Grilled BBQ Chicken Skewers are a super tasty and simple way to enjoy your favorite BBQ flavors packed into juicy, tender pieces of chicken threaded on a skewer. The smoky char from the grill blends perfectly with the tangy, sticky barbecue sauce that caramelizes on every bite. These skewers are bright, flavorful, and perfect for outdoor cookouts or a casual family dinner.
I love making these skewers because they’re so quick to prep and cook, which means less time in the kitchen and more time with friends and family. A little tip I’ve learned is to soak wooden skewers in water before grilling to keep them from burning, and basting the chicken with extra BBQ sauce a couple of times while grilling really boosts that rich flavor.
One of my favorite ways to serve these skewers is alongside a fresh summer salad and some grilled corn on the cob. They always make the meal feel special and are a big hit with kids and adults alike. Whenever I bring these to a gathering, they disappear fast—there’s something about their smoky, sweet, and tangy taste that just makes people want more!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Both breasts and thighs work well here. Thighs stay juicy longer, while breasts are leaner. I like thighs for extra flavor, but use what you prefer or have on hand.
Bell Peppers: Green and yellow add nice color and crunch. Red is optional but adds sweetness and bright color. You can swap peppers for cherry tomatoes or zucchini chunks if you want.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite bottled sauce or homemade for a personal touch. If you want something less sweet, choose a mustard-based or spicy BBQ sauce.
Spices: Smoked paprika adds a smoky note without the grill. Garlic and onion powders boost flavor easily. Feel free to add chili powder if you like heat.
Skewers: Wooden ones need soaking to prevent burning. Metal skewers are reusable and conduct heat, helping chicken cook evenly.
How Can I Keep Chicken Tender and Juicy on the Grill?
Grilling chicken can dry it out if not careful. Here’s how to keep it moist and tasty:
- Marinate: Coat chicken in oil and spices to lock in moisture. Even 30 minutes helps, longer is better.
- Don’t Overcrowd Skewers: Give pieces space so heat circulates evenly.
- Medium-High Heat: Grill too hot can burn outside, raw inside; too low will dry chicken.
- Baste Late: Apply BBQ sauce in the last few minutes to prevent burning sugars in the sauce.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Check for 165°F (74°C) to avoid overcooking.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the meat rest off heat to reabsorb juices.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Grill – I recommend a medium-high heat grill for quick, even cooking and those nice char marks.
- Skewers (wooden or metal) – Wooden skewers soaked in water prevent burning, while metal ones are reusable and conduct heat evenly.
- Tongs – For turning the skewers easily without piercing the meat and letting juices escape.
- Basting brush – To evenly coat the skewers with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling.
- Mixing bowl – For marinating the chicken and coating it with spice mixture before grilling.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Protein Swap: Use pork or shrimp instead of chicken for a different flavor. Shrimp cook quickly and pair well with BBQ sauce.
- Cheese & Veggies: Add chunks of pineapple or onion for sweet or savory twists, or sprinkle some shredded cheese on top after grilling.
- Spice Mix: Mix in chili powder or cumin with spices for extra heat or smoky flavor.
- Marinade: Marinate chicken in a mixture with lime juice, honey, or hot sauce for a tangy or spicy kick.
How to Make Grilled BBQ Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken and Marinade:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
For The Vegetables:
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces (optional, for color variation)
Extras:
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before using)
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep to cut and marinate the chicken and veggies, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating (you can let it go up to 4 hours if you like). Grilling takes about 10-15 minutes. So all together, you’ll need roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, mix the olive oil with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken cubes and toss well to coat every piece in the spices. Cover and let it marinate in your fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for extra flavor.
2. Prepare the Grill and Skewers:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for about 30 minutes beforehand so they don’t burn. Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, alternating with green and yellow bell pepper pieces for color and taste. You can add the red bell pepper too if you want a bit more color.
3. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill. Cook each side for 4-5 minutes, turning carefully with tongs. Once the chicken is almost fully cooked, start basting the skewers generously with BBQ sauce. Turn often during the last 5-7 minutes to create a tasty glaze without burning the sauce.
4. Check, Rest, and Serve:
Make sure the chicken is cooked through—its internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). You’ll see a slight char on the edges for that smoky grilled flavor. Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle for tender bites.
Serve your grilled BBQ chicken skewers hot, maybe over steamed white rice with grilled or steamed broccoli, and enjoy a colorful, delicious meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for the Skewers?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely in the refrigerator overnight before cutting and marinating. This ensures even cooking and food safety.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
Marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop. You can marinate up to 4 hours in the fridge for even more tender and flavorful chicken, but avoid going longer to prevent texture changes.
Can I Make These Skewers Indoors?
Absolutely! You can cook the skewers under a broiler or on a grill pan on the stovetop. Just watch closely and baste with BBQ sauce near the end to get that delicious glaze.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Place leftover skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, and avoid overcooking to keep the chicken juicy.