Irresistibly Juicy BBQ Chicken Skewers That’ll Make Your Mouth Water

Barbecue chicken skewers turn regular chicken into a tasty grilled treat.

These skewers, threaded with marinated chicken pieces, bring the spirit of summer to your outdoor meals.

Each bite is packed with flavor as the meat soaks up spices and marinades, offering a delicious taste experience.

As they grill, these skewers gain a lovely caramelized crust while staying juicy inside.

Cooking fans love how adaptable they are since you can try different marinades and pair them with various sides.

With their smoky char and tender texture, these skewers are perfect for sharing at backyard parties or enjoying during relaxed dinners.

Why BBQ Chicken Skewers Are Always A Crowd-Pleaser

• Quick Weeknight Meal: Whip up delicious BBQ chicken skewers in under an hour, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor-Packed Grilling: Boost taste with a beer-based BBQ rub marinade that infuses chicken with rich, smoky flavors, transforming simple tenders into a mouthwatering main course.
• Easy Entertaining Option: Impress guests at backyard barbecues or summer gatherings with these simple yet impressive skewers that require minimal prep and deliver maximum flavor.
• Customizable Cooking: Adapt the recipe by swapping beer for other liquids or experimenting with different BBQ rub blends to suit personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients Needed For BBQ Chicken Skewers

• Chicken Tenders: Tender, lean meat perfect for quick and flavorful grilling, choose fresh, uniform-sized pieces for even cooking.

• Beer, BBQ Rub: Beer adds moisture and subtle flavor depth, while BBQ rub provides robust seasoning and complexity to the chicken.

• Wooden Skewers: Wooden sticks for holding and grilling chicken, soak in water beforehand to prevent burning during cooking.

Steps To Grill BBQ Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Prepare Wooden Skewers

Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling. This simple trick ensures your skewers stay intact and don’t catch fire on the grill.

Step 2: Craft Flavor-Packed Marinade

• BBQ seasoning blend
• Beer
• Olive oil
• Honey
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

Whisk ingredients until smooth and well combined. Set aside one-third of the marinade for basting during cooking.

Step 3: Create Chicken Skewers

Take chicken tenders and carefully thread them onto the pre-soaked wooden skewers. Ensure each skewer has even spacing and chicken pieces are secure.

Step 4: Marinate Chicken

Generously brush skewers with marinade, coating each piece thoroughly. Place in a sealed container or resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.

Step 5: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Clean and oil grill grates to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Sear and Cook Skewers

Place skewers on hot grill. Sear for 1 minute on each side to create beautiful grill marks. Brush with reserved marinade. Close grill lid and cook for 5 minutes. Flip skewers and repeat, continuing until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove skewers from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy chicken. Serve hot and enjoy your perfectly grilled BBQ chicken skewers!

Tips To Keep BBQ Chicken Skewers Juicy

• Soak Skewers Right: Prevent burning by soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading chicken.
• Marinate Wisely: Don't use the same marinade that touched raw chicken for basting; set aside a clean portion before adding raw meat.
• Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F for safe, juicy results without overcooking.
• Beer Boost: Choose a light beer for the marinade to add subtle depth and help tenderize the chicken without overwhelming flavors.
• Grill with Care: Create two heat zones on the grill – direct heat for searing and indirect heat for even cooking to avoid charring.

How To Store And Reheat BBQ Chicken Skewers

• Refrigerate: Store leftover BBQ chicken skewers in an airtight container, keeping them fresh for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in Oven: Preheat to 350°F, wrap skewers in foil to prevent drying, warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave Option: Place skewers on a microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel, heat in 30-second intervals to maintain moisture.
• Quick Tip: Add a splash of extra BBQ sauce when reheating to revive the original flavor and juiciness.

Tasty Pairings For BBQ Chicken Skewers

• Pair with Bold Beer Contrast: Select a hoppy India Pale Ale (IPA) that cuts through the rich BBQ flavors, complementing the beer-infused marinade with crisp, citrusy notes.
• Serve with Zesty Slaw Companion: Create a tangy coleslaw with apple cider vinegar and green onions, providing a refreshing crunch that balances the smoky chicken skewers.
• Match with Grilled Corn Sidekick: Grill sweet corn brushed with chili-lime butter, echoing the BBQ seasoning and adding a complementary summer-inspired side dish that enhances the meal's overall flavor profile.
• Complement with Cool Cucumber Salad: Prepare a light cucumber salad with fresh dill and yogurt dressing, offering a cool, creamy counterpoint to the spicy, charred chicken skewers.

Fun Variations Of BBQ Chicken Skewers

• Low-Sodium BBQ Option: Replace beer and commercial BBQ rub with homemade low-sodium spice blend using paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and no-salt herb seasoning. Substitute beer with low-sodium chicken broth.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free beer or apple cider. Select certified gluten-free BBQ rub or create custom spice mix. Verify all ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Skip any dairy-based marinades. Use coconut aminos instead of beer for liquid component. Select dairy-free BBQ seasoning blend without milk derivatives.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Replace beer with dry white wine or water. Choose sugar-free BBQ rub. Increase fat content by brushing skewers with olive oil or melted butter during grilling.

Common Questions About BBQ Chicken Skewers

• What type of beer works best for the marinade?

Light beer like lager or pilsner works perfectly. It adds subtle flavor without overpowering the chicken and helps tenderize the meat.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts. Cut them into even strips about 1-inch thick to ensure consistent cooking and easy skewering.

• Do I need to soak wooden skewers before grilling?

Absolutely! Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before use to prevent them from burning or catching fire on the grill.

• How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature. The chicken is safe to eat when it reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the meat.

Sizzling BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling BBQ Chicken Skewers bring Mediterranean flavors to your grill with juicy marinated chicken and zesty herbs. Guests will savor each perfectly charred bite of this easy summer dish that promises pure grilling delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds (0.9 kilograms) chicken tenders

Liquid and Marinade:

• 1 cup (237 milliliters) beer (lager or IPA)
• 3–4 tablespoons (45–60 milliliters) honey BBQ dry rub (e.g., KC Masterpiece)

Cooking Equipment:

• Wooden skewers (soaked 20 minutes)

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Instructions

1. Prepare wooden skewers by soaking them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
2. Cut chicken tenders into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent marination.
3. Create a robust marinade by blending BBQ rub with beer, whisking until smooth and fully incorporated.
4. Separate a portion of the marinade, setting aside for basting during the grilling process.
5. Thoroughly coat chicken skewers with the primary marinade, ensuring complete coverage of each piece.
6. Allow marinated skewers to rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, enabling flavors to penetrate the meat.
7. Preheat grill to medium-high heat, creating distinct temperature zones for direct and indirect cooking.
8. Place skewers on direct heat, searing each side for approximately one minute to develop a caramelized exterior.
9. Carefully brush skewers with reserved marinade, then close grill lid to create an enclosed cooking environment.
10. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip skewers and repeat basting and grilling process.
11. Monitor internal chicken temperature, continuing to cook until it reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
12. Remove skewers from grill and let rest for 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
13. Serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs or additional BBQ sauce if desired.

Notes

• Choose tender chicken pieces for maximum juiciness and even cooking.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
• Experiment with different beer styles to create unique flavor profiles in the marinade.
• Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free BBQ rub and replacing beer with apple cider or chicken broth.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg