Description
Fire up the grill with this Grilled BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe that’s packed with juicy, smoky, and sweet barbecue flavor! These easy chicken kabobs are perfect for summer cookouts, backyard BBQs, family dinners, and meal prep. Made with a simple homemade marinade and grilled to tender perfection, they’re sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the BBQ Chicken Skewers
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1½-inch cubes
Tender, lean, and perfect for soaking up the smoky barbecue marinade. Chicken thighs work just as well for extra juiciness. - ½ cup barbecue sauce
Creates a sweet, smoky glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. - 2 tablespoons olive oil
Locks in moisture and helps prevent sticking. - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Adds rich, savory depth to every bite. - 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Balances the smoky flavors while giving the chicken a lightly caramelized finish. - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Adds smoky flavor and vibrant color. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
These pantry staples build a bold, savory seasoning. - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Enhances and balances all the flavors. - ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Add a subtle herbaceous touch. - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Brightens the marinade and helps keep the chicken tender.
Optional Add-Ins
Mix and match your favorite vegetables for colorful, flavorful skewers:
- Red, green, or yellow bell peppers
- Red onion
- Pineapple chunks
- Zucchini slices
- Mushrooms
For Garnishing
Finish your skewers with any of these for extra flavor and presentation:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro
- Sesame seeds
- Extra barbecue sauce
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into evenly sized cubes.
- Prepare the barbecue marinade by mixing all marinade ingredients.
- Coat the chicken thoroughly and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Soak wooden skewers if using.
- Thread chicken and vegetables onto skewers.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Oil the grill grates lightly.
- Grill the skewers for 10–14 minutes, turning every few minutes.
- Brush with barbecue sauce during the final 2 minutes.
- Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer creates deeper flavor and extra tenderness.
- Brush on the barbecue sauce during the final minutes of grilling to prevent burning.
- Always allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving for the juiciest results.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 14
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 servings
- Calories: 340 calories
