BBQ Chicken Skewers are the ultimate crowd-pleaser that will have your guests raving with every tender, juicy bite. Picture this: succulent chicken marinated in a tantalizing blend of spices and sauces, grilled to smoky perfection. These skewers not only satisfy the palate but also evoke memories of sunny gatherings and laughter-filled celebrations.
Whether you’re celebrating graduation or Memorial Day, BBQ Chicken Skewers bring the party vibes, transforming any ordinary backyard into a delicious fiesta. Imagine the aroma wafting through the air as they grill away, making mouths water and hearts sing. Get ready for an explosion of flavor that will leave you begging for seconds! For more inspiration, check out this more delicious recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These BBQ Chicken Skewers are incredibly easy to prepare, perfect for novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike
- The vibrant colors and charred texture make them visually appealing on any table setting
- Their flavor profile combines sweet and smoky notes, ensuring a taste sensation with every bite
- Ideal for various occasions, these skewers can be served as appetizers or main dishes, making them versatile for any gathering
Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Skewers – Graduation or Memorial Day
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Select about 3-4 pieces depending on the number of guests; they’re easy to cube and marinate.
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Bell Peppers: Use a mix of red, green, and yellow peppers for color; they add sweetness and crunch to your skewers.
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Red Onion: Cut into wedges; its slightly sweet flavor complements the chicken beautifully.
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Zucchini: Slice it into thick rounds; its mild taste absorbs marinades well and adds moisture.
For the Marinade:
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Olive Oil: Helps keep everything moist while grilling; choose extra virgin for a richer flavor.
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BBQ Sauce: Go for your favorite brand or homemade; it coats the chicken in a sweet and tangy glaze.
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Garlic Powder: A must-have for that extra kick of flavor; fresh minced garlic works too!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewers – Graduation or Memorial Day
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes (about one inch). Chop up bell peppers and zucchini into similar sizes so they cook evenly alongside the chicken.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, your beloved BBQ sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended—this marinade is going to make your skewers sing!
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade mixture. Toss well until all pieces are coated evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—this allows those flavors to penetrate deeply.
Step 4: Assemble Your Skewers
Grab some wooden skewers (don’t forget to soak them in water for about an hour if you’re using bamboo) and start threading! Alternate between chicken pieces, bell peppers, red onion wedges, and zucchini slices until all ingredients are used up.
Step 5: Preheat Your Grill
Get your grill nice and hot—aim for medium-high heat (around 375°F). If you’re using charcoal, let those coals turn white before cooking.
Step 6: Grill Those Skewers
Place your assembled skewers on the grill grates. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes total, turning every few minutes until all sides are beautifully charred and chicken is cooked through (internal temp should be at least 165°F).
Transfer to plates and drizzle with additional BBQ sauce if desired for the perfect finishing touch!
Now that you’ve mastered these BBQ Chicken Skewers – Graduation or Memorial Day style – get ready to wow your friends with this sensational dish! Each skewer promises juicy goodness that pairs perfectly with laughter-filled conversations under sunny skies. Enjoy! For more inspiration, check out this main dish ideas recipe.
You Must Know
- This amazing BBQ chicken skewers recipe offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To ensure your BBQ chicken skewers turn out perfectly, start by marinating the chicken while you prep the veggies. Once marinated, thread everything onto skewers and grill them for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option. Experiment with different spices like smoked paprika or add some pineapple chunks for a sweet twist that pairs beautifully with the BBQ sauce.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover BBQ chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, ensuring they keep their juicy goodness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor infusion
- Cut your veggies into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers—give each piece room to get that perfect char
It was during last year’s graduation party when my BBQ chicken skewers unexpectedly stole the show. Friends kept asking for seconds while I stood there, pretending I was a grill master, but really just relieved they weren’t burnt!
FAQs:
What ingredients do I need for BBQ Chicken Skewers?
To make delicious BBQ Chicken Skewers, you will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, bell peppers, red onions, and your favorite BBQ sauce. You can also add pineapple for a sweet twist. For seasoning, consider garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Wooden skewers are essential too; soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
How long should I cook BBQ Chicken Skewers?
Cooking time for BBQ Chicken Skewers typically ranges from 12 to 15 minutes on a preheated grill. Turn the skewers every few minutes to ensure even cooking. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat. Cooking times may vary depending on your grill’s heat level and the size of your chicken pieces.
Can I prepare BBQ Chicken Skewers in advance?
Yes, you can prepare BBQ Chicken Skewers in advance! Marinate the chicken and vegetables a day ahead to enhance their flavor. Assemble the skewers and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill. This makes it easy to serve at gatherings like graduations or Memorial Day celebrations without much last-minute hassle.
What are some side dishes that pair well with BBQ Chicken Skewers?
BBQ Chicken Skewers pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Consider serving them with classic coleslaw or a fresh garden salad for a light complement. Grilled corn on the cob is another great option that adds sweetness and crunch. For heartier fare, try baked beans or potato salad as tasty side dishes that balance the meal perfectly.
Conclusion for BBQ Chicken Skewers – Graduation or Memorial Day:
BBQ Chicken Skewers are a fantastic choice for celebrations like graduations or Memorial Day gatherings. They are easy to prepare and cook quickly on the grill. With simple ingredients like chicken, vegetables, and your favorite BBQ sauce, you can create a flavorful dish that everyone will enjoy. Plus, they offer versatility with different sides that can enhance your meal experience. Don’t miss out on this delicious recipe for your next celebration!
BBQ Chicken Skewers
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
BBQ Chicken Skewers are the perfect addition to any gathering, featuring tender, marinated chicken grilled to juicy perfection. Bursting with sweet and smoky flavors, these vibrant skewers are not only easy to make but also visually stunning, making them ideal for celebrations like graduations or Memorial Day. With a simple ingredient list and straightforward instructions, you’ll impress your guests with this delicious dish in no time.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 red bell pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 green bell pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 red onion (cut into wedges)
- 1 medium zucchini (sliced into thick rounds)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut chicken and vegetables into uniform sizes.
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Add chicken cubes to the marinade and toss until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for about an hour. Assemble skewers by alternating chicken, bell peppers, onion wedges, and zucchini.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375°F). Grill skewers for approximately 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
- Serve hot with additional BBQ sauce if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
