Smoky Barbecue Chicken Skewers

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken skewers marinated in a smoky barbecue sauce and grilled to perfection — great for weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 40 minutes pairs chicken breasts, smoky barbecue sauce, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1.5 lbs chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes; place in a bowl and toss with 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder.
  2. Step 2: Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, turning occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Thread chicken cubes onto soaked wooden skewers, brushing with 1 tbsp cooking oil to prevent sticking.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high (375°F); place skewers on grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning every 2 minutes until chicken is golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Step 5: Brush with remaining 1/4 cup barbecue sauce during the last 2 minutes of cooking until glossy and caramelized.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Barbecue Chicken Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (30 min prep + 10 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 Smoky Barbecue Chicken Skewers?

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 chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Barbecue Chicken Skewers?

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 Smoky Barbecue Chicken Skewers 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 Smoky Barbecue Chicken Skewers?

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.

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