BBQ Chicken Kebabs are the perfect addition to your summer gatherings or weeknight dinners. Grilled to perfection, these juicy kebabs will surely impress your family and friends. This recipe brings together tender pieces of chicken marinated in a blend of spices and BBQ sauce, resulting in a flavor-packed delight that’s easy to prepare.
Why Make This Recipe
Making BBQ Chicken Kebabs is a fantastic way to enjoy succulent chicken infused with a smoky, sweet flavor. The process is straightforward, making it accessible even for novice cooks. Not only are these kebabs delicious, but they can also be customized with your favorite vegetables or served with various dipping sauces. Plus, grilling adds a delightful char that enhances the overall taste, making these kebabs a must-try.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Kebabs
Let’s dive into how to prepare these mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Kebabs. Follow the simple steps below for a perfect grilling experience!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts (trimmed of excess fat and cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sweet paprika
- 4 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 slices bacon (cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
- 4 (12-inch) metal skewers or 6 wooden skewers (soaked in water for an hour)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (see note)
Directions
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Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken cubes and salt together. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but no more than an hour. This step helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
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Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill by turning all burners to high. Close the lid and heat it until hot, around 15 minutes. For best practices, scrape the cooking grate clean with a grill brush. After preheating, leave the primary burner on high and turn off the other burner(s).
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Prepare the Spice Mix: While the grill heats, pat the chicken dry using paper towels. In a small bowl, combine the sweet paprika, sugar, and smoked paprika.
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Process the Bacon: Use a food processor to process the bacon until it forms a smooth paste, which should take about 30 to 45 seconds. Make sure to scrape down the bowl twice during processing to achieve a well-mixed paste.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the bacon paste and spice mix to the marinated chicken, mixing everything with your hands or a rubber spatula until the chicken is thoroughly coated. Don’t worry if you still see small bits of bacon mixed in.
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Skewer the Chicken: Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, folding or rolling the meat as necessary to keep the cubes about 1 inch in size. Ensure the pieces are just touching each other on the skewer. If there are clumps of the bacon mixture left over, take little bits and press them in between the chicken pieces.
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Grill the Kebabs: Place the chicken skewers over the primary burner on the grill. Cover the grill and turn the skewers every quarter turn every 2 to 2.5 minutes until well browned and slightly charred. The cooking time will be about 8 minutes for chicken breasts and 10 minutes for thighs.
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Adding BBQ Sauce: After the kebabs are cooked on one side, brush the top surface with BBQ sauce. Flip the kebabs and continue grilling until the sauce is brown in spots, about 1 minute. Brush the second side with the remaining BBQ sauce, flip again, and cook for another minute until the chicken is fully cooked through.
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Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the kebabs from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps to keep them juicy. Serve with additional BBQ sauce on the side for dipping, if desired.
Pro Tips for Success BBQ Chicken Kebabs
- Use Chicken Thighs for Juiciness: While chicken breasts are popular, using thighs will typically result in juicier kebabs due to their higher fat content.
- Soak Wooden Skewers: Always soak wooden skewers in water for at least an hour before grilling. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Experiment with Marinades: Feel free to experiment with different marinades or BBQ sauces to customize the flavors to your liking.
- Don’t Overcrowd Skewers: Make sure not to overcrowd the skewers with too much chicken. This allows for even cooking and prevents steaming.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: If you want to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Flavor Variations BBQ Chicken Kebabs
- Spicy BBQ Chicken Kebabs: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the marinade for an extra kick.
- Vegetable Kebabs: Thread bell peppers, onions, or zucchini onto the skewers alongside the chicken for a colorful veggie addition.
- Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro into the marinade for added freshness.
- Fruity Twist: Toss in chunks of pineapple or peaches onto the skewers for a sweet, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with BBQ.
- Tandoori Style: Replace the spice mix with a blend of tandoori spices and yogurt for an Indian twist on BBQ chicken kebabs.
Serving Suggestions BBQ Chicken Kebabs
BBQ Chicken Kebabs are versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are a few suggestions:
- With Grilled Vegetables: Serve alongside grilled corn on the cob, asparagus, or a medley of bell peppers.
- In a Wrap: Make a delicious wrap using tortillas, adding lettuce, tomato, and extra BBQ sauce for a perfect summer meal.
- Over a Salad: Slice the kebabs and toss them over a fresh green salad for a healthy option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
- With Dips: Offer a variety of dips, such as ranch dressing, garlic sauce, or a spicy mayo for an exciting flavor experience.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
If you have any leftovers (though they may not last long!), store the BBQ Chicken Kebabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for up to 3 days when properly stored. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Wrap the kebabs tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen kebabs can last for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm them in the oven or grill until heated through.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sodium: 850mg
FAQ About BBQ Chicken Kebabs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs are often juicier, chicken breasts can also work well for this recipe. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they may cook a bit faster than thighs.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No worries! You can easily make these kebabs in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the skewers on a lined baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through until they are cooked through and browned.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it refrigerated until you are ready to skewer and grill.
What sides pair well with BBQ Chicken Kebabs?
Some popular side dishes to serve with these kebabs are coleslaw, potato salad, corn on the cob, and baked beans. These sides complement the smokiness of the chicken perfectly!
How can I spice up these kebabs for a different flavor profile?
You can easily switch up the flavor by adding different spices or marinades. Consider using teriyaki sauce, honey mustard, or even a chimichurri sauce for a fresh and herbaceous taste.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?
While marinating is not strictly necessary, it significantly enhances the flavor and ensures the chicken remains tender and juicy during cooking. If you’re short on time, even a brief marinating period will help.
Final Thoughts
BBQ Chicken Kebabs are a delightful treat that brings families and friends together. Their simple preparation, customizable flavor options, and the joy of grilling outdoors make them a beloved dish. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or preparing a quick weeknight meal, these kebabs are sure to bring smiles to your table. Try this recipe today, and enjoy the savory goodness of BBQ Chicken Kebabs!
Print
BBQ Chicken Kebabs
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Juicy BBQ Chicken Kebabs marinated in spices and grilled to perfection, perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sweet paprika
- 4 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 slices bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 4 (12-inch) metal skewers or 6 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 1 hour
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken in salt for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill on high for 15 minutes.
- Prepare the spice mix combining sweet paprika, sugar, and smoked paprika.
- Process the bacon in a food processor until smooth.
- Combine the bacon paste and spice mix with the marinated chicken.
- Skewer the chicken onto soaked skewers.
- Grill the kebabs on high, turning every 2-2.5 minutes until cooked.
- Add BBQ sauce to the kebabs and grill for an additional minute on each side.
- Rest the kebabs for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve with additional BBQ sauce for dipping. Experiment with vegetables on skewers for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American