few minutes to regain that delicious char.
Can I Make These Skewers in the Oven?
Yes! If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the skewers in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked.
