Hello there, my foodie friends! I’m Khalid Al-Abbadi, and I come from a long line of cooks and gourmands in Saudi Arabia. I was practically raised in the kitchen, and my love for cooking has only grown stronger over the years. Living in the desert country, we heavily rely on grilling meat, especially chicken, for family gatherings. That’s why this Easy Grilled BBQ Chicken Skewers recipe is close to my heart. It reminds me of all the good times spent with loved ones over delicious food.
Khalid is a world traveler who has a knack for tasting and learning about different cuisines. He has a passion for cooking, and is always seeking out recipes that combine his favorite Mediterranean flavors with other world cuisines. When he is not cooking, you can find him practicing his photography skills or hiking in the nearby mountains.
Khalid Al-Abbadi currently resides in the United States and grew up in Saudi Arabia.
Did you know that the art of skewering meat can be traced back to medieval times? Soldiers used to use their swords to grill meat over open flames, and skewers were eventually invented as a safer and more practical alternative. Today, skewers are a popular way to cook meat in many countries, and each has its own unique twist on the recipe. In the Middle East, for example, we marinate the meat in yogurt or lemon juice to tenderize it before grilling. The BBQ marinade used in this recipe is inspired by the flavors of the American South and adds a sweet and tangy kick to the chicken.
With Memorial Day just around the corner, many of us are looking forward to gathering with friends and family for barbecues and cookouts. This Easy Grilled BBQ Chicken Skewers recipe is perfect for the occasion – it’s simple and quick, but packed with flavor that will impress your guests. Plus, with the ongoing pandemic, outdoor cooking is a safer way to bond with others. There’s something about standing around a grill and sharing food with loved ones that brings people together, and I hope this recipe helps you create new memories with your own family and friends.
What you need
Looking to impress your guests at your Memorial Day gathering this year? Look no further than my Easy Grilled BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe! These skewers are loaded with juicy chunks of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, colorful veggies like red onion, red bell pepper, and zucchini, and slathered in sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. Plus, they only take 15 minutes to prep and cook, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your friends and family. The key to perfecting these skewers is to season the chicken and veggies with olive oil, salt and pepper, and thread them onto the skewers tightly so they cook evenly and quickly on the grill. Brush both sides with your favorite BBQ sauce and grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked to perfection. Trust me, your guests will be begging for the recipe!
Ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The star of the dish! Chicken breasts are cut into chunks and can be swapped with other chicken parts or even shrimp or beef if desired.
- Red onion – Adds a nice crunch and sweetness to the dish and can be swapped with other types of onions.
- Red bell pepper – Provides a lovely bright color and sweetness to the dish and can be swapped with other colorful bell peppers or even jalapeño or poblano peppers for a spicy kick.
- Zucchini – Adds a nice fresh green flavor to the dish and can be swapped with other summer squash or even mushrooms for a meaty flavor and texture.
- Olive oil – Tossing the skewers in olive oil helps the veggies and chicken cook evenly and gives everything a nice golden color. Other types of oil like canola or vegetable oil can be used as well.
- BBQ sauce – The BBQ sauce is what really makes these skewers sing! Use your favorite store-bought brand or homemade.
- Salt and pepper – Season the skewers to taste with salt and pepper before and after grilling for maximum flavor.
Utensils:
- Grill or grill pan – This is essential for grilling the skewers, but if a grill isn’t available, they can also be cooked in the oven or broiler.
- Metal or bamboo skewers – Metal skewers are reusable and can be found at any grocery store. If using bamboo skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least an hour before using them to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Cutting board – To prep the veggies and chicken, a cutting board is necessary.
- Knife – To chop the veggies and chicken, a sharp knife is essential for easy chopping.
- Mixing bowl – To mix the veggies and chicken with oil and seasoning, a mixing bowl is necessary.
- Brush – To brush the BBQ sauce on the skewers while grilling, a brush is required.
- Tongs – To flip the skewers and remove them from the grill, a pair of tongs is necessary.
Zucchini: The Summer Squash That Steals the Show
I absolutely love zucchini, and not just because it’s a versatile veggie that can be used in so many dishes. Did you know that zucchini is over 95% water? That means that it’s low in calories (only 33 per medium zucchini) and high in nutrients like vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. Plus, it’s perfect for grilling because it doesn’t take much time to cook through and it soaks up all the delicious BBQ flavors on the skewers. Zucchini can often be overlooked or underrated in recipes, but I promise that it’s an integral part of this easy grilled chicken skewers recipe. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
BBQ Sauce: The Secret to Elevating Your Grilling Game
What’s a BBQ chicken skewer without the BBQ sauce? Not much, in my opinion! BBQ sauce has a rich and smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, veggies, and just about anything else. It’s a condiment that can be found on nearly every American table come summertime, and for good reason: it’s delicious! But not all BBQ sauces are created equal, and whether you’re a fan of a sweet and tangy sauce or one with more of a spicy kick, there’s a sauce out there for everyone. You can opt for a store-bought option or make your own homemade BBQ sauce to really elevate the flavor profile of these easy grilled chicken skewers. Either way, don’t skimp on the BBQ sauce–it’s the star of the show!
What to serve it with?
I highly recommend serving this Easy Grilled BBQ Chicken Skewers recipe with a side of tabbouleh. It’s a Middle Eastern salad made with fresh parsley, tomatoes, onions, and bulgur wheat, tossed in a tangy lemon and olive oil dressing. The combination of the sweet and smoky chicken skewers and the bright and refreshing tabbouleh is simply irresistible. Growing up in Saudi Arabia, tabbouleh was a staple in our household, especially during hot summer days. My mother, who is an amazing cook, taught me how to make it from scratch, and it’s been my go-to side dish ever since. Trust me, once you take a bite of this flavorful and healthy salad, you’ll be hooked!
Summary
And that, my friends, is my Easy Grilled BBQ Chicken Skewers recipe! I hope you enjoyed reading about the inspiration behind this dish and that it inspires you to get out there and try it yourself. Don’t forget to pair it with the fresh and zesty tabbouleh salad for the ultimate summer feast. As always, I love hearing from my readers, so feel free to drop a comment below and let me know what you think of this recipe. Do you have any tips for grilling perfect skewers? What’s your favorite side dish to serve with grilled chicken? Until next time, happy cooking!”
Here’s the recipe:
Easy Grilled BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe!
Equipment
- Grill or grill pan
- Metal or bamboo skewers
- cutting board
- Knife
- Mixing bowl
- Brush
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 1 pound Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 medium Red onion
- 1 large Red bell pepper
- 1 large Zucchini
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- To taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Dice the chicken and veggies - Cut the chicken breasts, red onion, red bell pepper, and zucchini into bite-sized chunks, about 1-2 inches in size. Keep each ingredient separate.
- Preheat the grill or grill pan - Preheat your grill or grill pan on medium-high heat. Meanwhile, soak bamboo skewers in water for at least an hour if using.
- Season the chicken and veggies with oil, salt, and pepper - In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken, veggies, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the ingredients evenly.
- Skewer the chicken and veggies - Thread the chicken and veggies onto the skewers in an alternating pattern until all the ingredients are used up. Leave a little bit of space between each ingredient to ensure even cooking.
- Brush the skewers with BBQ sauce and grill - Once the grill is hot, brush the skewers on both sides with BBQ sauce. Place the skewers on the grill and grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender.
- Serve and enjoy! - Remove the skewers from the grill and serve immediately. Drizzle with additional BBQ sauce if desired. Enjoy these easy grilled BBQ chicken skewers with your favorite sides and drinks!
