The Best BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe

This really is the best BBQ Chicken Skewers recipe! Perfect for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or a cozy dinner at home, these skewers are bursting with flavor. The addition of turkey bacon gives them a unique twist that elevates the usual BBQ taste. Whether you’re grilling for friends or just enjoying a quiet night in, this recipe will leave everyone wanting more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of turkey bacon and spices creates a savory depth that makes these skewers stand out.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip up this dish without fuss.
• Crowd-Pleasing: This recipe serves six, making it ideal for parties or a family meal.
• Versatile Meal Option: Enjoy them as a main dish or serve alongside salads and sides for a complete feast.
• Quick Cook Time: Grill up these skewers in just 10 minutes after marinating!

Tools and Preparation

To make the best BBQ Chicken Skewers, you’ll need a few essential tools. These will help ensure your cooking experience is smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Skewers (metal or soaked wooden)
• Food processor or blender
• Large mixing bowl
• Plastic wrap

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: Provides the perfect heat for even cooking and adds that desirable charred flavor.
• Food processor: Quickly blends the turkey bacon into a paste, ensuring it mixes well with the chicken.
• Skewers: Keeps the chicken pieces together for easy flipping on the grill.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Skewers

• 2 pounds boneless (skinless chicken thighs or breasts)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sweet paprika
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 4 teaspoons sugar
• 2-3 slices raw Turkey Bacon (cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
• 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make The Best BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. Trim chicken of excess fat and cut it into 1-inch cubes.
2. In a large bowl, toss the chicken with kosher salt.
3. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to an hour.

Step 2: Prepare Your Grill

1. Turn all grill burners to high.
2. Close the lid and heat for about 15 minutes.
3. Leave the primary burner on but turn off other burners.

Step 3: Mix Ingredients

1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels.
2. In a small bowl, combine sweet paprika, smoked paprika, and sugar.
3. Place turkey bacon in a food processor or blender and pulse until smooth, scraping down sides as needed.
4. Add turkey bacon paste and spice mixture to the chicken; mix until well coated.
5. Thread the chicken onto skewers while maintaining 1-inch cubes.

Step 4: Grill the Skewers

1. Grill the chicken over the primary burner with lid closed.
2. Turn skewers one-quarter of a turn every 2 minutes until browned (about 8 minutes for breasts, 10 minutes for thighs).
3. Brush top of skewers with BBQ sauce; flip and cook until sauce is browned (about 1 minute).
4. Brush second side with sauce; flip again for another minute until cooked through.

Step 5: Serve

1. Remove skewers from grill and tent with foil; let rest for 5 minutes.
2. Serve hot, passing remaining BBQ sauce separately if desired.

Enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Skewers!

How to Serve The Best BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe

Serving the best BBQ chicken skewers is simple and allows for plenty of creativity. Here are some delicious serving suggestions that will elevate your meal experience.

Pair with Fresh Salads

• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons complement the smoky flavors of the skewers.
• Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch to balance the richness of the chicken.
• Greek Salad: Bright tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta bring a Mediterranean flair that pairs well with BBQ.

Add Dipping Sauces

• Ranch Dressing: A creamy ranch dip offers a cool contrast to the grilled chicken skewers.
• Honey Mustard Sauce: Sweet and tangy honey mustard enhances the flavor profile of the BBQ sauce.
• Spicy Salsa: For those who like a kick, fresh salsa adds a burst of flavor that complements the skewers perfectly.

Serve Over a Bed of Rice

• Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice with cilantro and lime juice adds freshness and zest to the meal.
• Spanish Rice: Seasoned rice provides a hearty base that pairs wonderfully with BBQ flavors.

How to Perfect The Best BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe

Perfecting your BBQ chicken skewers takes a little extra care but yields fantastic results. Here are some tips to enhance your cooking process.

• Marinate Longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate longer than 30 minutes can deepen the flavor even more.
• Use Skewers Soaked in Water: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
• Preheat Your Grill: Ensuring your grill is properly heated before adding the chicken helps achieve that perfect char.
• Don’t Overcrowd Skewers: Leaving space between pieces allows for even cooking and better flavor absorption from smoke.
• Rotate Regularly: Turn your skewers every couple of minutes for even cooking and browning on all sides.

Best Side Dishes for The Best BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe

Choosing complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some top picks that pair beautifully with BBQ chicken skewers.

1. Grilled Vegetables: Colorful bell peppers, zucchini, and corn add vibrancy and nutrition while enhancing smoky flavors.
2. Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans offer a hearty side that complements the sweetness of BBQ sauce.
3. Cornbread: This sweet bread is perfect for soaking up extra sauce from your skewers.
4. Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad provides comfort and balances the meal’s smokiness with its richness.
5. Macaroni Salad: A cold macaroni salad brings refreshing flavors to counterbalance the heat from grilling.
6. French Fries: Crispy fries are always a hit—consider trying sweet potato fries for an added twist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing The Best BBQ Chicken Skewers recipe, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here’s what to avoid for perfect skewers every time.

• Skipping the marination: Not marinating the chicken can lead to bland skewers. Allow the chicken to soak in salt and spices for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor.
• Overcrowding the skewers: Placing too many pieces on a skewer can prevent even cooking. Aim for a single layer of chicken pieces for better grilling results.
• Using cold chicken: Grilling cold chicken straight from the fridge can lead to uneven cooking. Let your chicken sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before grilling.
• Ignoring grill temperature: Cooking on a grill that isn’t properly preheated can result in sticking and uneven cooking. Always heat your grill on high for about 15 minutes before adding the skewers.
• Not checking doneness: Relying solely on time can leave your chicken undercooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover BBQ Chicken Skewers in an airtight container.
• They will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing The Best BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe

• Place cooled skewers in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating The Best BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, checking frequently, until warmed.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil, and cook until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes The Best BBQ Chicken Skewers recipe special?

The addition of turkey bacon adds a unique depth of flavor that elevates traditional BBQ chicken skewers beyond just sauce.

Can I use other meats in this skewers recipe?

Yes! While this recipe focuses on chicken, you can substitute with pork or beef if preferred, just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How do I know when my BBQ Chicken Skewers are done?

Use a meat thermometer; your chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is cooked through and safe to eat.

Can I prep The Best BBQ Chicken Skewers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken up to one day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to grill.

Final Thoughts

The Best BBQ Chicken Skewers recipe is not only flavorful but also versatile. You can customize it by adding vegetables or changing marinades according to your taste. This dish is perfect for gatherings or simple weeknight dinners. Give it a try, and enjoy deliciously grilled skewers that everyone will love!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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BBQ Chicken Skewers

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Discover the ultimate BBQ Chicken Skewers recipe that will become your go-to for summer gatherings and cozy nights in. These skewers are not just ordinary; they feature tender chicken marinated in a blend of spices and complemented by the savory touch of turkey bacon, creating an irresistible flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Easy to prepare, quick to grill, and perfect for serving at parties or family dinners, this dish promises a delightful culinary experience. With a mere 10 minutes of grilling time after marinating, you’ll have delicious skewers ready to impress your guests or family.

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Ingredients

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• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken (thighs or breasts)
• 2–3 slices raw turkey bacon
• Sweet paprika
• Smoked paprika
• Sugar
• Kosher salt
• Your favorite BBQ sauce
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes and marinate with kosher salt in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the grill on high for about 15 minutes.
3. Mix sweet and smoked paprika with sugar. Blend turkey bacon until smooth, then combine with chicken and spices.
4. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
5. Grill on the primary burner, turning every 2 minutes until browned (8-10 minutes). Brush with BBQ sauce during the last minute of cooking.
6. Let skewers rest for 5 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 skewer
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 90mg