Sizzling BBQ Beer-Marinated Chicken Skewers Recipe

Simmering with rich flavors, these bbq beer-marinated chicken skewers promise a mouthwatering adventure for summer gatherings.

Marinades infuse every tender bite with complex depth and smoky undertones.

Weekend cookouts demand something extraordinary that makes everyone lean in with anticipation.

Cold brews work magic when blended into marinades, creating juicy meat with incredible complexity.

Zesty spices and hoppy notes dance together, promising a grilling experience that breaks traditional boundaries.

Fresh ingredients and bold techniques turn ordinary chicken into an unforgettable centerpiece.

Grill masters and casual cooks alike will love how simple yet spectacular these skewers can be.

BBQ Beer-Marinated Chicken Skewers for Cookout Nights

• Infuse tender chicken with a bold blend of beer, BBQ sauce, and aromatic spices that create an incredibly rich and tangy taste profile.
• Elevate your outdoor cooking game with these simple yet impressive skewers that deliver restaurant-quality results right in your backyard.
• Marinate chicken ahead of time for maximum convenience, making dinner preparation a breeze after a long day at work.

BBQ Beer-Marinated Chicken Skewers Ingredient Breakdown

• Beer: Adds depth and tenderizes the chicken with its unique flavor.
• BBQ Sauce: Provides sweet and tangy base for the marinade.
• Olive Oil: Helps to keep the chicken moist and carries other flavors.
• Soy Sauce: Brings umami and saltiness to the marinade.

• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization.
• Garlic: Provides a robust, aromatic flavor base.
• Smoked Paprika: Offers a smoky undertone to complement the BBQ flavor.
• Onion Powder: Contributes a mild, sweet onion flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste and helps tenderize the meat.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the marinade.

• Chicken: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for even cooking.
• Wooden Skewers: Soak in water to prevent burning during grilling.
• Extra BBQ Sauce: Optional for brushing during the last few minutes of grilling.

Instructions for BBQ Beer-Marinated Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Craft Flavorful Marinade

• Beer
• BBQ sauce
• Olive oil
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Minced garlic
• Smoked paprika
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend everything until the mixture looks smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Soak and Prepare Skewers

Submerge wooden skewers in cold water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.

Step 3: Marinate Chicken

Place chicken pieces in a large zip-top bag or container.

Pour the marinade over the chicken.

Seal tightly and refrigerate for 2-8 hours to let flavors deeply penetrate the meat.

Step 4: Prepare Grill

Heat outdoor grill to medium-high temperature around 400°F.

Clean and oil grill grates to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Thread Chicken

Remove chicken from marinade.

Discard used marinade to avoid cross-contamination.

Carefully thread chicken pieces onto pre-soaked skewers.

Step 6: Grill to Perfection

Place skewers on hot grill.

Cook for 10-12 minutes, rotating every few minutes.

Ensure chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F.

Look for light charring and golden-brown edges.

Optional: Brush with extra BBQ sauce during final minutes for enhanced flavor.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove skewers from grill.

Let chicken rest for 3-5 minutes to retain juiciness.

Serve hot and enjoy your beer-marinated masterpiece!

Smart Tips for BBQ Beer-Marinated Chicken Skewers

• Prevent Skewer Burning: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to stop them from catching fire and breaking apart during cooking.
• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Marinate chicken for the full 8 hours to allow beer and BBQ sauce to deeply penetrate and tenderize the meat, creating more robust taste profiles.
• Manage Marinade Safely: Always discard used marinade to prevent cross-contamination and potential bacterial growth from raw chicken exposure.
• Control Grill Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat around 400F to ensure chicken cooks evenly, develops beautiful grill marks, and stays juicy without burning.
• Enhance Final Touches: Brush extra BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling to create a glossy, caramelized exterior that adds an extra layer of tangy sweetness.

Keeping BBQ Beer-Marinated Chicken Skewers Ready

• Store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Separate skewers or remove chicken from wooden sticks before storing.
• Warm skewers in a skillet over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent drying out.
• Heat chicken in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and moisture between each burst. Add a splash of chicken broth to maintain juiciness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place skewers on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm for 8-10 minutes until heated through.

Serve These with BBQ Beer-Marinated Chicken Skewers

• Select a range of craft beers that complement the BBQ flavors, like amber ale, wheat beer, and hoppy IPA to match the marinade's complexity.
• Create a tangy, crisp slaw with apple cider vinegar, shredded cabbage, and a touch of honey to cut through the rich, smoky chicken flavors.
• Prepare Mexican-style grilled corn with chili powder, cotija cheese, and lime to echo the BBQ's smoky profile and add vibrant side dish contrast.
• Prepare a light, refreshing cucumber salad with dill and yogurt dressing to balance the spicy and smoky chicken skewer notes.

Flavor Ideas for BBQ Beer-Marinated Chicken Skewers

• Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the marinade gluten-free. Use a gluten-free BBQ sauce for added dietary accommodation.
• Non-Alcoholic Option: Substitute beer with non-alcoholic beer or apple cider for families or those avoiding alcohol. This variation maintains the marinade's depth and complexity.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade for heat lovers. Increase smoked paprika for an extra smoky undertone that complements the barbecue flavors.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Swap BBQ sauce with olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and rosemary. Use chicken thighs for a more robust Mediterranean-inspired skewer that offers a lighter, herb-infused alternative to the original recipe.

Curious About BBQ Beer-Marinated Chicken Skewers?

• What type of beer works best for the marinade?

Light lagers or amber ales work perfectly. The beer adds a subtle malty flavor and helps tenderize the chicken without overpowering other ingredients.

• Can I use this marinade for other meats?

Absolutely! This marinade is fantastic with pork, turkey, and even tofu. The combination of BBQ sauce and beer creates a versatile flavor profile that complements different proteins.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The chicken should look white throughout with no pink areas and have a light golden-brown char on the outside.

• Is it necessary to marinate for the full 8 hours?

No, but longer marinating times develop deeper flavors. Even 2 hours will infuse the chicken with delicious taste, making the meat tender and well-seasoned.

BBQ Beer-Marinated Chicken Skewers Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent BBQ beer-marinated chicken skewers blend hoppy complexity with smoky grilled perfection. Juicy meat marinates in rich beer, creating tender bites that promise a delightful culinary journey you won’t want to miss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1.5-inch pieces

Marinade Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) beer (lager or ale works best)
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Additional Items:

• Wooden or metal skewers
• Extra BBQ sauce for basting (optional)
• Chopped parsley or green onion, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Craft a robust marinade by vigorously whisking beer, BBQ sauce, olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a medium mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
2. Submerge chicken pieces completely in the marinade within a sealed container or zip-top bag, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply, with a maximum marination time of 8 hours for maximum taste intensity.
3. Prepare wooden skewers by immersing them in water for at least 30 minutes, preventing potential charring during grilling and ensuring safe cooking.
4. Extract chicken from marinade, carefully threading pieces onto pre-soaked skewers. Discard remaining marinade to avoid cross-contamination.
5. Heat grill to medium-high temperature, targeting approximately 400 degrees fahrenheit for optimal cooking conditions.
6. Position skewered chicken on grill, rotating every few minutes to ensure uniform cooking and attractive grill marks. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until chicken reaches complete internal doneness.
7. Optional: During final grilling moments, generously brush additional BBQ sauce over skewers for enhanced flavor and glossy appearance.

Notes

• Choose a darker beer like amber ale or stout for deeper, richer flavor complexity that complements the BBQ sauce.
• Pat chicken dry before marinating to help seasonings adhere better and ensure perfect caramelization during grilling.
• For gluten-free version, swap regular soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free BBQ sauce to maintain identical taste profile.
• Quickly marinate chicken for 30 minutes if short on time, though longer marination develops more intense flavor and tenderness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg