BBQ Beer-Marinated Chicken Skewers

Get ready to fire up the grill and sink your teeth into these BBQ Beer-Marinated Chicken Skewers—they’re a total game-changer! Picture this: tender, juicy chicken marinated in a flavorful blend of beer, BBQ sauce, and spices, then skewered and grilled to perfection. The result? Skewers that are bursting with smoky, tangy goodness, and the perfect amount of char. Whether you’re grilling for a backyard BBQ, a family dinner, or just craving something delicious, these chicken skewers are sure to steal the show. Grab your skewers, crack open a cold beer, and let’s dive into the recipe!

Why You’ll Love BBQ Beer-Marinated Chicken Skewers

Flavor Explosion in Every Bite

The beer marinade brings out all the best flavors—rich, smoky, slightly tangy, and just the right touch of sweetness from the BBQ sauce. The beer helps tenderize the chicken, infusing it with a deep, satisfying flavor that’s irresistible. You’ll get a perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and that BBQ smokiness in every bite!

Perfectly Juicy and Tender

By marinating the chicken in beer and BBQ sauce, you’re ensuring that every bite of chicken stays juicy and tender, even when grilled. No more dry, bland chicken—just juicy, flavorful, perfectly cooked meat that’s guaranteed to please.

Easy to Prepare, But Impressively Delicious

While the marinade does all the hard work, you’ll be amazed at how simple these skewers are to make. Toss the chicken in the marinade, skewer it up, and grill it—super easy, yet totally delicious. They’re the perfect option for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish at your next cookout.

Crowd-Pleasing BBQ Vibes

There’s something about skewers that makes them so fun to eat, especially when they’re packed with flavor like these! Serve them up with your favorite sides—grilled veggies, potato salad, or corn on the cob—and you’ll have a meal that everyone will love. They’re great for sharing, making them perfect for parties or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these BBQ Beer-Marinated Chicken Skewers:

For the Marinade:

• Beer: A light lager or pale ale works best for marinating. It adds flavor without overpowering the chicken.
• BBQ Sauce: Your favorite BBQ sauce—go for a smoky variety to give the chicken that perfect barbecue flavor.
• Olive Oil: Adds a bit of richness to the marinade.
• Garlic Powder: For that aromatic depth of flavor.
• Onion Powder: Another essential for the savory backbone of the marinade.
• Paprika: Adds a bit of smokiness and color to the chicken.
• Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the tangy BBQ sauce.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste, bringing out the flavors in the marinade.

For the Skewers:

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Boneless and skinless chicken cut into bite-sized chunks for easy skewering.
• Wooden or Metal Skewers: Choose based on your preference—if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.

(Note: Exact measurements are included in the recipe card above!)

Instructions

Here’s how to make BBQ Beer-Marinated Chicken Skewers that will wow your taste buds:

1. Prepare the Marinade

In a large mixing bowl, combine the beer, BBQ sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until smooth and well-blended. The beer gives it that unique depth of flavor, while the BBQ sauce and spices create the perfect base.

2. Marinate the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized cubes. Place the chicken pieces into the marinade, making sure they’re fully submerged. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour—but for the best flavor, marinate it overnight if you can! The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender the chicken will be.

3. Preheat the Grill

While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, let the coals burn down to an even heat. If you’re using a gas grill, set it to medium-high.

4. Skewer the Chicken

Once the chicken has marinated, thread the pieces onto your wooden or metal skewers, leaving a bit of space between each piece for even cooking. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure they’ve been soaked in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning.

5. Grill the Chicken Skewers

Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice, golden brown char on the outside. You want the internal temperature of the chicken to reach 165°F (74°C). If you like extra char, you can leave them on a little longer, but be sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once your chicken skewers are perfectly grilled, remove them from the skewers and serve them up! Pair them with your favorite sides, such as grilled veggies, corn on the cob, or a creamy coleslaw. Enjoy these BBQ Beer-Marinated Chicken Skewers as the star of your meal, or serve them up as a delicious appetizer!

Nutrition Facts

Here’s the nutritional breakdown for BBQ Beer-Marinated Chicken Skewers (assuming the recipe makes 4 servings):

• Calories: 310 kcal
• Total Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 38g
• Vitamin A: 8% DV
• Vitamin C: 2% DV
• Calcium: 2% DV
• Iron: 10% DV
• Potassium: 430mg

(Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes (excluding marinating time)
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)

How to Serve BBQ Beer-Marinated Chicken Skewers

These chicken skewers pair perfectly with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:

• Grilled Vegetables: Serve with a side of grilled bell peppers, zucchini, and onions for a fresh and smoky addition.
• Corn on the Cob: A classic BBQ side! Brush the corn with butter and a sprinkle of salt for the ultimate pairing.
• Potato Salad: Creamy and tangy potato salad makes for a hearty side that complements the smoky chicken.
• Coleslaw: A cool, creamy coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch next to the grilled chicken.

Additional Tips

• Marinate Longer for More Flavor: If you have time, marinate the chicken overnight for an even deeper flavor.
• Grill Indoors: If you’re not grilling outside, you can cook these skewers in a grill pan or under the broiler for a similar charred effect.
• Add Vegetables: Thread some veggies like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms onto the skewers along with the chicken for extra flavor and texture.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
A1: You can, but boneless chicken works best for skewers. If using bone-in chicken, it may need a longer cooking time.

Q2: Can I make these skewers ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Just skewer and grill when you’re ready to cook.

Q3: Can I bake these instead of grilling?
A3: Yes, you can bake the marinated chicken skewers at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

Q4: Can I make these skewers with chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A4: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work great and stay even juicier. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if needed.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store any leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the grill for the best texture.

Q6: Can I use a different beer for the marinade?
A6: Yes! You can experiment with different beers, such as an IPA for a hoppier flavor, or a darker beer like stout for a richer, more robust taste.

Q7: Can I make this recipe without beer?
A7: Yes! You can substitute the beer with chicken broth or apple cider vinegar for a similar tangy effect.

Q8: Can I cook these skewers on a stovetop grill pan?
A8: Yes, you can! Just heat the pan over medium-high heat and cook the skewers until they’re golden and cooked through.

Q9: How can I make the marinade spicier?
A9: Add some chili powder, cayenne pepper, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the marinade to turn up the heat.

Q10: Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
A10: Definitely! Just be sure to have enough skewers and space on your grill. You may need to cook in batches if your grill can’t hold them all at once.

Conclusion

These BBQ Beer-Marinated Chicken Skewers are everything you want in a BBQ dish—flavorful, tender, and oh-so-delicious. They’re easy to make, but the taste is seriously impressive. Whether you’re grilling for a weeknight meal or hosting a summer BBQ, these skewers are sure to be a hit. So fire up the grill, grab your skewers, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s full of smoky, tangy, beer-infused goodness!

Print