Juicy 2-Pound BBQ Chicken Skewers That Steal the Show

Nothing says summer like the smell of BBQ wafting through the air! These BBQ chicken skewers have been my go-to for every backyard gathering since I first charred them accidentally at a family reunion years ago (oops!). Turns out, that happy mistake led me to perfecting the juiciest, most flavorful skewers you’ll ever taste.

The secret? Keeping it simple. Just tender chicken cubes kissed with smoke, sweet BBQ sauce that caramelizes just right, and colorful veggies that stay crisp-tender. What I love most is how quickly they come together – in less time than it takes to set up the lawn chairs!

My kids now beg for these skewers every weekend, and I don’t mind one bit. They’re foolproof enough for weeknights but special enough for entertaining. Just wait until you see how the sauce bubbles up on those last few minutes of grilling – pure magic!

Why You’ll Love These BBQ Chicken Skewers

Trust me, these aren’t just any skewers – they’re the kind that disappear fast at every cookout! Here’s why they’ve become my backyard staple:

• Juicy every time: The quick grill time keeps the chicken moist while getting those perfect char marks
• No fancy skills needed: If you can chop and thread, you can make these like a pro
• That sticky-sweet crust: The BBQ sauce caramelizes into this irresistible glaze you’ll want to lick off your fingers
• Colorful & fun to eat: Those bright peppers and onions make each bite exciting
• Total crowd-pleaser: I’ve yet to meet anyone who doesn’t go back for seconds (or thirds!)

Ingredients for the Best BBQ Chicken Skewers

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun when they’re this simple! Here’s what you’ll need to make the most irresistible BBQ chicken skewers this side of summer:

• 2 lbs chicken breast – cut into 1.5-inch cubes (boneless, skinless works best for quick cooking)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce – packed (use your favorite brand or homemade – I’m partial to the smoky ones!)
• 2 tbsp olive oil – for that perfect sear
• 1 tsp garlic powder + 1 tsp smoked paprika – our flavor power couple
• 1/2 tsp each salt & black pepper – the essential basics
• 1 red bell pepper – roughly chopped into 1-inch pieces (seeds removed, please!)
• 1 red onion – cut into hearty chunks that won’t slip through the grill
• 8-10 wooden skewers – soaked in water for 30 minutes (unless you enjoy edible kindling!)

See? Nothing fussy – just good, honest ingredients that let the grill do its magic. Now let’s get those skewers loaded up!

How to Make the Best BBQ Chicken Skewers

Now for the fun part – let’s turn those simple ingredients into something magical! The process is easier than you think, but I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve to guarantee juicy, flavorful results every time.

Prepping the Skewers

First things first – don’t skip soaking those wooden skewers! I learned this the hard way when mine caught fire mid-grill (cue dramatic flare-up and much flailing). Thirty minutes in water prevents them from turning into tiny torches.

Cut your chicken into uniform 1.5-inch cubes – this ensures even cooking. Too big and they’ll dry out before the centers cook; too small and you’ll lose them through the grill grates. Alternate chicken with peppers and onions, leaving a little space between pieces so heat can circulate.

Grilling to Perfection

Fire up that grill to medium-high heat – about 375-400°F if yours has a thermometer. Brush the loaded skewers lightly with olive oil and season generously. Grill for about 5 minutes per side (10 minutes total), turning once halfway through.

Here’s my golden rule: only add the BBQ sauce during the last 2 minutes! Sauce too early and it’ll burn before your chicken cooks through. That final glazing creates the perfect sticky-sweet crust without charring. Watch closely – when the sauce starts bubbling and caramelizing, you’ll know they’re done!

Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Skewers

After years of perfecting these skewers (and a few too many dry batches early on), I’ve nailed down the tricks that make them foolproof:

• Marinate overnight if you’ve got time – try buttermilk or Italian dressing for extra-tender chicken
• Leave wiggle room between pieces – overcrowded skewers steam instead of sear
• Check doneness with an instant-read thermometer (165°F at the thickest part) or peek inside – juices should run clear
• Double up on skewers for easier flipping – just slide two parallel sticks through each row
• Keep sauce separate for leftovers – brush on fresh when reheating to avoid mushiness

These little details take your skewers from good to “Can you make these every weekend?” territory!

Serving Suggestions for BBQ Chicken Skewers

Oh honey, these skewers deserve a proper spread! I love piling them high on a wooden board with all my favorite picnic sides – think chunky potato salad, tangy coleslaw, and warm cornbread muffins dripping with honey butter. For extra fun, set out small bowls of different BBQ sauces (I always do one spicy, one sweet) and a cool ranch dip for the veggie lovers. A crisp green salad with avocado balances everything perfectly. Pro tip: Have plenty of napkins ready – things are about to get deliciously messy!

Storing and Reheating BBQ Chicken Skewers

Here’s the scoop on keeping leftovers tasty – because let’s be honest, these rarely last long in my house! Store cooled skewers in an airtight container for up to 3 days max (any longer and the chicken gets sad). For reheating, ditch the microwave – it’ll turn them rubbery. Instead, toss them back on a medium grill or warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water. The best trick? Brush on fresh BBQ sauce as they heat up for that just-grilled magic all over again!

BBQ Chicken Skewers Nutritional Information

Here’s the skinny on these skewers – each one packs about 220 calories with 25g protein to keep you satisfied! Remember, these numbers are estimates – your exact counts will dance a bit depending on your BBQ sauce brand and chicken size. Always check your labels if you’re tracking closely!

FAQs About BBQ Chicken Skewers

Let me answer the questions I get asked most about these crowd-pleasing skewers:

Can I bake instead of grill?
Absolutely! Pop them on a foil-lined baking sheet at 400°F for about 15 minutes, brushing with sauce at the end. They won’t get those pretty grill marks, but the flavor still rocks.

How long to marinate?
I like 30 minutes minimum if I’m in a hurry, but overnight is magic. The chicken soaks up all that flavor and stays juicier on the grill.

Can I use thighs?
You bet – thighs are actually my secret weapon for extra-moist skewers! Just cut them slightly smaller since they take a tad longer to cook through.

Did you love these skewers as much as my family does? Drop a rating below and tell me how yours turned out!

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