Sizzling BBQ Chicken Skewers: Your Essential Guide to a Perfect Summer Grill

Get ready to fire up the grill and savor the taste of summer with these incredibly delicious BBQ Chicken Skewers! This recipe is designed for ease, flavor, and pure enjoyment, making it the perfect centerpiece for any backyard barbecue, family gathering, or weeknight meal. Featuring tender chicken, seasoned with our signature dry rub, and glazed with a rich, smoky BBQ sauce, these skewers promise a mouthwatering experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Grab your skewers, gather your ingredients, and let’s embark on a grilling adventure!

These BBQ chicken skewers stand out as a highlight among our collection of grilled chicken recipes. The secret to their amazing flavor lies in two key components: a fantastic dry rub that infuses the chicken with aromatic spices and a delectable BBQ sauce that caramelizes beautifully on the grill, creating an irresistible sticky, sweet, and savory glaze. This combination ensures every bite is packed with incredible taste and tender texture.

Key Ingredients for Flavorful BBQ Chicken Skewers

Crafting the perfect BBQ chicken skewers starts with selecting quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor that make this dish truly special. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: This lean and versatile cut of chicken is ideal for skewers due to its quick cooking time and ability to absorb flavors. We recommend cutting it into uniform 1-inch thick strips to ensure even cooking, resulting in tender, juicy chicken every time. While chicken breast is our go-to, its neutral flavor profile means it’s a blank canvas ready to soak up all the delicious seasonings.
• Homemade Dry Rub for Chicken: A good dry rub is the foundation of flavor for these skewers. It’s a carefully balanced blend of dried spices and herbs designed to adhere to the chicken, creating a flavorful crust when grilled. Our preferred dry rub not only enhances the chicken’s natural taste but also contributes to that appealing golden-brown color and irresistible aroma as it cooks. It provides a depth of flavor that marinades can sometimes miss, focusing on a savory, slightly smoky profile.
• Homemade BBQ Sauce: The ultimate finishing touch for any BBQ dish. Our homemade BBQ sauce is a masterpiece of tangy, sweet, and smoky notes. Its perfect consistency makes it easy to brush onto the chicken during the final stages of grilling, allowing it to caramelize and cling to the meat without burning. This creates a glossy, sticky exterior that is the hallmark of truly great BBQ.

The Science of Flavor: Why These Ingredients Work

The combination of these three main ingredients isn’t arbitrary; it’s a deliberate choice for maximum flavor and texture. The dry rub penetrates the chicken, seasoning it from within, while the grilling process renders the chicken tender and slightly charred. The BBQ sauce, applied towards the end, adds moisture, sweetness, and that signature ‘sticky’ element, creating a harmonious blend that defines the classic BBQ experience. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will always yield the best results, so choose your chicken and spices with care.

Customizing Your BBQ Chicken Skewers: Smart Swaps & Flavorful Twists

One of the best things about BBQ chicken skewers is their versatility. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some smart substitutions and exciting variations:

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Alternatives: While chicken breast is excellent, boneless skinless chicken thighs are a fantastic substitute. They are inherently more tender and flavorful due to their higher fat content, resulting in incredibly juicy skewers. Keep in mind that chicken thighs might require a slightly longer grilling time, depending on their thickness, so always check for doneness with a meat thermometer.

Dry Rub for Chicken Swaps: If you don’t have our specific chicken dry rub, don’t fret! You can easily create a simple yet flavorful blend using common pantry spices. A great homemade dry rub can be made by combining:

• Paprika or Smoked Paprika: For vibrant color and a deep, smoky undertone.
• Garlic Powder: An essential aromatic that adds a savory depth.
• Onion Powder: Complements garlic and provides a subtle sweetness.
• Dried Oregano or Thyme: Earthy herbs that pair wonderfully with chicken and BBQ flavors.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that bring all the flavors together.

Mix these spices in roughly equal proportions or adjust according to your taste preferences. For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder.

BBQ Sauce Creativity: Our amazingly simple homemade BBQ sauce is a fan favorite, but feel free to use your preferred store-bought brand. You can also experiment with different BBQ sauce styles—from sweet and sticky Kansas City style to tangy Carolina vinegar-based sauces, or even a spicier Texas-style blend. The choice of sauce significantly impacts the final flavor profile, so pick one you love!

Grill Preparation for Nonstick Cooking Spray: To prevent sticking, nonstick cooking spray is convenient. However, if you don’t have it, a common chef’s trick is to use a paper towel dipped in high-heat cooking oil (like olive oil or vegetable oil) to carefully rub down the hot grill grates just before placing the chicken on. This creates a natural nonstick barrier.

Skewers: Wooden vs. Metal: Both wooden and metal skewers work well for this recipe. If you opt for wooden skewers, remember a crucial step: soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling. This prevents them from burning and charring too quickly over the high heat of the grill. Metal skewers, on the other hand, are reusable and conduct heat, which can help cook the chicken from the inside out, but they will get very hot, so use tongs or heat-resistant gloves when handling.

Exciting Flavor Variations to Try

• Vegetable Skewers: Add chunks of bell peppers, red onion, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or pineapple to your chicken skewers for added color, texture, and nutrients. They grill beautifully alongside the chicken.
• Spicy Kick: Infuse extra heat by adding a dash of hot sauce to your BBQ sauce or incorporating chili flakes into your dry rub.
• Marinade Boost: For an even deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in a small amount of BBQ sauce or a simple blend of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for 30 minutes to 2 hours before applying the dry rub.
• Smoky Wood Chips: If you have a charcoal grill or a smoker, adding a handful of soaked wood chips (hickory, apple, or cherry) to your coals can impart an incredible smoky aroma to your chicken.

Storage Solutions for Leftover BBQ Chicken Skewers

Proper storage ensures your delicious BBQ chicken skewers remain fresh and safe to enjoy later. Before storing, allow the skewers to cool down completely to room temperature, which typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour. You have the option to remove the chicken from the skewers to save storage space, or leave them on if you plan to reheat them on the grill. Place the cooled BBQ chicken skewers in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out and to protect them from other odors in the refrigerator. Stored correctly, they will remain fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezer Directions for Future Enjoyment

These BBQ chicken skewers are also fantastic for meal prep and freezing. For best results, we recommend grilling the chicken skewers according to the recipe, then allowing them to cool completely. Once cooled, you can either remove the chicken from the skewers or keep them intact. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours until solid. This “flash freezing” step prevents them from sticking together. Once frozen, transfer the chicken skewers (or individual chicken pieces) into a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat frozen BBQ chicken skewers, first remove them from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can reheat them using several methods: gently warm them in the microwave, reheat in a preheated oven at 325ºF (160ºC) for 15-20 minutes until heated through, or toss them back on a medium-hot grill for a few minutes to restore some of that smoky flavor and char.

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Grilled Pesto Chicken Skewers

Love our BBQ chicken skewers?! You have to try our incredibly easy 2-ingredient grilled pesto chicken skewers next. They’re a flavorful twist that’s just as simple to make!

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Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions for BBQ Chicken Skewers

These BBQ chicken skewers are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes, making meal planning a breeze. For a complete and effortless grilled feast, consider throwing these delicious sides on the grill right alongside your chicken. Imagine a whole meal ready with minimal kitchen cleanup!

• Grilled Vegetables: Easy grilled asparagus in foil is a classic for a reason – tender, flavorful, and so simple. Other fantastic options include bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes, lightly tossed in olive oil and seasonings.
• Hearty Potatoes: Our foil pack red potatoes are a fantastic, no-fuss addition. They cook up tender and absorb all the smoky flavors of the grill. Sweet potatoes cut into wedges also grill wonderfully.
• Fresh Salads: A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette, a creamy coleslaw, or a vibrant corn and black bean salad offer a refreshing contrast to the smoky chicken.
• Classic Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn on the cob, either plain or slathered with herbed butter, is a quintessential summer side that complements BBQ perfectly.
• Rice or Quinoa: For a more substantial meal, serve the skewers over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or a healthy quinoa pilaf to soak up any extra BBQ sauce.

And don’t forget dessert on the grill! We absolutely love this foil pack peach crumble – it’s a warm, sweet, and comforting treat that cooks right on the grill, completing your outdoor dining experience without ever having to turn on the oven.

BBQ Chicken Skewers

These BBQ Chicken Skewers are the perfect summer meal! They’re easy to make and ready in no time, packed with incredible flavor.

By:
Lee Funke

Prep:

20 minutes
mins

Cook:

15 minutes
mins

Total:

35 minutes
mins

Servings:
4

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Ingredients

• 1
  lb.
  boneless skinless chicken breasts,
  cut into 1-inch strips
• 3-4
  tablespoons
  dry rub for chicken
• ¼
  cup
  BBQ sauce,
  or more, to taste

Instructions

• First, prepare your chicken breasts by thinly slicing them into uniform 1-inch thick strips. Carefully thread each chicken strip onto a wooden or metal skewer. If using wooden skewers, ensure they have been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes prior to prevent burning. Place the prepared skewers onto a large plate or baking sheet.
• Generously season both sides of the chicken on the skewers with your chosen dry rub. Aim for a good, even coating, using approximately 3-4 tablespoons of dry rub per 1 lb. of chicken. This ensures maximum flavor penetration.
• Next, preheat your grill to a medium-high temperature, aiming for about 400ºF (200ºC). Once the grill is hot, carefully clean the grates and then spray them with a nonstick cooking spray or rub them with a paper towel dipped in olive oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.
• Place the seasoned chicken skewers on the hot grill. Grill for 7-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until the chicken is nearly cooked through and shows nice grill marks. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken strips.
• Once the chicken is almost cooked (reaching an internal temperature of about 155-160ºF), use a basting brush to generously coat both sides of the skewers with BBQ sauce. Continue to grill for 1 more minute per side, allowing the sauce to caramelize and create that perfect sticky glaze. Ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC) before removing from the grill.

Tips & Notes

*The grilling time provided is an approximation. The actual time needed will depend significantly on how thick your chicken strips are cut. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC).
*For best caramelization, ensure your grill is hot but adjust heat if the sauce starts to burn too quickly.
*Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling before serving for maximum juiciness.

Nutrition Information

Calories:
140
kcal

,

Carbohydrates:
8
g

,

Protein:
23
g

,

Fat:
1
g

,

Fiber:
0
g

,

Sugar:
6
g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. It may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

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