There is nothing quite like the satisfaction of gathering around a grill with family and friends, savoring juicy, bursting-with-flavor kabobs fresh off the fire. This Easy Grilled BBQ Chicken Kabobs Recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser that brings together tender chicken, vibrant peppers, and sweet red onions all kissed by your favorite BBQ sauce. Whether you’re an experienced griller or just starting out, this recipe simplifies the process without compromising on taste, making it the perfect summer staple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Easy Grilled BBQ Chicken Kabobs Recipe has a special role to play — from bringing bold flavors to adding delightful texture and color contrast. The list is straightforward, perfect for a quick shopping trip and a stress-free cooking experience.
- 4 chicken breasts: Cut into bite-size pieces for quick, even cooking and easy eating.
- 3/4 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce: The star of the dish, providing that smoky sweetness that ties everything together.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps keep the chicken juicy and prevents sticking on the grill.
- 1 red pepper: Adds a pop of vibrant color and a sweet crunch that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 1 green pepper: Brings freshness and a slight peppery bite, balancing the BBQ sweetness.
- 1 red onion: Offers a mild sharpness and great caramelization when grilled, enhancing depth of flavor.
How to Make Easy Grilled BBQ Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Step 1: Mix the BBQ Sauce and Olive Oil
Start by combining your BBQ sauce and olive oil in a small bowl or measuring cup. This mixture will beautifully coat the chicken, infusing it with rich flavor and ensuring it stays moist on the grill.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the cut chicken pieces into a bowl or large ZipLoc bag and toss them with about three-quarters of your BBQ sauce and olive oil mixture. Reserve the rest for basting later. Letting the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to soak in deeply, giving your kabobs maximum taste. And don’t forget — if you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to avoid burning during grilling.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables and Assemble Kabobs
While the chicken absorbs all that delicious marinade, chop your red pepper, green pepper, and red onion into bite-size pieces. Alternate threading the chicken and veggies onto skewers for a lively combo of flavors and colors. This not only looks stunning but ensures even grilling for every bite.
Step 4: Preheat and Oil the Grill
Before the kabobs hit the grates, oil the grill to prevent sticking, then preheat it to high to get those gorgeous sear marks. A hot grill locks in juices and adds that unmistakable smoky char that makes BBQ chicken kabobs so irresistible.
Step 5: Grill with Care and Flavor
Lower the heat to medium, brush the top of your assembled skewers with half of the reserved BBQ sauce, and place them on the grill. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, then turn each kabob over, brush with the remaining sauce, and continue grilling for another 5-6 minutes. Overall, about 12 minutes on a gas grill with the lid down will cook the chicken through while keeping it tender and flavorful.
How to Serve Easy Grilled BBQ Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your BBQ kabobs to feast-worthy status. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the skewers to add a bright, herby note. A wedge of lemon or lime on the side can add a refreshing zing when squeezed right before eating, cutting through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Complement your kabobs with easy sides like creamy coleslaw, grilled corn on the cob, or a light cucumber salad. These fresh, crisp accompaniments balance the hearty BBQ chicken perfectly and create a well-rounded, satisfying meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is part of the fun! Serve your kabobs on a rustic wooden board for a backyard party vibe, or portion them out over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a hearty dinner plate. For a party, place kabobs on a large platter with small bowls of extra BBQ sauce, pickled veggies, or sliced avocado alongside for an interactive, vibrant centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them perfect for a quick lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked kabobs by wrapping them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen kabobs maintain their flavor for up to 2 months, making them a great option for meal prep or unexpected guests.
Reheating
Reheat your kabobs gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through, to keep the chicken juicy and the veggies tender. Avoid microwaving if possible, since it can make the chicken a bit tough and the veggies mushy.
FAQs
Can I use wooden skewers for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just remember to soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning or catching fire on the grill.
What type of barbecue sauce works best?
Choose a BBQ sauce that suits your taste — whether sweet, smoky, or tangy. Because the sauce marinates and bastes the chicken, using a flavorful, thicker sauce yields the best results.
Can I use vegetables other than peppers and onions?
Yes! Feel free to switch it up with mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, zucchini slices, or even pineapple chunks for a sweet and smoky twist. Just make sure the pieces are of similar size for even cooking.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, make sure the chicken pieces are no longer pink inside and the juices run clear.
Can I make this recipe indoors using a grill pan?
Definitely! A grill pan on your stovetop works well, just preheat it to medium-high and cook the kabobs with the same timing, turning to get nice grill marks. It’s a great option for rainy days or when you don’t have outdoor space.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Grilled BBQ Chicken Kabobs Recipe captures the essence of flavorful grilling without complicated steps. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, fun weekend cookouts, or any time you want to bring a little smoky magic to your table. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own — it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation just like it is in mine.
Print
Easy Grilled BBQ Chicken Kabobs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 52 minutes (including minimum 30-minute marinating time)
- Yield: 8 kabobs, serving 4
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Grilled Chicken Kabobs recipe features tender, marinated chicken pieces alternated with colorful bell peppers and red onion, all grilled to perfection and brushed with flavorful BBQ sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue, these kabobs are juicy, smoky, and packed with vibrant vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 3/4 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into bite-size pieces
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the BBQ sauce and olive oil, mixing thoroughly to create the flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the bite-sized chicken pieces into a bowl or large ZipLoc bag and add 3/4 of the BBQ sauce and olive oil mixture. Reserve the remaining 1/4 sauce for brushing later. Refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes and up to a few hours to absorb the flavors. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning.
- Prepare vegetables and assemble skewers: Cut the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and red onion into bite-sized pieces. Thread the chicken and vegetables alternately onto the skewers, aiming to distribute evenly. This recipe yields about 8 skewers total.
- Preheat and oil the grill: Lightly oil the grill grate to prevent sticking and preheat the grill to high heat, preparing it for cooking the kabobs.
- Grill the kebabs: Reduce grill heat to medium. Brush the top side of the skewers with half of the reserved BBQ sauce mixture. Place the skewers on the grill, cooking for 5-6 minutes on one side. Flip the skewers over, brush with the remaining sauce, and grill for another 5-6 minutes with the grill lid down. The total cooking time is about 12 minutes, ensuring the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender but crisp.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken leftovers intact to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Soaking wooden skewers is essential to avoid burning on the grill.
- You can substitute the BBQ sauce with homemade sauce or any marinade of your choice.
- Vegetables can be swapped with other favorites like zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes based on preference.
- To ensure even cooking, cut all ingredients into similar-sized pieces.
