The moment you bite into a BBQ chicken skewer, it’s like fireworks in your mouth. The smoky aroma wafts through the air, dancing around like a summer breeze as you get ready for graduation or Memorial Day celebrations. Juicy chicken, kissed by the grill’s flames, mingles with a sweet and tangy marinade that makes your taste buds sing. Oh, the anticipation! You can almost hear the sizzling symphony as those skewers hit the grill, promising a flavor explosion.
Picture this: family and friends gathered around, laughter echoing like music, and everyone’s eyes lighting up as they see these vibrant skewers. It takes me back to summers spent in my backyard, where the smell of barbecued goodness meant it was time to celebrate achievements or honor memories. Whether you’re cheering on a new graduate or remembering loved ones, BBQ chicken skewers are the perfect centerpiece for your gathering.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These BBQ chicken skewers are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy hosts
- The combination of smoky flavors and tender meat creates an irresistible taste sensation
- Their colorful presentation will impress guests and elevate any occasion
- Versatile enough for both grilling and oven baking makes them a go-to recipe for any season
Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Skewers – Graduation or Memorial Day
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: For more inspiration, check out this more delicious recipes recipe.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well; adjust based on your guest list.
Bell Peppers: Choose colorful varieties like red and yellow for visual appeal and sweetness.
Red Onion: Adds a savory depth; cut into chunks that match your chicken size.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini slices bring extra flavor and nutrients; cut them into thick rounds.
For the Marinade:
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade; it’s the star of our flavor show.
Olive Oil: Helps keep everything juicy; opt for extra virgin for richer flavor.
Garlic Powder: A must-have spice that adds aromatic goodness to every bite.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewers – Graduation or Memorial Day
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepping Your Ingredients
Start by cutting your boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes—this helps them cook evenly. Then chop your bell peppers, onion, and zucchini into similar sizes so they can dance together on the skewer!
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a large bowl, mix one cup of BBQ sauce with two tablespoons of olive oil and one teaspoon of garlic powder. This blend will not only flavor the chicken but also keep it moist during cooking.
Step 3: Marinate Your Chicken
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade bowl and coat them well. Cover with plastic wrap (or use a lid if you have one) and let it marinate in the fridge for at least thirty minutes—if you have time, letting it sit longer enhances flavor.
Step 4: Assemble Your Skewers
Grab some wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden ones, soak them in water for at least thirty minutes first). Alternate threading marinated chicken pieces with colorful veggies onto each skewer until they are filled up but not overcrowded—everyone needs space to shine!
Step 5: Preheat Your Grill
Set your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F/190°C). If you’re feeling fancy, add some soaked wood chips for extra smokiness.
Step 6: Grill Those Skewers
Place your assembled skewers on the grill. Cook for about ten minutes total, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach at least 165°F/74°C) and has those beautiful grill marks.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra BBQ sauce if desired for that perfect finishing touch! Enjoy these delightful BBQ chicken skewers at your next graduation bash or Memorial Day cookout—they’re sure to become a crowd favorite!
You Must Know
- This amazing Greek chicken marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve BBQ chicken skewers perfection, start by marinating the chicken for at least an hour. While the chicken soaks up all that deliciousness, prep your veggies and thread everything onto skewers. Then, grill those beauties until they’re juicy and charred.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp or even tofu if you’re feeling adventurous! Experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Toss in some pineapple chunks for a sweet twist, or switch up the spices to create your signature BBQ blend.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover BBQ chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through or toss them on a skillet for that fresh-off-the-grill taste.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh ingredients; they truly elevate the flavors of your BBQ chicken skewers
- Allowing the chicken to marinate longer gives you deeper flavor penetration
- Lastly, pre-soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning during grilling
Sometimes I think my friends might love my BBQ chicken skewers more than me! At our last gathering, everyone was raving about them—one friend even offered to trade his secret dip recipe for my skewers!
FAQs:
What are BBQ Chicken Skewers?
BBQ chicken skewers are a delicious and easy dish made by marinating chicken pieces and threading them onto skewers before grilling. This dish is perfect for gatherings like graduations or Memorial Day celebrations. You can customize the marinade with your favorite spices, making it a versatile option for any palate. Serve them hot off the grill with fresh sides, and you have a crowd-pleasing meal that everyone will love. For more inspiration, check out this main dish recipes recipe.
How do you serve BBQ Chicken Skewers at a party?
When serving BBQ chicken skewers at events like graduations or Memorial Day, presentation is key. Arrange the skewers on a platter with vibrant garnishes such as fresh herbs or citrus slices. Provide dipping sauces, such as barbecue sauce or ranch dressing, for added flavor. Pair the skewers with side dishes like coleslaw or grilled vegetables to create a balanced meal that guests will enjoy. This setup encourages mingling and makes for an engaging dining experience.
Can I prepare BBQ Chicken Skewers in advance?
Yes, you can prepare BBQ chicken skewers in advance to save time on busy days like graduations or Memorial Day. Marinate the chicken ahead of time and assemble the skewers several hours before your event. Keep them refrigerated until it’s time to grill. This not only enhances the flavor but also allows for easier serving at your gathering. Just remember to cook them thoroughly before serving for food safety.
What sides pair well with BBQ Chicken Skewers?
BBQ chicken skewers pair wonderfully with various sides that complement their smoky flavor. Consider serving classic options like potato salad, corn on the cob, or grilled asparagus for a fresh touch. Coleslaw adds a crunchy texture that balances the meal perfectly. For a lighter option, consider fresh salads made with seasonal ingredients. These side dishes will enhance your gathering, making it enjoyable during celebrations like graduations or Memorial Day.
Conclusion for BBQ Chicken Skewers – Graduation or Memorial Day:
BBQ chicken skewers make an excellent choice for any celebration, whether it’s graduation or Memorial Day. Their customizable nature allows you to tailor flavors to suit your guests’ preferences while keeping the preparation simple. By preparing these skewers in advance and pairing them with delightful sides, you ensure an enjoyable dining experience for everyone. With their ease of preparation and delicious taste, BBQ chicken skewers promise to be a highlight of your festive gatherings.
BBQ Chicken Skewers
BBQ chicken skewers are a delicious and festive dish perfect for celebrations like graduations and Memorial Day. These skewers combine tender, marinated chicken with colorful veggies, all grilled to perfection for a smoky flavor that will have your guests coming back for more. Easy to prepare and customizable, they make the ideal centerpiece for any gathering. Enjoy these mouthwatering skewers hot off the grill with your favorite dipping sauces for an unforgettable meal that everyone will love.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized cubes)
- 1 medium red bell pepper (cut into chunks)
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper (cut into chunks)
- 1 medium red onion (cut into chunks)
- 1 medium zucchini (sliced into thick rounds)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375°F).
- In a large bowl, mix BBQ sauce, olive oil, and garlic powder.
- Add chicken cubes to the marinade and mix until well-coated. Marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Assemble skewers by alternating marinated chicken pieces and vegetables.
- Grill skewers for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is nicely charred.
- Serve immediately with extra BBQ sauce if desired.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
