Fire up the grill for these juicy and flavorful BBQ chicken skewers! Tender chunks of marinated chicken are grilled to perfection, then slathered in a sweet and smoky barbecue sauce. These skewers are easy to prepare, perfect for cookouts, and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Key Information:
- Preparation time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes for marinating)
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Number of servings: 4
- Serving size: 2 skewers
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
Ingredients:
For the Chicken and Marinade:
- 450g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 60ml (¼ cup) olive oil
- 60ml (¼ cup) soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
For the BBQ Sauce:
- 120ml (½ cup) barbecue sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra smoky flavor)
For the Skewers:
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)
Detailed Method of Preparation:
Prepare the Chicken:
- Cut the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized chunks, about 1.5 inches each.
Make the Marinade:
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and salt. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, tossing to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
Make the BBQ Sauce:
- While the chicken is marinating, combine the barbecue sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika (if using) in a small bowl. Set aside.
Preheat the Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 200°C / 400°F). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Assemble the Skewers:
- Thread the marinated chicken, bell pepper chunks, and red onion wedges onto the skewers, alternating between the ingredients to create a colorful pattern. Leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.
Grill the Skewers:
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. Brush the skewers with the BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of grilling, allowing the sauce to caramelize slightly.
Serve:
- Remove the skewers from the grill and brush with a little extra BBQ sauce for a final burst of flavor. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes, like grilled corn, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.
Tips for Culinary Success:
- Marinate for flavor: For the juiciest chicken, let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 2 hours to avoid over-softening the meat.
- Cut the vegetables evenly: Ensure the bell peppers and onions are cut to a similar size as the chicken pieces to cook evenly on the grill.
- Use a meat thermometer: Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F). This ensures the chicken is juicy and safe to eat.
- Avoid burning the sauce: Brush the BBQ sauce on during the last few minutes of grilling to prevent it from burning.
- Soak wooden skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from catching fire on the grill.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes! Chicken thighs are slightly more flavorful and stay juicier on the grill. They’re a great alternative to chicken breasts.
- Can I make these skewers without a grill? Absolutely. You can cook the skewers on a stovetop grill pan or bake them in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Can I make the BBQ sauce from scratch? Yes! Homemade BBQ sauce is a delicious option. You can customize it to your taste by adjusting the sweetness, smokiness, or spiciness.
- What can I serve with these BBQ chicken skewers? Grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, coleslaw, or a light summer salad are perfect sides for these skewers.
- Can I use different vegetables on the skewers? Definitely! Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms also work great on these skewers.
These juicy grilled BBQ chicken skewers are a surefire way to elevate your summer grilling game. With tender, marinated chicken, colorful vegetables, and a sticky, smoky barbecue glaze, this dish is perfect for outdoor gatherings or quick family dinners. Serve them hot off the grill and watch them disappear in no time!