Savory BBQ Chicken Skewers

Name: Savory BBQ Chicken Skewers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/4 cup BBQ sauce; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 red bell pepper, cut into cubes; 1 green bell pepper, cut into cubes; 1 red onion, cut into wedges; Metal or soaked wooden skewers

Highlighted under: Cozy Comfort Meals

I absolutely love making Savory BBQ Chicken Skewers for gatherings. The combination of juicy chicken marinated in a bold barbecue sauce, combined with the smoky char from the grill, creates a flavor explosion that everyone enjoys. Each bite is packed with sweet and savory goodness. Plus, these skewers are incredibly easy to prepare and cook quickly, making them an ideal option for busy weekdays or weekend BBQs. The aroma that fills the air while they cook is irresistible and always gets my guests excited for what’s to come!

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-02-05T18:26:27.510Z

When I first experimented with BBQ chicken skewers, I wanted to find the perfect balance of flavors. I decided to use a homemade marinade with a blend of sweet and tangy ingredients, which worked exceptionally well with the chicken. What I discovered was that marinating the chicken for at least an hour allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, really elevating the dish.

During the grilling process, I kept an eye on the skewers to ensure they got that beautiful char without overcooking. The key is to use medium-high heat and turn them frequently. It’s always a winner at my cookouts!

Why You'll Love These Skewers
Deliciously smoky flavor that complements the BBQ sauce
Juicy and tender chicken that's easy to make
Perfect for any backyard gathering or weeknight dinner

Marinade Magic

The marinade used in these Savory BBQ Chicken Skewers is the backbone of their flavor. The combination of BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and honey creates a balance of sweetness and acidity that tenderizes the chicken while enhancing its natural juiciness. Be sure to mix the marinade thoroughly; you want every piece of chicken to soak up the flavors. For those looking for a bit of heat, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the marinade for an extra kick.

Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least an hour is crucial, but if you have the time, overnight marination will yield even better results. The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more flavorful it becomes. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes can give you a tasty result; just keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill.

Grilling Tips for Success

When grilling, achieving the right temperature is key to developing that beautiful, smoky flavor without drying out the chicken. Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat, ideally around 375°F to 400°F. This temperature allows for a nice sear while cooking the chicken evenly. Avoid the temptation to poke or press the chicken down on the grill; this can squeeze out juices, leaving you with dry skewers.

If using wooden skewers, ensure they are well-soaked for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Alternatively, metal skewers can be an excellent choice as they conduct heat well and don’t require soaking. When arranging the skewers, don’t overcrowd them; leave space between each piece of chicken and vegetable to promote even cooking and optimal grill marks.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to get started:

For the Marinade

1/4 cup BBQ sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Skewers

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 red bell pepper, cut into cubes
1 green bell pepper, cut into cubes
1 red onion, cut into wedges
Metal or soaked wooden skewers

Make sure to prep everything in advance for a hassle-free cooking experience!

Instructions

Follow these steps for delicious BBQ chicken skewers:

Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for more flavor.

Assemble the Skewers

On your skewers, thread the marinated chicken, alternating with the bell peppers and onion wedges.

Grill the Skewers

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 15 minutes, turning frequently until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.

Serve

Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your BBQ chicken skewers with extra BBQ sauce for dipping!

Make sure to keep an eye on the skewers as they cook to prevent burning!

Pro Tips

Experiment with different vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms for added variety and flavor!

Serving Suggestions

These BBQ chicken skewers are versatile when it comes to serving options. Pair them with a tangy coleslaw for a refreshing crunch, or serve them on a bed of rice for a fulfilling meal. To elevate the dish, try offering a variety of dipping sauces beyond BBQ, such as ranch or a zesty chimichurri, to please different palates.

For a complete meal, consider grilling some corn on the cob alongside the skewers. The sweetness of the corn complements the smoky flavor of the chicken beautifully. Don’t forget to garnish your skewers with fresh herbs, like chopped parsley or cilantro, for added freshness right before serving.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you want to enjoy these skewers on a busy weeknight, prep the chicken and marinade the day before. Store the marinated chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavors, making your skewers even more delicious when grilled. Just skewer and cook the next day for a quick meal.

Should you have any leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply reheat them gently on a stovetop skillet over medium-low heat to prevent drying out. For longer storage, consider freezing the uncooked marinated chicken skewers. They can last up to three months in the freezer, making for a quick and easy meal when needed.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will provide a richer flavor and remain juicier.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I bake these skewers instead of grilling?

Yes, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway.

→ What dipping sauce pairs well with these skewers?

A ranch or garlic dip works wonderfully with the flavors of BBQ chicken skewers!