BBQ Chicken Kebabs are a delicious and flavorful meal that everyone can enjoy. Perfect for summer barbecues, cozy family dinners, or even a casual evening in, these kebabs promise to be a hit. The combination of juicy chicken, smoky paprika, and rich BBQ sauce creates an irresistible dish that will have your taste buds dancing.
Why Make This Recipe
BBQ Chicken Kebabs are not only easy to make, but they also offer a delightful centerpiece for any gathering. Grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor that is hard to resist, while the pieces of bacon incorporate an added richness into each bite. These kebabs are versatile and can be tailored to your taste preferences, making them an excellent choice for picky eaters or adventurous eaters alike. Plus, they are forgiving when it comes to cooking methods—whether you grill, broil, or cook them in the oven, you can achieve fantastic results.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Kebabs
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts (trimmed of excess fat and cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sweet paprika
- 4 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 slices bacon (cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
- 4 (12-inch) metal skewers or 6 wooden skewers (soaked in water for an hour)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (see note)
Directions
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In a large bowl, toss the chicken and salt together. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 1 hour.
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Turn all grill burners to high, close the lid, and heat the grill until hot, about 15 minutes. Scrape the cooking grate clean with a grill brush. Leave the primary burner on high and turn off other burners.
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While the grill heats, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine the sweet paprika, sugar, and smoked paprika. Process the bacon in a food processor until it forms a smooth paste, about 30 to 45 seconds, scraping down the bowl twice during processing.
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Add the bacon paste and spice mixture to the chicken; mix with your hands or a rubber spatula until everything is thoroughly blended and the chicken is evenly coated. It’s acceptable to have small pieces of bacon intermixed with the chicken.
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Thread the chicken onto skewers, rolling or folding the meat as necessary to maintain 1-inch cubes. The chicken pieces should just touch each other. If bits of the bacon mixture don’t completely coat the chicken, take small bits and press them between the chicken on the skewers.
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Place the chicken kebabs over the primary burner and grill, covered, turning one-quarter turn every 2 to 2 1/2 minutes until well browned and slightly charred (about 8 minutes for breasts or 10 minutes for thighs).
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Brush the top surface of the kebabs with BBQ sauce; flip and cook until the sauce is brown in spots, about 1 minute. Brush the second side with the remaining ¼ cup sauce; flip and continue to cook until brown in spots about another minute and until the chicken is cooked completely through.
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Remove the kebabs from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. If desired, pass additional BBQ sauce alongside.
Pro Tips for Success with BBQ Chicken Kebabs
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Prep the Chicken Ahead of Time: Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes helps deepen the flavor. If you can, marinate it overnight for an even better taste.
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Soak Wooden Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, ensure you soak them in water for at least an hour before grilling. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
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Use Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is cooked properly, use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe to eat.
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Avoid Overcrowding the Skewers: When threading chicken pieces onto skewers, avoid packing them tightly. Leave a little space in between them to ensure they cook evenly.
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Basting is Key: Baste the kebabs with BBQ sauce towards the end of cooking to give them an extra flavorful glaze that caramelizes nicely.
Flavor Variations for BBQ Chicken Kebabs
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Spicy Kick: Add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the spice mix if you enjoy a little heat.
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Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the marinade for a fresh and aromatic twist.
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Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or lime zest to the marinade for a bright citrus character that cuts through the richness of the bacon.
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Vegetable Additions: Include vegetables such as bell peppers or onions on the skewers for an added color and flavor boost.
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Different BBQ Sauces: Experiment with different types of BBQ sauces, such as honey barbecue, whiskey glaze, or even a vinegar-based sauce, for varied taste experiences.
Serving Suggestions for BBQ Chicken Kebabs
BBQ Chicken Kebabs can be served in numerous delightful ways. Here are a few ideas:
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With Grilled Vegetables: Pair the kebabs with a side of grilled zucchini, corn on the cob, or asparagus for a wholesome meal.
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Over Rice or Quinoa: Serve the kebabs over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up any leftover BBQ sauce.
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Sandwich Style: Slide the cooked chicken off the skewers and serve them in sandwich rolls with coleslaw and extra sauce.
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Fresh Salad: Cut the kebabs into bite-sized pieces and toss them in a salad with greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing meal.
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Family Style: Serve on a large platter for a family-style feast where everyone can help themselves.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
If you have leftovers, you can easily store them for future meals.
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Refrigerator: Place any uneaten kebabs in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will last for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked kebabs. Lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them into a freezer bag. They can be kept for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat on the grill or in the oven until heated through.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 366
- Protein: 29g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fat: 21g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sodium: 692mg
FAQ About BBQ Chicken Kebabs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used, but they may require slightly less cooking time. Keep an eye on them to avoid drying out.
What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?
That depends on your personal taste. You can use store-bought BBQ sauce for convenience, or make your own if preferred. A sweeter BBQ sauce will complement the dish nicely and create a caramelized glaze.
Can I make BBQ Chicken Kebabs in the oven instead of on the grill?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the skewers on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through.
What other meats can I use for kebabs?
You can experiment with other kinds of meat, such as beef or shrimp. Each will offer a distinctive flavor profile, making them an exciting alternative to chicken.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Using a meat thermometer is the best way to know! Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can cut into the chicken to check that the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink.
Final Thoughts
BBQ Chicken Kebabs bring together the joy of grilling with flavors that will please any palate. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or looking for a fuss-free family dinner, these mouthwatering kebabs are sure to delight. Their versatility means that you can experiment with flavors, serving methods, and sides to create a truly unique dining experience. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and prepare to enjoy a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Print
BBQ Chicken Kebabs
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
Delicious BBQ Chicken Kebabs featuring juicy chicken marinated with smoky spices and rich BBQ sauce, perfect for summer gatherings or casual dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sweet paprika
- 4 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 slices bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 4 (12-inch) metal skewers or 6 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 1 hour
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Toss the chicken and salt together in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Turn all grill burners to high, close the lid, and heat the grill for about 15 minutes.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine the sweet paprika, sugar, and smoked paprika.
- Process the bacon in a food processor until smooth, about 30 to 45 seconds.
- Add the bacon paste and spice mixture to the chicken and mix until coated.
- Thread the chicken onto skewers, ensuring the pieces are packed just touching each other.
- Place the kebabs over the primary burner and grill, covered, turning every 2 to 2 1/2 minutes for about 8-10 minutes.
- Brush the top with BBQ sauce, flip, and cook until the sauce is brown in spots, about 1 minute.
- Remove the kebabs from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Marinate the chicken overnight for better flavor. You can use different BBQ sauces or add vegetables to the skewers for variety.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 366
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 692mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
