These BBQ Chicken Skewers are the ultimate crowd-pleaser! Perfectly tender, bursting with Mediterranean flavors, and absolutely foolproof. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or air frying – they’re guaranteed to be a hit!
this recipe
Featured comment “Made these for our weekend barbecue and they were INCREDIBLE! Even my vegetarian sister couldn’t resist trying a piece. The marinade is pure magic – definitely making these again!”
Get Ready For Some Serious Flavor Magic.
Summer grilling season is in full swing, and honestly, I’ve been obsessed with finding new ways to jazz up our regular chicken routine. Enter these absolutely divine BBQ Chicken Skewers – they’ve completely transformed our backyard dinner game!
I’m not even kidding when I say these have become our go-to entertaining recipe. Every single time I make them, I get requests for the recipe. The combination of that zesty lemon-herb marinade with the smoky char from the grill? Pure perfection! It’s like Mediterranean sunshine on a stick, with hints of oregano, garlic, and that beautiful honey sweetness that caramelizes so gorgeously.
What I love most about these BBQ Chicken Skewers is how they manage to be both elegant enough for dinner parties yet simple enough for weeknight meals. The marinade does all the heavy lifting – just toss everything together, let it work its magic for an hour, and you’re golden. No complicated techniques, no fancy equipment needed.
And can we talk about how Instagram-worthy these are? Those vibrant bell peppers, the perfectly charred chicken, the way everything glistens with that gorgeous marinade – they’re practically begging to be photographed! I’ve had so many friends ask me for “that skewer recipe” after seeing them on social media.
The best part? They’re incredibly versatile. We’ve served them with everything from creamy tzatziki and warm pita bread to fresh quinoa salad and grilled vegetables. They’re also fantastic tucked into wraps with some crisp lettuce and cucumber for an easy lunch the next day.
We absolutely love pairing these with Mediterranean rice pilaf, fresh Greek salad, and some warm flatbread. The combination is absolutely divine – those bright, fresh flavors just sing together! But honestly, these BBQ Chicken Skewers are so flavorful they could stand on their own with just a simple side of roasted vegetables.
Welcome To My Kitchen! Let’s Make These Skewers.
1 Prep Your Skewers First!
Don’t skip this step – soaking your wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes prevents them from burning on the grill. I usually do this first thing when I start cooking, so they’re ready when I need them.
2 Create the Perfect Marinade.
This is where the magic happens! Whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, oregano, and a touch of honey. The combination creates this incredible depth of flavor that penetrates every bite of chicken.
3 Cut Your Chicken Just Right.
I prefer cutting chicken breasts into uniform cubes – about 1.5 inches works perfectly. This ensures even cooking and makes threading onto skewers much easier. Pro tip: slightly chilled chicken is easier to cut cleanly!
4 Let the Marinade Work Its Magic.
Toss that beautiful chicken with the marinade and let it sit for at least an hour. If you’re planning ahead, overnight marinating creates even more incredible flavor. The chicken should look glossy and well-coated.
5 Thread Those Skewers Like a Pro.
Alternate chicken with colorful bell peppers, red onion, and cherry tomatoes. Not only does this create beautiful presentation, but the vegetables add amazing flavor and help keep the chicken moist while cooking.
6 Grill to Perfection!
Medium heat is your friend here – about 12-15 minutes total, turning every 3-4 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and have beautiful char marks. Don’t forget to brush with any remaining marinade while cooking!
Perfect for Your 4th of July Celebration!
Looking for the perfect patriotic centerpiece for your Independence Day cookout? These BBQ Chicken Skewers are exactly what you need! Picture this: gorgeous red bell peppers, golden chicken, and vibrant vegetables creating the most stunning red, white, and blue-inspired presentation on your grill. They’re incredibly easy to make for a crowd, cook quickly so you can spend more time with family and friends, and the Mediterranean flavors are guaranteed to have your guests raving all summer long. Plus, there’s something so quintessentially American about firing up the grill and enjoying delicious skewers under the summer sun. These will definitely be the star of your 4th of July spread!
More Patriotic Ideas
If you love these 4th of July Meringue Cookies, consider trying these other festive treats:
- 4th of July Brownie Bars
- 4th of July Meringue Cookies
- No-bake berry trifle
- Watermelon salad with feta cucumber and mint
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs are incredibly flavorful and stay extra juicy. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take a few extra minutes.
Q: How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked? A: Use a meat thermometer – chicken should reach 165°F internal temperature. The juices should run clear and the meat should no longer be pink.
Q: Can these be made without skewers? A: Definitely! Simply arrange the marinated chicken and vegetables on a baking sheet and roast at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers? A: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. These BBQ Chicken Skewers are delicious cold in salads or reheated gently in the microwave.
These BBQ Chicken Skewers have become our absolute favorite way to elevate ordinary chicken into something extraordinary. The combination of that zesty marinade with the smoky char from grilling creates flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds – and thirds! Perfect for everything from casual weeknight dinners to impressive entertaining, they’re proof that simple ingredients can create absolutely spectacular results.
BBQ Chicken Skewers
Description
🕒 Total Time: 45 minutes (plus marinating time)
These BBQ Chicken Skewers are the ultimate crowd-pleaser! Perfectly tender, bursting with Mediterranean flavors, and absolutely foolproof. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or air frying – they’re guaranteed to be a hit!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.3 lbs (600g) chicken breasts, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 8–10 wooden skewers
- 1 large red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 large yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 medium red onion, cut into quarters
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (optional)
For the Mediterranean Marinade:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Soak: Place wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Marinade Magic: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, oregano, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Marinate: Add cubed chicken to the marinade and toss until every piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Assemble: Thread marinated chicken alternately with bell pepper chunks, red onion pieces, and cherry tomatoes onto soaked skewers, creating colorful patterns.
- Grill: Preheat grill to medium heat (about 375°F). Cook skewers for 12-15 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes, until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F and has beautiful char marks.
- Serve: Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Drizzle with any remaining marinade or serve with tzatziki sauce!
Notes
Make-Ahead Tip: These BBQ Chicken Skewers can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just bring to room temperature before grilling.
Cooking Alternatives: No grill? No problem! Bake at 425°F for 15-18 minutes, or air fry at 400°F for 12-14 minutes, turning halfway through.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to substitute zucchini, mushrooms, or pineapple chunks for different flavor profiles. The marinade works beautifully with any combination!