The aroma of sizzling barbecue skewers on a warm summer evening is something that sticks with you long after the meal is over. There’s just something about those charred edges, the smoky fragrance of the grill, and the tender juices locking in as each skewer cooks to perfection. Whether you’re grilling up chunks of marinated chicken, juicy steak, or a medley of colorful vegetables, the flavor profiles you can create are endless. The beauty of skewers is that they allow for experimentation—mixing and matching different marinades, herbs, and spices to find that perfect balance. I love adding a dash of smoky paprika or a squeeze of fresh lime just before serving to elevate the taste. It’s a great way to take a simple meal and turn it into something extraordinary with just a few extra touches. And let’s not forget the joy of assembling them with friends or family. There’s something wonderfully communal about gathering around the grill, skewering your favorite ingredients, and sharing a meal under the sky.
Key Ingredients in Barbecue Skewers
To create those irresistible barbecue skewers, you’ll need a combination of proteins, spices, and a bit of sweetness. These ingredients come together to form a balanced flavor profile that is smoky, savory, and just the right amount of sweet. Here’s a breakdown of each one:
* Chicken breast
The star of many barbecue skewers, chicken breast provides a lean, tender protein that absorbs marinades beautifully, making it a perfect choice for grilling.
* Olive oil
Olive oil helps to keep the chicken moist and tender while adding a subtle richness to the marinade. It also ensures that the ingredients on the skewer don’t stick to the grill.
* Soy sauce
A savory umami bomb, soy sauce adds depth and saltiness to the marinade. It enhances the overall flavor profile, making the skewers even more addictive.
* Honey
Honey brings a natural sweetness that balances out the savory and smoky elements. It caramelizes beautifully on the grill, creating a lovely golden-brown crust.
* Brown sugar
Just like honey, brown sugar adds sweetness, but it also imparts a bit of molasses flavor, deepening the richness of the marinade and helping to create that gorgeous grilled glaze.
* Paprika
Paprika adds a mild heat and earthy flavor with a slight smokiness, elevating the flavor profile and giving the skewers that beautiful, warm color.
* Garlic powder
Garlic powder is a must-have for its fragrant, aromatic quality. It infuses the skewers with that irresistible garlicky punch that everyone loves.
* Onion powder
Onion powder complements the garlic powder with a mellow, savory sweetness that brings out the depth in the marinade. It’s one of those ingredients that works behind the scenes, but you’d definitely miss it if it were gone!
* Ground black pepper
A pinch of freshly ground black pepper adds a bit of heat and a sharp bite, which balances out the sweeter ingredients and enhances the overall taste.
* Salt
Salt is essential in any marinade. It brings all the flavors together, enhancing the taste and helping to tenderize the chicken.
* Chili powder
Chili powder adds a mild spice and warmth, with hints of cumin and other spices. It gives the skewers just the right amount of heat without overpowering the other flavors.
* Ground cumin
Cumin offers a slightly smoky, earthy flavor that’s perfect for bringing a bit of warmth and complexity to the dish. It’s an essential ingredient for creating that cozy, grilled taste.
* Cayenne pepper
For those who like a little extra kick, cayenne pepper provides a spicy zing that will linger on the taste buds, adding excitement to every bite.
* Lemon juice
Lemon juice adds a zesty, fresh note that brightens up the marinade, cutting through the richness of the olive oil and honey. It balances everything out with a burst of acidity.
* Barbecue sauce
A dollop of barbecue sauce is the finishing touch. It adds sweetness, tang, and smokiness, creating that iconic barbecue flavor we all crave. It also helps to coat the skewers with a glaze that caramelizes on the grill.
* Wooden skewers
Soaked in water to prevent burning, these skewers are perfect for threading your ingredients onto. They hold everything together while allowing the heat of the grill to cook everything evenly.
Each of these ingredients plays a vital role in creating the perfect barbecue skewer, and when they come together, the result is a meal that’s bursting with flavor and sure to please a crowd.
How to Make Barbecue Skewers
1. Cut the chicken breast into evenly sized cubes, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in size. This helps the chicken cook evenly and allows it to absorb the marinade more effectively.
2. Place the chicken cubes into a large mixing bowl. This will be where all the flavors come together.
3. Add the olive oil to the bowl with the chicken. The olive oil helps to keep the chicken moist and tender while adding a rich, subtle flavor.
4. Pour the soy sauce into the mixing bowl with the chicken and olive oil. Soy sauce adds a savory, umami flavor that enhances the overall marinade.
5. Drizzle the honey over the chicken cubes in the bowl. The honey brings a natural sweetness that balances the savory and smoky notes in the marinade.
6. Add the brown sugar to the bowl with the chicken, honey, and soy sauce. The brown sugar adds sweetness and depth, contributing to the golden-brown glaze that forms when grilled.
7. Sprinkle the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, salt, chili powder, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper into the bowl. These spices create a complex flavor profile, with a balance of heat, earthiness, and warmth that makes each bite irresistible.
8. Squeeze the lemon juice over the mixture in the bowl. The fresh, zesty lemon juice helps to balance the sweetness and richness of the marinade, brightening the overall flavor.
9. Toss everything together in the bowl until the chicken cubes are evenly coated in the marinade. Make sure each piece is fully submerged in the mixture, allowing the flavors to meld together.
10. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to allow the chicken to marinate. This gives the flavors time to develop and infuse the chicken.
11. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the wooden skewers by soaking them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling. Soaking the skewers ensures they won’t catch fire and burn while cooking.
12. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. You want a nice, hot surface to achieve those perfect grill marks and an even cook on the chicken.
13. Once the skewers have soaked, thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking. This allows the heat to circulate around each cube, ensuring it cooks thoroughly.
14. Brush the barbecue sauce onto the chicken cubes after they have been threaded onto the skewers, ensuring all sides are coated. This step adds an extra layer of sweetness and smokiness to the chicken.
15. Place the skewers on the grill or grill pan and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Be patient as the chicken grills, turning the skewers to ensure even cooking.
16. While grilling, brush additional barbecue sauce onto the chicken for extra flavor. This gives the skewers an additional layer of glaze that caramelizes on the grill, creating a mouthwatering finish.
17. Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute in the chicken, keeping it juicy and tender.
18. Serve the barbecue skewers with your favorite side dishes or enjoy them on their own. Whether it’s a fresh salad, grilled vegetables, or some fluffy rice, these skewers pair beautifully with a variety of sides.
Serving Suggestions for Barbecue Skewers
* Fresh garden salad
A light, crisp garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect refreshing companion to these rich, smoky skewers. The acidity from the dressing balances the sweetness of the honey and barbecue sauce, creating a perfect contrast of flavors.
* Grilled corn on the cob
There’s nothing quite like grilled corn on the cob to complement the smoky flavors of the skewers. The charred kernels add a sweet and slightly smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the savory, tender chicken. Try brushing the corn with a little bit of butter, chili powder, and lime juice for an extra burst of flavor!
* Fluffy couscous or rice
For a comforting, filling side, serve the skewers with a bowl of fluffy couscous or steamed rice. The grains absorb the delicious juices from the skewers, creating a flavorful base that brings the entire meal together. Toss in a few herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of freshness.
What’s your favorite side to serve with barbecue skewers? I’d love to hear how you make your meal complete!
How to Store Barbecue Skewers
If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), storing your barbecue skewers properly is key to keeping them fresh and flavorful. Here are a few simple tips to help you store them so they taste just as good the next day:
* Refrigerate the skewers
Place any leftover skewers in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will keep the chicken juicy and the flavors intact. Just reheat them gently on the grill or in a pan when you’re ready to enjoy again.
* Freeze for later
If you want to keep the skewers longer, you can freeze them. Lay the cooked skewers out on a baking sheet in a single layer to flash freeze. Once frozen, transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm them up on the grill or in a hot pan.
* Avoid storing with sauce
While it might be tempting, avoid storing the skewers with extra barbecue sauce. The sauce can sometimes get too thick or sticky when reheated. Instead, store the sauce separately, and brush it on the skewers just before reheating for that perfect glaze!
These simple steps will ensure your leftover skewers stay as tasty as when they were first grilled. Happy storing!
Conclusion
And there you have it—everything you need to create the most mouthwatering barbecue skewers that are perfect for any occasion! From the irresistible combination of savory and sweet marinades to the joy of grilling with family and friends, these skewers are a total game changer for your summer cookouts (or any time of year, really). The best part? You can mix and match ingredients to make them your own, and with so many tasty ways to serve them up, you’ll never run out of ideas.
Feel free to print this article and save it for later, so you can always have this go-to recipe on hand. And if you do try it out (or tweak it to make it your own!), I’d love to hear what you think. Do you have any tips or favorite side dishes you pair with your skewers? Got any questions along the way? Drop me a comment or let me know how I can help you make these skewers perfect for your next meal! Happy grilling!
Barbecue Skewers
Description
Juicy chunks of marinated meat, perfectly charred on the grill, skewered alongside colorful veggies. Each bite bursts with smoky, savory goodness, balanced by a hint of sweetness from the glaze. Perfect for a fun, flavor-packed meal!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Start by cutting the chicken breast into evenly sized cubes, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in size.
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Place the chicken cubes into a large mixing bowl.
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Add the olive oil to the bowl with the chicken.
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Pour the soy sauce into the mixing bowl with the chicken and olive oil.
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Drizzle the honey over the chicken cubes in the bowl.
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Add the brown sugar to the bowl with the chicken, honey, and soy sauce.
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Sprinkle the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, salt, chili powder, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper into the bowl.
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Squeeze the lemon juice over the mixture in the bowl.
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Toss everything together in the bowl until the chicken cubes are evenly coated in the marinade.
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Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to allow the chicken to marinate.
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While the chicken is marinating, prepare the wooden skewers by soaking them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
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Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
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Once the skewers have soaked, thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
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Brush the barbecue sauce onto the chicken cubes after they have been threaded onto the skewers, ensuring all sides are coated.
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Place the skewers on the grill or grill pan and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
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While grilling, you can brush additional barbecue sauce onto the chicken for extra flavor.
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Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
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Serve the barbecue skewers with your favorite side dishes or enjoy them on their own.
Note
- Make sure to cut the chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking on the skewers.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add some hot sauce to the marinade.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight for a more intense taste.
- Use a thermometer to check the chicken's internal temperature to guarantee it is cooked through.
- If using bamboo skewers, soak them long enough to avoid burning during grilling.
