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BBQ Chicken Skewers

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Juicy, smoky, and a little sticky, these BBQ Chicken Skewers bring cookout flavor to any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into 1.25-inch cubes
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade), plus extra for basting
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey (optional for extra gloss)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/23/4 tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1 large red onion, cut into 1.25-inch chunks (optional)
  • 2 bell peppers, cut into 1.25-inch pieces (optional)
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (optional, for a sweet twist)
  • Metal skewers or soaked wooden skewers

Instructions

  1. Soak wooden skewers in water for 20–30 minutes (skip if using metal). Prep the grill (clean grates) or preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Make the marinade: In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, olive oil, soy or Worcestershire, brown sugar (if using), garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, pepper, salt, and vinegar or lemon.
  3. Add chicken cubes to the marinade. Toss well. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes, 2–4 hours for best flavor (up to 12 hours).
  4. Thread chicken onto skewers, alternating with bell peppers, onion, and pineapple if using. Do not pack too tight; leave light gaps for even cooking.
  5. Oil grill grates or a grill pan. If baking, line a sheet pan with foil and set a rack on top; oil the rack.
  6. Cook: Grill (medium-high, 400–450°F): 10–12 minutes, turning every 2–3 minutes. Brush with extra BBQ sauce in the last 2–3 minutes. Cook to 165°F internal. Oven: Bake at 425°F for 15–18 minutes, turning once. Broil 1–2 minutes at the end for char. Brush with sauce in the last 3–4 minutes.
  7. Rest 3–5 minutes. Finish with a light brush of sauce if you like. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onion. Serve hot.

Notes

These skewers are crowd-pleasers, easy to make, and can be served with various sides like corn, coleslaw, or salad.

Nutrition