Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Blueberry BBQ Glaze
Tender grilled chicken skewers infused with fresh herbs and finished with a vibrant blueberry barbecue glaze for a perfect summer meal. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 87 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, chopped fresh rosemary leaves, chopped fresh thyme leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh rosemary leaves
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 8, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. In a bowl, mix 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp chopped rosemary, 1 tbsp chopped thyme, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare the blueberry BBQ glaze: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup fresh blueberries, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until blueberries break down and sauce thickens. Use a blender or immersion blender to purée until smooth, then strain through a fine sieve. Set aside.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated chicken cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
- Step 4: Grill chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, brushing occasionally with the blueberry BBQ glaze, until chicken is cooked through and edges are slightly charred.
- Step 5: Remove skewers from grill and brush with remaining glaze before serving warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Blueberry BBQ Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 87 minutes (75 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Blueberry BBQ Glaze?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chopped fresh rosemary leaves from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Blueberry BBQ Glaze?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Blueberry BBQ Glaze for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Blueberry BBQ Glaze?
American grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
