Get ready for some juicy BBQ chicken skewers! This recipe combines tender chicken pieces with a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce that makes everyone smile. It’s perfect for grilling season!
These skewers are super easy to make, and kids love them too. I like to serve them with some fresh veggies on the side. And the best part? They’re great for backyard parties or family dinners!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here for their tenderness. If you’re looking for a substitute, chicken thighs work well too; they tend to stay juicier. Alternatively, you could use shrimp or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
BBQ Sauce: Any store-bought BBQ sauce will do, but I enjoy making my own for a personal touch. If you want a healthier version, try using a low-sugar or homemade BBQ sauce. For a kick, add some hot sauce or chili powder, if you like it spicy!
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice gives a bright flavor to this dish. You can use lemon juice if that’s what you have, or even vinegar in a pinch—though it will change the taste slightly.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds great flavor, but garlic powder could be used instead, using about 1/4 tsp for each clove. If you’re not a fan of garlic, feel free to omit it—just note that you’ll lose some depth of flavor.
How Do I Make Sure the Chicken is Tender and Flavorful?
The key to tender, flavorful chicken skewers starts with the marinade. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes; 2 hours is even better! This time helps the flavors meld and tenderizes the meat. Here’s how to do it:
- In a large bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add your chicken pieces, stirring to ensure they’re fully coated. Remember to cover it in the fridge!
- Don’t rush this step, as proper marination is crucial for maximum flavor and juiciness.
The Best BBQ Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for basting)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before use)
For Garnishing:
- Lime wedges
- Fresh herbs (like cilantro or basil), optional
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes for marinating and another 15 minutes for cooking. So, in total, plan for about 45 minutes to get these delicious BBQ chicken skewers ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
Start by grabbing a large bowl. In the bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well with a whisk or a spoon until it’s nicely blended. This marinade is key for adding flavor to your chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take your chicken pieces and add them to the bowl with the marinade. Make sure every piece is coated really well. Once coated, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or if you have more time, up to 2 hours for extra flavor!
3. Grill the Chicken Skewers:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If you’re using an outdoor grill, remember to oil the grates to help prevent sticking. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little bit of space between each piece to allow for even cooking.
4. Cooking Time!
Now, place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook the chicken skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning them every few minutes to ensure even cooking and to get those beautiful grill marks. During the last few minutes of cooking, feel free to baste the chicken with some extra BBQ sauce for that extra yummy flavor!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chicken is cooked through (no longer pink inside), remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. When ready, serve the BBQ chicken skewers with lime wedges on the side and garnish with fresh herbs if you like. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Other Types of Meat for Skewers?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with boneless pork, beef, or shrimp. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly: pork and beef will take longer than chicken, while shrimp will cook much faster—about 3-5 minutes until they turn pink.
What Can I Substitute for BBQ Sauce?
If you don’t have BBQ sauce on hand, you can use a mix of ketchup and honey with a splash of vinegar to mimic the sweetness and tang. Alternatively, use teriyaki sauce or a spicy Asian marinade for a different flavor profile!
How Can I Store Leftover Skewers?
Any leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to keep them moist, or microwave for about 1-2 minutes.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using it to coat the chicken. This will enhance the flavors even more!
