Picture a sunny afternoon, the sizzle of the grill, and the mouthwatering aroma of juicy chicken and charred vegetables filling the air. These BBQ Chicken Skewers with Vegetables are the perfect centerpiece for any warm-weather gathering.
They are incredibly easy to make, packed with flavor, and bring a colorful, healthy meal to your table. Moreover, this recipe combines tender marinated chicken with a vibrant mix of seasonal veggies, all cooked to perfection on a skewer. You will love how simple and delicious this meal is.
Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe
First, this recipe is a complete meal on a stick. It offers a perfect balance of lean protein and fresh vegetables. Second, the marinade infuses the chicken with a tangy, herby flavor that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. Third, it is highly adaptable.
You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand. Finally, cooking on skewers is fun and makes for a stunning presentation. Whether you are hosting a barbecue or need a quick weeknight dinner, these skewers deliver every time.
Recipe
Print
BBQ Chicken Skewers with Vegetables
- Total Time: 1 hr
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Juicy marinated chicken and colorful vegetables grilled to perfection on skewers. A healthy, flavorful meal perfect for any barbecue.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large breasts) (450 g)
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (45 ml)
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (45 ml)
- 2 teaspoons honey (15 ml)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme or dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 small red onion (quartered into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 small zucchini (ends trimmed and sliced into 1/2-inch coins)
- 1 small summer squash (ends trimmed and sliced into 1/2-inch coins)
- 1 red bell pepper (seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces)
- Canola oil (for grilling)
- 1 large lemon (cut into wedges (optional))
- Chopped fresh herbs of choice (parsley and dill are two favorites)
- Crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces and place in a large ziptop bag, shallow baking dish, or bowl.
- In a separate bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken and stir to coat. Place in the refrigerator to marinate for 30 minutes or up to 3 hours.
- If using wooden skewers, place them in water to soak for at least 20 minutes.
- When ready to grill, preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 375℉). Brush the grill grates with canola oil.
- Thread the skewers: Shake excess marinade off a chicken piece, then thread it on. Add alternating pieces of red onion, zucchini, yellow squash, and red bell pepper, ending with chicken.
- Repeat with remaining skewers, then discard the excess chicken marinade.
- Grill the skewers for 10 to 15 minutes, turning every few minutes, until chicken is fully cooked and juices run clear.
- Transfer to a serving plate and squeeze lemon wedges over the top. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and feta cheese. Serve warm.
Notes
- Do not marinate chicken longer than 3 hours as the vinegar can affect the texture.
- Soak wooden skewers to prevent burning on the grill.
- Cut chicken and vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking.
- Internal temperature of chicken should reach 165°F for safety.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 276 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 26 g
Ingredients and Substitutions
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to success. Luckily, this recipe uses simple, wholesome items. Here is what you need.
Base Components
The foundation of these skewers is chicken and fresh vegetables. For the chicken, boneless, skinless breasts work best for quick cooking. You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier result. The vegetable selection includes red onion, zucchini, summer squash, and red bell pepper. These veggies hold up well on the grill and offer a sweet, smoky flavor.
Sauce and Seasonings
The marinade brings everything together. Extra-virgin olive oil forms the base. For acidity, we use apple cider vinegar instead of red wine vinegar for a family-friendly twist. Honey adds a touch of sweetness, while garlic, dried oregano, and dried thyme provide an herby backbone. Salt and pepper season everything perfectly.
Toppings and Extras
Fresh lemon wedges, chopped herbs like parsley or dill, and crumbled feta cheese add the final bright, savory notes. Canola oil is for greasing the grill grates.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewers
Follow these straightforward steps for perfect skewers every single time. The process is simple and rewarding.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Marinade
Begin by cutting one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into one-inch pieces. Place the chicken in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish.
In a separate bowl, whisk together three tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, three tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, two teaspoons of honey, four minced garlic cloves, one tablespoon of dried oregano, two teaspoons of dried thyme, one teaspoon of kosher salt, and half a teaspoon of black pepper.
Pour this marinade over the chicken. Then, seal the bag or stir to coat thoroughly. Refrigerate the chicken for at least thirty minutes, but no more than three hours.
Step 2: Soak Skewers and Prep Vegetables
If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least twenty minutes. This prevents them from burning on the grill. Meanwhile, prepare your vegetables. Quarter one small red onion into one-inch pieces. Slice one small zucchini and one small summer squash into half-inch coins. Finally, seed and cut one red bell pepper into one-inch pieces.
Step 3: Preheat Grill and Thread Skewers
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Brush the grill grates lightly with canola oil. Now, thread the skewers.
Shake excess marinade off a piece of chicken and thread it onto a skewer. Then, add alternating pieces of red onion, zucchini, summer squash, and red bell pepper. End with another piece of chicken. Repeat until all skewers are full. Discard any leftover marinade.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for about ten to fifteen minutes, turning every few minutes. You want the chicken to be fully cooked with clear juices and the vegetables to have nice grill marks. Transfer the cooked skewers to a serving platter. Squeeze fresh lemon wedges over the top. Finally, sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs and crumbled feta cheese. Serve immediately while warm.
Pro Tips for Success
A few expert tips can elevate your skewers from good to great. First, cut your chicken and vegetables into uniform sizes. This ensures even cooking. Second, do not over-marinate the chicken. The vinegar can start to break down the meat if left too long. Thirty minutes to three hours is the perfect window.
Third, leave a little space between items on the skewer. This allows heat to circulate for better grilling. Lastly, let the skewers rest for a couple of minutes after grilling. This lets the juices redistribute throughout the chicken.
Flavor Variations
This recipe is a fantastic canvas for your creativity. For a spicy kick, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade. If you prefer an Asian-inspired twist, substitute the oregano and thyme with ginger and a splash of soy sauce.
You might find more inspiration for global flavors in our collection of exciting Asian cooking recipes. For the vegetables, try mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or pineapple chunks. They add wonderful texture and sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
These skewers are a complete meal on their own. However, they pair beautifully with simple sides. A crisp green salad or a quinoa pilaf complements the smoky flavors. For a casual barbecue, serve them with corn on the cob and potato salad.
If you want a light finish, consider a refreshing dessert. Our roundup of bright and zesty lemon dessert recipes offers the perfect tangy counterpart. Alternatively, for a sweeter option, explore these irresistible strawberry desserts to cap off your meal.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
You can store leftovers for quick meals later. First, let the skewers cool completely. Then, remove the chicken and vegetables from the skewers. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to three days.
To reheat, use a microwave or a warm oven until heated through. For freezing, place the cooled, unskewered components in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that previously frozen vegetables may become softer upon reheating.
Nutrition Facts per Serving
| Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein | Fiber | Sugar | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 276 kcal | 14 g | 11 g | 26 g | 2 g | 8 g |
FAQs About BBQ Chicken Skewers
Can I bake these skewers instead of grilling?
Absolutely. If you do not have a grill, you can bake them. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked.
What is the best way to prevent the chicken from drying out?
The key is not to overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, the marinade helps keep the chicken moist. Do not skip the marinating step.
Can I make these skewers ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the skewers up to a day in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to grill. You can also marinate the chicken overnight, but remember to reduce the marinating time if using vinegar to avoid texture changes.
Are wooden or metal skewers better?
Both work well. Metal skewers are reusable and do not require soaking. Wooden skewers are inexpensive but must be soaked to prevent burning. Choose based on your preference.
Can I use frozen chicken?
It is best to use thawed chicken for even marinating and cooking. Thaw frozen chicken completely in the refrigerator before cutting and marinating.
Final Thoughts
These BBQ Chicken Skewers with Vegetables are a true crowd-pleaser. They are healthy, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. The simple marinade works magic on the chicken, and the grilled vegetables add a wonderful smoky sweetness. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, weekend barbecues, or meal prep. Give it a try, and enjoy the delicious results. Happy grilling!
