These BBQ Chicken Skewers are an ideal summer meal—quick to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect alongside your favorite grilled sides. Grab some skewers, a good BBQ sauce, and fire up the grill.
These BBQ chicken skewers are one of several grilled chicken recipes available on our site. They’re seasoned with a dry rub that adds color and depth, then brushed with BBQ sauce at the end for a sticky, caramelized finish.
What is in BBQ chicken skewers?
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: A lean cut that cooks quickly and soaks up seasoning. Slice into strips or cubes so pieces cook evenly on the skewer.
- Dry Rub for Chicken: A mix of dried spices and herbs—usually including paprika, garlic and onion powder, dried oregano or thyme, salt, and pepper—to create a flavorful crust when grilled.
- BBQ Sauce: Adds sweetness, tang and smoke. Brush on at the end of grilling so it caramelizes without burning.
Substitutions & Variations
Chicken cuts: Substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier result. Thighs are more forgiving and add richness; adjust grill time slightly if pieces are thicker.
Dry rub: If you don’t have a premade rub, mix paprika (or smoked paprika), garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano or thyme, salt and pepper. Adjust quantities to taste—start light and add more if needed.
BBQ sauce: Use your favorite bottled sauce or make a simple homemade version with ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar and mustard. Add a splash of Worcestershire or hot sauce for extra depth.
Skewers: Metal skewers are reusable and durable; wooden skewers should be soaked 30–60 minutes before grilling to reduce charring.
More of our Favorite…
BBQ Chicken Recipes
- Grilled BBQ Chicken
- Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken
- Grilled BBQ Chicken Bowls
- BBQ Juicy Turkey Burgers
- BBQ Crockpot Chicken Wings
- Grilled BBQ Chicken Salad
FAQs
Cook chicken to a safe internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC) measured at the thickest part with an instant-read thermometer.
Use your preferred BBQ sauce—sweet, spicy, or smoky. Brushing it on at the end of cooking gives the best caramelized finish without burning the sugars.
Both work well. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30–60 minutes to prevent burning. Metal skewers heat up and can get very hot—handle with tongs or a heatproof glove when flipping.
Storage
Allow skewers to cool to room temperature before storing. You can keep the chicken on the skewers to reheat on the grill, or remove the meat to save space. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Freezer Directions
For longer storage, grill the skewers, cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze flat if possible. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To reheat, warm gently in the oven at 325ºF (160ºC) for 15–20 minutes or microwave until heated through. If you plan to reheat on the grill, bring chicken to room temperature first and finish with a quick brush of sauce to refresh the caramelized coating.
Try it!
Grilled Pesto Chicken Skewers
If you enjoy BBQ skewers, also try grilled pesto chicken skewers for a bright, herb-forward variation that comes together with just a couple of ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve skewers alongside simple grilled vegetables like asparagus or corn, foil-pack red potatoes, or a crisp salad. For dessert, try grilled fruit in a foil pack for an easy, smoky-sweet finish. These skewers make a complete, low-mess meal straight from the grill.
BBQ Chicken Skewers — Recipe
These skewers are quick to assemble and cook, with a total time of about 35 minutes. Serves 4.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into 1-inch strips
- 3–4 tablespoons dry rub for chicken (or homemade blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs, salt, and pepper)
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce, plus more to taste
Instructions
- Slice chicken breasts into even 1-inch strips so they cook uniformly. Thread pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for heat circulation.
- Generously season both sides of the chicken with the dry rub—about 3–4 tablespoons per pound. Let sit briefly so flavors adhere.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high, about 400ºF. Oil the grates with a nonstick spray or a paper towel rubbed with oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill skewers for 7–10 minutes, turning halfway through so all sides get color. Total time will vary with the thickness of chicken pieces—monitor closely.
- When the chicken is almost done, brush BBQ sauce on both sides and grill an additional 1 minute per side to caramelize the sauce without burning it. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165ºF.
Tips & Notes
*Grill time depends on how thick you cut the chicken. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for a safe temperature of 165ºF. For juicier results, avoid overcooking and rest the chicken a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 140 kcal, Carbohydrates: 8 g, Protein: 23 g, Fat: 1 g, Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 6 g. Nutrition values are estimates for guidance only.