BBQ Chicken Skewers

A warm breeze wafts through the backyard as the tantalizing aroma of BBQ chicken skewers fills the air. These skewers are a summer favorite, taking just under an hour from prep to plate. The marinade infuses the chicken with a smoky sweetness that keeps everyone coming back for more.

This recipe is perfect for weekend cookouts, family gatherings, or any festive get-together where you want to impress without stressing. You can marinate the chicken a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator for effortless grilling when it’s time to feast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The chicken thighs stay juicy and tender while grilling.
• The marinade combines elements for a perfect balance of sweet and smoky.
• Skewering makes it easy to cook and serve at parties.
• Quick to prepare, taking less than 20 minutes to marinate.

What You’ll Need

Gather the following ingredients to create delicious BBQ chicken skewers.

For the Marinade

• 1/3 cup barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Chicken

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs

For Assembling

• Skewers

For easier threading, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes beforehand.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Chicken thighs can be substituted with chicken breast.
• Use honey instead of brown sugar for extra sweetness.
• Any barbecue sauce works; choose your favorite!
• Smoked paprika can be swapped with regular paprika for less smoke.

How to Make It

Begin your culinary adventure with these straightforward steps.

Mix marinade

In a large bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, olive oil, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is well-blended and cohesive.

Coat chicken

Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor.

Thread chicken

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Take the marinated chicken and thread it onto the skewers. Make sure to leave some space between each piece to allow even cooking.

Grill skewers

Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for about 6–8 minutes per side, turning occasionally to ensure even charring.

Brush with sauce

Near the end of grilling, brush the chicken skewers with extra barbecue sauce for added flavor.

Check doneness

Continue grilling until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked but remains tender.

Rest and serve

Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute before serving.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, high risk of dryness upon thawing.
Reheat: Microwave on medium for 2-3 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• Use boneless skinless thighs for juicier skewers.
• Avoid overcrowding the grill to maintain consistent heat.
• Let the skewers rest after grilling for optimal flavor.
• Experiment with different marination times for varied tastes.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a fresh garden salad for a light meal.
• Pair with cornbread for a true BBQ feast.
• Great as an appetizer for game day festivities.