Name: BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ cup chili powder; 1 tablespoon paprika; ½ teaspoon ground thyme; 2 teaspoons salt; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon cumin; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or less for milder flavor); 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 2 boneless chicken breasts (cut into cubes); 3 green peppers (cut into thick pieces); 3 red peppers (cut into thick pieces); 1 large onion (cut into thick pieces); 10-12 wooden skewers (soaked for at least 30 minutes); 2 tablespoons olive oil

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 66 reviews

If you're craving something bursting with smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors all wrapped into one irresistible bite, look no further than this BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe. Juicy cubes of chicken are marinated with a wonderful blend of chili powder, paprika, cumin, and a hint of brown sugar, then threaded alongside vibrant bell peppers and onions on skewers. Grilled to perfection, these skewers capture that classic backyard BBQ magic, making them an absolute showstopper for any meal or gathering. Trust me, once you try these skewers, BBQ nights will never be the same!

Ingredients You'll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a red cloth napkin with white stitching and contains raw chicken pieces covered with a thick layer of reddish-brown spices and sprinkled with green herb flakes on top. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface. To the left, there is a bunch of fresh green herbs with thin stems. Part of a small white bowl containing more of the reddish spice mix is visible in the bottom right corner. Light shines softly on the scene, highlighting the texture and colors of the spices and chicken. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe lies in its simple, well-chosen ingredients that each offer something special to the dish. From the smoky spices to the fresh veggies, every component plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this recipe truly unforgettable.

¼ cup chili powder: Provides a smoky warmth that forms the base of the seasoning blend.
1 tablespoon paprika: Adds vibrant color and a sweet, earthy flavor.
½ teaspoon ground thyme: Offers a subtle herbal note that complements the smoky spices.
2 teaspoons salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps tenderize the chicken.
2 teaspoons garlic powder: Brings a deep, savory richness essential for BBQ seasoning.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and balanced bite.
1 teaspoon cumin: Gives an earthy, slightly nutty depth to the marinade.
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Adds a punch of heat that you can adjust to taste.
1 tablespoon brown sugar: Dresses the chicken with a mild sweetness and caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
2 boneless chicken breasts (cut into cubes): The tender, lean meat that soaks up all the delicious spices.
3 green peppers (cut into thick pieces): Add crunch and fresh, slightly bitter balance.
3 red peppers (cut into thick pieces): Bring sweetness and a pop of color to the skewers.
1 large onion (cut into thick pieces): Offers sharpness and caramelizes for a touch of sweetness.
10-12 skewers (soaked for at least 30 minutes): Keeps your food from burning and makes grilling easy.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to brush the skewers during grilling for juiciness and nice char.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Skewers

Start by soaking the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes or even overnight if you plan ahead. This is a crucial step that prevents the skewers from burning on the grill, ensuring your chicken cooks evenly and your skewers stay intact for effortless turning.

Step 2: Mix the BBQ Seasoning

In a small bowl, combine chili powder, paprika, ground thyme, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, cumin, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar. This spice blend is the heart of your BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe, creating layers of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors that coat every piece of chicken.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Next, toss your cubed chicken breasts with the BBQ seasoning mix. Allow the chicken to sit for about 10 minutes so that the spices can sneak deep into the meat, making every bite flavorful and delicious. This short marinating time still packs a punch!

Step 4: Assemble the Skewers

Thread the chicken cubes, green peppers, red peppers, and thick onion pieces onto the soaked skewers. Alternate between chicken and veggies, repeating until each skewer is filled about halfway — usually about 3 to 4 pieces of each ingredient. This pattern not only looks colorful and appetizing but ensures even cooking and a perfect balance of flavors.

Step 5: Preheat the Grill

Heat your grill to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, setting the stage for a sizzling BBQ experience. This temperature sears the chicken quickly, locking in juices while giving those lovely grill marks that scream deliciousness.

Step 6: Grill the Skewers

Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, brushing them occasionally with olive oil. This adds moisture and helps develop a beautiful char. Remember to turn the skewers regularly for even cooking. The chicken is perfectly done when its internal temperature hits 165 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring safety and juiciness.

Step 7: Serve Warm

Once grilled to perfection, serve your BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe immediately to enjoy their fresh-from-the-grill goodness. The combination of tender chicken and slightly charred, crisp veggies is simply unbeatable straight off the heat.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe

Three wooden skewers with grilled meat pieces, red bell pepper slices, green bell pepper slices, white onion pieces, and some more red bell pepper are placed on a black grill grate. The meat is seasoned and has a reddish brown color. The vegetables are fresh and bright, with shiny textures on the grill. A white marbled surface can be seen faintly behind the grill photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Elevate your BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe by garnishing with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. A squeeze of lime juice over the top right before serving adds a zesty brightness that cuts through the smoky richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair these skewers with some fluffy rice, a crisp green salad, or tangy coleslaw to round out your meal. For a truly vibrant BBQ spread, consider grilled corn on the cob or a creamy potato salad — they all complement the smoky, spicy flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For an inviting presentation, arrange your skewers on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces like a smoky chipotle mayo or cool tzatziki. You can also serve them over a bed of couscous or quinoa for a hearty, colorful feast that looks as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover skewers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This ensures you keep that fresh grilled flavor while making it easy to enjoy delicious BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe again on busy days.

Freezing

If you want to save some skewers for longer, wrap them tightly in foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. Properly stored, they’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months — perfect for meal prepping or impromptu BBQ cravings.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the skewers in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, or on the grill for a few minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the chicken and veggies, diminishing the delightful texture you worked hard to achieve.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs have more fat, which can make your skewers even juicier and more flavorful. Just cut them into the same size pieces and adjust grilling time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.

How spicy is this BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe?

It offers a moderate heat level thanks to the cayenne pepper and chili powder, but you can easily adjust the spiciness by reducing or omitting the cayenne pepper if you prefer milder flavors.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the chicken with firm tofu or halloumi cheese and use the same spice mix for a flavorful vegetarian twist that grills beautifully alongside the peppers and onions.

Do I need to soak metal skewers?

No need to soak metal skewers since they don’t burn like wooden ones. However, handle them carefully as they will get very hot during grilling.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No problem! You can cook these skewers under the broiler in your oven or on a grill pan on the stovetop. Just watch carefully to get that lovely char and cook evenly.

Final Thoughts

This BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe is a celebration of vibrant flavors and simple ingredients coming together in a truly mouthwatering way. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or impressing friends at your next gathering, these skewers bring that classic BBQ magic you’ll want to make again and again. Give them a try — your taste buds will thank you!

BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need