Texas-Style BBQ Chicken Skewers

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

Tender chicken marinated in smoky barbecue sauce, grilled to perfection with charred corn. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 40 minutes pairs boneless and skinless chicken thighs, barbecue sauce, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes. In a large bowl, combine chicken with 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Toss until evenly coated, then marinate for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving space between pieces.
  3. Step 3: Grill chicken skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F) and slightly charred on the edges.
  4. Step 4: While chicken grills, heat 1 cup corn kernels in a skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes until lightly charred. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and serve alongside grilled chicken.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Texas-Style BBQ 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 Texas-Style BBQ 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 barbecue sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Texas-Style BBQ 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 Texas-Style BBQ 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 Texas-Style BBQ 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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