Barbecue Skewers

There’s something magical about the sizzle of barbecue skewers hitting the grill—it’s that unmistakable sound that promises juicy, perfectly charred bites to come. The beauty of skewers lies in their versatility. Whether you’re marinating chunks of tender chicken, tossing on colorful veggies, or threading succulent shrimp between crisp peppers, each skewer becomes its own little masterpiece of flavor. The marinade is key here, infusing every piece of protein or vegetable with layers of taste that dance on your tongue. And don’t get me started on the aroma! The smoky notes from the grill, mingling with the garlic, herbs, and spices, fill the air and make your mouth water before you even take the first bite. A few moments on the grill, flipping every so often, and voilà—you’ve got a dish that’s both visually stunning and packed with delicious, bold flavors. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or the centerpiece of a weekend barbecue, skewers are always a crowd-pleaser.

Key Ingredients in Barbecue Skewers

The magic of barbecue skewers comes from the combination of ingredients that work together to create bold, mouthwatering flavors. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to make these skewers sing with savory, smoky goodness:

* Chicken breast

Tender and lean, chicken breast serves as the perfect protein base for these skewers. Its neutral flavor allows it to absorb the marinade beautifully, becoming juicy and full of flavor once grilled.

* Olive oil

Olive oil helps keep the chicken and veggies moist while grilling. It also acts as a vehicle for the spices, ensuring they stick to the ingredients and infuse every bite with flavor.

* Soy sauce

Soy sauce adds a savory umami kick to the marinade, balancing out the sweetness of the brown sugar and complementing the smoky flavors from the grill.

* Brown sugar

This natural sweetener adds a touch of caramelized sweetness to the marinade. It helps create those irresistible charred edges on the chicken and veggies when grilled.

* Paprika

Paprika brings a subtle smokiness and a deep, earthy flavor to the skewers. It’s perfect for adding a little warmth without being too overpowering.

* Garlic powder

A pantry staple, garlic powder gives the skewers that irresistible garlicky flavor that pairs beautifully with the smoky char from the grill.

* Onion powder

Like garlic powder, onion powder enhances the savory depth of flavor in the marinade, offering a gentle, slightly sweet onion note that’s not too harsh.

* Black pepper

Freshly cracked black pepper adds just the right amount of heat and bite to balance the sweetness and richness of the other ingredients.

* Salt

Salt is essential for bringing out the flavors of the chicken, veggies, and marinade. It ensures that everything is properly seasoned and doesn’t taste flat.

* Cayenne pepper (optional)

If you like a little heat, cayenne pepper is the perfect ingredient to spice things up. Just a pinch adds a mild kick that elevates the overall flavor profile without overwhelming the other ingredients.

* Lemon juice

Fresh lemon juice brightens up the marinade and adds a tangy zing that cuts through the richness of the olive oil and barbecue sauce. It also helps tenderize the chicken for a juicy bite.

* Barbecue sauce

The star of any skewer dish, barbecue sauce adds that quintessential smoky sweetness and sticky texture that we all crave from grilled foods.

* Red bell pepper

Sweet, crisp, and vibrant, red bell peppers bring color and a slight crunch to the skewers. Their natural sweetness pairs perfectly with the savory grilled chicken and vegetables.

* Green bell pepper

Green bell peppers offer a slightly sharper, more earthy flavor than red peppers, creating a nice contrast in both taste and color on the skewers.

* Onion

The onion adds a mild sweetness and tenderness when grilled, contributing both flavor and texture to each bite. It caramelizes beautifully on the skewer, adding depth to the overall dish.

* Wooden or metal skewers

Whether you go for wooden or metal, skewers are essential for threading the chicken, veggies, and other ingredients together. Metal skewers are reusable and won’t burn, while wooden ones require a quick soak in water to prevent them from charring.

How to Make Barbecue Skewers

1. Preheat your grill or barbecue to medium-high heat. This ensures that the skewers will cook evenly and get that perfect char on the outside.

2. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.

3. Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in size. This allows the chicken to cook quickly and evenly.

4. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir until the ingredients are well combined into a smooth marinade.

5. Add the chicken cubes to the bowl and toss them in the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. This is where all the flavor starts to come together, so make sure each piece of chicken is coated thoroughly.

6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to soak in. The longer it marinates, the more intense the flavor, but 30 minutes will do the trick for a juicy, flavorful skewer.

7. While the chicken marinates, prepare the vegetables by cutting the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and onion into chunks that are similar in size to the chicken cubes. This ensures even cooking and a nice balance of protein and veggies in each bite.

8. After the marination time, remove the chicken from the refrigerator. It’s time to assemble the skewers!

9. Thread the marinated chicken, red bell pepper chunks, green bell pepper chunks, and onion chunks onto the skewers, alternating between the chicken and vegetables. This mix of flavors and colors makes for a visually stunning skewer.

10. Brush the assembled skewers with a light coating of barbecue sauce. This will give the skewers a beautiful glaze and that signature smoky sweetness.

11. Place the skewers on the preheated grill, ensuring they are not crowded and can cook evenly. The key here is to give each skewer enough space to breathe and get that perfect char.

12. Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure all sides are evenly cooked and slightly charred. The chicken should be fully cooked, and the vegetables tender but still vibrant and crisp.

13. After grilling, brush the skewers with more barbecue sauce and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to caramelize the sauce. This step adds an extra layer of sticky sweetness and richness to the skewers.

14. Once the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender, remove the skewers from the grill. Let them rest for a couple of minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and tender.

15. Serve the barbecue skewers hot with any extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping. That extra sauce is always a welcome addition for those who love an extra kick of flavor!

Serving Suggestions for Barbecue Skewers

* Serve with a fresh salad

A crisp, refreshing salad is the perfect complement to these smoky, savory skewers. Try a simple Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and feta for a tangy, vibrant contrast to the rich flavors of the skewers. You could also add a drizzle of lemon vinaigrette to brighten things up!

* Pair with grilled corn on the cob

If you’re looking for that perfect summer pairing, you can’t go wrong with grilled corn on the cob. The sweetness of the corn contrasts beautifully with the smoky, charred flavors of the skewers. Try brushing the corn with a little butter and a sprinkle of paprika for an extra pop of flavor.

* Serve with warm flatbreads

For a more filling meal, serve your skewers with warm flatbreads or pita on the side. You can even use the flatbread to wrap up the chicken and veggies, creating a delightful handheld dish. Add a dollop of garlic yogurt sauce or tzatziki for a creamy, cooling contrast to the grilled heat!

How to Store Barbecue Skewers

If you’ve made extra skewers (lucky you!), or if you’re planning to enjoy them later, here’s how to store them properly so they stay fresh and flavorful:

* Refrigerating

Once your skewers have cooled down to room temperature, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. This will keep them fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re stored in the fridge to prevent any food safety issues. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat them on the grill for a few minutes to bring back that delicious charred flavor.

* Freezing

If you’ve got a bit more time before you want to enjoy your skewers, freezing is a great option. Wrap each skewer individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When stored this way, they’ll keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw them in the fridge overnight and then warm them up on the grill or in the oven.

* Reheating

When reheating leftover skewers, whether from the fridge or freezer, the best method is to grill them again. It helps to revive that smoky flavor and crispy exterior. Just heat them over medium heat for a few minutes until they’re warmed through, and feel free to add a little extra barbecue sauce to freshen up the flavor!

Conclusion

And there you have it—everything you need to make the most delicious, flavorful barbecue skewers right in the comfort of your own kitchen! From the savory marinade to the smoky charred finish, these skewers are sure to impress at any gathering, or even as a casual dinner. I just love how versatile they are—whether you’re sticking to chicken, tossing on a mix of veggies, or adding some shrimp for a little extra seafood twist, each skewer is a masterpiece waiting to happen.

Feel free to save this recipe for your next barbecue or weeknight dinner. And don’t forget, I’d love to hear your thoughts! How did your skewers turn out? Any tweaks or personal touches you added? Drop me a comment or shoot me a message if you need any help or have any questions. I’m here to help and always excited to hear how your cooking adventures go!

Happy grilling!

Print Recipe

Barbecue Skewers

Author: Maria Bennet Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 30 mins Cook Time 15 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 50 mins

Calories: 350

Description

Tender chunks of marinated meat, char-grilled to perfection and skewered with colorful veggies. Each bite bursts with smoky, savory goodness, a perfect balance of crispy edges and juicy interiors—ideal for a sizzling feast!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into cubes

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 2 teaspoons paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon black pepper

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• ¹⁄₄ cup barbecue sauce

• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks

• 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks

• 1 onion, cut into chunks

• Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill or barbecue to medium-high heat.
2. If you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning.
3. Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in size.
4. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using).
5. Add the chicken cubes to the bowl and toss them in the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated.
6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to soak in.
7. While the chicken marinates, prepare the vegetables by cutting the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and onion into chunks that are similar in size to the chicken cubes.
8. After the marination time, remove the chicken from the refrigerator.
9. Thread the marinated chicken, red bell pepper chunks, green bell pepper chunks, and onion chunks onto the skewers, alternating between the chicken and vegetables.
10. Brush the assembled skewers with a light coating of barbecue sauce.
11. Place the skewers on the preheated grill, ensuring they are not crowded and can cook evenly.
12. Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure all sides are evenly cooked and slightly charred.
13. After grilling, brush the skewers with more barbecue sauce and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
14. Once the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender, remove the skewers from the grill.
15. Let the skewers rest for a couple of minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
16. Serve the barbecue skewers hot with any extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.

Note

• Make sure to cut the chicken into uniform-sized cubes for even cooking.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, adjust the cayenne pepper to taste or add chili flakes.
• For a smoky flavor, try using a charcoal grill instead of a gas grill.
• Substitute the vegetables with your favorites, such as zucchini or mushrooms, for a different twist.
• Let the skewers rest briefly before serving to keep the chicken juicy.

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