If you are searching for a delightful crowd-pleaser that brings smoky, sweet, and savory flavors all together, this Barbecue Chicken Skewers Recipe is absolutely the way to go. It combines tender, juicy chicken infused with a marinade bursting with spices and a luscious barbecue sauce glaze, creating skewers that are perfect for any grill-out or weeknight dinner. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or just starting out, you will love how simple ingredients come alive in this vibrant and satisfying dish that always impresses.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in this Barbecue Chicken Skewers Recipe comes from straightforward but carefully chosen ingredients that each play a vital role. From the tender chicken breast to the blend of spices and the balance of sweet and tangy flavors, every element is essential to make these skewers shine.
- 1 pound chicken breast: Cubed for even cooking and perfect bite-sized pieces.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds moisture and helps the marinade soak in.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Introduces a savory umami depth that complements the sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Brings subtle sweetness and helps caramelize on the grill.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Enhances the caramel notes and balances the spices.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a smoky mild heat for that authentic barbecue feel.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a mellow garlic aroma and flavor punch.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the savory seasoning blend beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Offers gentle spice and warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Adds a subtle kick without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin: Contributes an earthy, smoky undertone.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Provides a touch of heat to wake up the taste buds.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the marinade with a hint of acidity.
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce: The finishing touch for rich, sticky glaze and classic barbecue flavor.
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes): Prevents burning while grilling and holds the chicken perfectly.
How to Make Barbecue Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breast into uniform cubes, about 1 to 1.5 inches. This ensures each piece cooks evenly and stays juicy throughout grilling.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients for Marinade
Place your cubed chicken in a large bowl and add olive oil, soy sauce, honey, and brown sugar. Then sprinkle in paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the marinade.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Toss everything gently but thoroughly so every piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors mingle deeply with the chicken.
Step 4: Prepare Skewers and Grill
While the chicken marinates, soak your wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to stop them from burning. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Step 5: Thread and Sauce the Chicken
Once soaked, thread the chicken cubes onto the skewers, keeping a small gap between pieces for even cooking. Brush a generous layer of your barbecue sauce all around each skewer for that signature glaze.
Step 6: Grill to Perfection
Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes on each side. Turn them occasionally to achieve a nice char and ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Don’t hesitate to brush on extra barbecue sauce while grilling to boost flavor.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Remove the skewers from the grill and allow them to rest for a couple of minutes. This helps lock in the juices, making every bite deliciously tender and juicy.
How to Serve Barbecue Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Barbecue Chicken Skewers Recipe, consider sprinkling freshly chopped cilantro or parsley right before serving for a pop of fresh color. A wedge of lemon or lime on the side also adds a zesty contrast that brightens the smoky sweetness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with classic sides like grilled corn on the cob, a vibrant coleslaw, or creamy potato salad. For a lighter approach, serve alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables to keep things balanced and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get a bit fancy, try serving these skewers over a bed of fluffy rice or tucked into warm pita bread with a drizzle of your favorite sauce and some crunchy veggies. They also make fantastic additions to party platters alongside dips like ranch or smoky chipotle mayo.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making for a quick and tasty ready-to-eat meal later.
Freezing
To freeze, place the cooked skewers on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to 2 months, ensuring you have flavorful skewers ready to go whenever cravings hit.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is on the grill or in a hot oven to revive that lovely smoky char and keep the chicken juicy. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the meat.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken pieces for this recipe?
While bone-in pieces can work, this recipe is designed for boneless chicken breast for even cooking and easy skewering. Bone-in will require longer cooking times and more attention.
Do I have to marinate the chicken for 30 minutes?
Thirty minutes is the minimum to allow flavors to penetrate, but if you have more time, marinating for up to 2 hours will intensify the taste even further.
Can I use metal skewers instead of wooden ones?
Metal skewers are fantastic and reusable; just remember they conduct heat and can get hot, so handle with care when grilling and serving.
How spicy are these skewers with the cayenne pepper?
The cayenne adds a gentle warmth rather than overwhelming heat, so the skewers have a nice kick that’s balanced by the sweetness of honey and barbecue sauce.
What if I don’t have barbecue sauce on hand?
You can substitute with a combination of ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and a bit of mustard or hot sauce for a homemade glaze that’s just as delicious.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Barbecue Chicken Skewers Recipe enough for anyone looking to add a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish to their grilling routine. It is vibrant, easy to prepare, and delivers on every level of taste and texture. Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and get ready to enjoy a plate full of perfectly seasoned, juicy chicken skewers that everybody will be asking for again and again!
Print
Barbecue Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 15m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These flavorful Barbecue Skewers feature marinated chicken breast cubes grilled to perfection with a tantalizing blend of spices and a sweet-savory barbecue sauce coating. Perfect as a main dish for summer cookouts or a tasty weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For Grilling
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken breast into evenly sized cubes, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in size, for uniform cooking.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the chicken cubes in a large mixing bowl. Add olive oil, soy sauce, honey, and brown sugar.
- Add Spices: Sprinkle paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper into the bowl.
- Finish the Marinade: Squeeze lemon juice over the mixture. Toss all ingredients well, ensuring each chicken piece is coated evenly.
- Marinate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, allowing the flavors to infuse the chicken.
- Prepare Skewers: While the chicken marinates, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat to ensure it’s ready for cooking.
- Assemble Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the soaked skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking.
- Apply Barbecue Sauce: Brush barbecue sauce over the chicken cubes on the skewers, coating all sides thoroughly.
- Grill Chicken: Place skewers on the grill. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is fully cooked.
- Baste While Grilling: Brush additional barbecue sauce onto the chicken during cooking for enhanced flavor.
- Rest and Serve: Remove skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Marinating time can be extended up to 2 hours for more intense flavor.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control the spice level.
- Barbecue sauce can be swapped for your favorite brand or homemade version.
