Sweet Smoky Bbq Chicken Kabobs Grill Master Edition
Table of Contents
Sweet & Smoky BBQ Chicken Kabobs: Grill Master Edition!
Fancy a bit of sunshine on a stick? Ever wondered how to create bbq chicken kabobs on the grill that are actually amazing? I'm talking about those sweet and smoky chicken kabobs that have everyone coming back for seconds.
Well, you're in the right place.
These bbq chicken skewers are inspired by classic American Kansas City BBQ chicken kabobs , perfect for summer. Originating as a way to grill smaller pieces of meat quickly, kabobs are a global grilling staple.
This recipe is easy peasy, taking about an hour total (including marinating time). It makes enough for 4-6 hungry folks, or about 6-8 skewers.
Why You'll Love This Grilled Chicken Kabob Recipe
Honestly? The best thing about these easy bbq chicken kabobs is how darn easy they are. Plus, they are packed with protein and vitamins from all those colourful veggies.
They're absolutely perfect for a garden party, a casual summer bbq recipes , or even a quick midweek dinner. And honestly they are a great way to enjoy grilled chicken and vegetable skewers .
What Makes These Kabobs So Special
What makes these kabobs stand out? It's the chicken kabob marinade . You know, the one that transforms ordinary chicken into juicy, flavorful bites.
It’s sweet, smoky, and has just a hint of spice to wake things up. Think of it as your secret weapon!
Get Your Gear Ready!
Before we dive into this bbq chicken kabobs with vegetables recipe, let's gather the troops (aka ingredients). You will need: 2 lbs of chicken breasts, your fave BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic and onion powder, a pinch of cayenne if you are feeling spicy, bell peppers, red onion, cherry tomatoes, a zucchini and of course wooden or metal skewers.
Alright, let's talk ingredients and kit for some seriously good Sweet & Smoky bbq chicken kabobs ! I'm telling you, this grilled chicken kabob recipe will become your summer BBQ staple.
I once tried to make these after a music festival and messed up so many steps. I had such a laugh, but hey, we learn from our mistakes, right?
Gear Up: Essential Equipment
You don't need a fancy kitchen to nail these easy bbq chicken kabobs . Here is what you will need:
- A grill (gas or charcoal).
- A large mixing bowl
- A chopping board .
- A sharp knife .
- Skewers . Soak wooden ones for 30 minutes !
- Grill tongs
- Instant read thermometer (for the chicken's sake!)
Chicken Kabob Marinade Ingredients
Here’s what you need to marinade 2 lbs of the chicken for the best bbq chicken kabobs :
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed.
- 1 cup (240ml) your favourite BBQ sauce, a smoky/sweet Kansas City style is awesome.
- 1/4 cup (60ml) apple cider vinegar.
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil.
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) Worcestershire sauce.
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) onion powder.
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick!).
- Salt and pepper to taste.
Quality Check
For chicken, look for breasts that are plump, pink, and firm. Avoid anything pale or slimy.
Veggie Power-Up
Here is what you need for the best bbq chicken kabobs with vegetables :
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces.
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces.
- 1 large red onion, cut into 1 inch wedges.
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes.
- 1 zucchini, cut into 1/2 inch thick rounds.
Seasoning Magic
This is where the sweet and smoky chicken kabobs really come to life.
- Smoked paprika gives that essential smoky flavour.
- Worcestershire sauce adds depth.
- Cayenne pepper gives a subtle kick. For a milder flavor, leave it out!
- No apple cider vinegar? Lemon juice works too!
Now, let's grill some chicken skewers on the grill!
Sweet & Smoky BBQ Chicken Kabobs: Grill Master Edition!
These bbq chicken kabobs are a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Honestly, I've never met anyone who doesn't love them! They're perfect for summer barbecues or a quick weeknight dinner.
Think juicy, flavorful chicken and colorful veggies. What's not to love? Marinated in a sweet and smoky BBQ sauce with a hint of spice, then grilled to perfection, they're bursting with flavor.
Plus, they're surprisingly easy to make. This recipe draws inspiration from classic American BBQ, with a bit of cheffy flair to elevate it.
Get ready to make the best grilled chicken kabob recipe ever.
Prep Like a Pro
- Essential mise en place: First things first, chop your 2 lbs (900g) chicken breasts into 1 inch cubes. Get your 1 red bell pepper , 1 yellow bell pepper , 1 large red onion , 1 pint cherry tomatoes , and 1 zucchini prepped too, all in 1 inch pieces or so. Having everything ready just makes life easier, you know?
- Time saving organization tips: While the chicken's marinating, prep those veggies. Keeps you busy and saves time later.
- Safety reminders: Remember to soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes! Nobody wants burnt skewers and potential grill fires.
Grillin' Time: step-by-step
- Make the Marinade: Whisk together 1 cup (240ml) of your fave BBQ sauce (Kansas City style is great!), 1/4 cup (60ml) apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil, 2 tablespoons (30ml) Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon (15ml) smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon (5ml) garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne (if you like a kick).
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken to the marinade. Make sure it's all coated nicely. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Or, even better, up to 4 hours! More time = more flavor.
- Assemble the Kabobs: Thread the chicken and veggies onto the skewers, alternating colors. It's all about making them look good, right?
- Preheat the Grill: Get your grill to medium heat ( 350- 400° F or 175- 200° C ).
- Grill the Kabobs: Cook for 15- 20 minutes , turning now and then, until the chicken's cooked through (165° F or 74° C internal temp) and the veggies are tender.
Pro Tips for Sweet and Smoky Chicken Kabobs
- Want extra flavor? Baste the bbq chicken skewers with more BBQ sauce during the last few minutes. It'll give them a nice glaze.
- Don't overcrowd the skewers! It steams the food. Keep them spaced for great grill marks.
- You can totally prep these ahead. Assemble the kabobs, then keep them in the fridge until you're ready to grill. Just add a few minutes to the cooking time. These easy bbq chicken kabobs are the perfect summer bbq recipes . My family loves bbq chicken kabobs with vegetables . The secret to amazing Kansas City BBQ chicken kabobs is to cut the chicken breasts into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking on the grill. This grilled chicken and vegetable skewers recipe is a classic. Let me tell you about the first time I tried to make bbq chicken kabobs on the grill: Disaster! I forgot to soak the wooden skewers and they caught fire, and I ended up charring the chicken on the outside while it was still raw inside. It was quite the learning experience. I'll never forget that barbecue disaster! It's what got me really into perfecting the chicken skewers on the grill . Honestly, now when I want some sweet and smoky chicken kabobs , I remember all the tips and tricks and they turn out perfect every time.
Recipe Notes for Sweet & Smoky BBQ Chicken Kabobs
Right, let’s dive into some essential bits about making these bbq chicken kabobs on the grill, shall we? Honestly, these sweet and smoky chicken kabobs are so easy; you’ll be whipping them up all summer!
Serving Suggestions: Get Your Plating On!
Presentation matters, you know? I like to arrange my bbq chicken skewers artfully on a platter with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
A side of creamy coleslaw is a must. Some grilled corn on the cob adds a bit of colour. And to wash it all down? A refreshing homemade lemonade.
Or maybe some herbed couscous! Makes it look like a proper Kansas City BBQ chicken kabobs feast, doesn’t it?
Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh!
Got leftovers? (Unlikely, but hey!). Pop the grilled chicken and vegetable skewers into an airtight container. They’ll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days.
You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure they're cooled completely first. To reheat, either microwave them or, even better, toss them back on the grill for a few minutes.
Just be careful not to dry them out!
Variations: Mix It Up!
Feeling adventurous? Add a splash of hot sauce to the chicken kabob marinade for a fiery kick. Or, for a Hawaiian twist, chuck some pineapple chunks onto the chicken skewers on the grill .
For a low-carb option, use a sugar-free BBQ sauce and go easy on the peppers. If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar or lemon juice works too.
Remember easy bbq chicken kabobs are all about having fun and adapting to what you have!
Nutrition Basics: Guilt Free Grilling
Each serving of these bbq chicken kabobs with vegetables comes in at roughly 450-550 calories. You're looking at a good hit of protein (40-50g), a reasonable amount of fat (20-30g), and some carbs (30-40g).
Remember, these are estimates! The exact numbers depend on your ingredients and portion sizes. It's a great source of lean protein and vitamins from all the veggies.
Not bad for summer bbq recipes , eh?
So there you have it! Don't be scared to experiment and make these grilled chicken kabob recipe your own. Have a great time making your grilled chicken and vegetable skewers .
You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I marinate the chicken for these BBQ chicken kabobs on the grill? Is there such a thing as too long?
Ideally, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but up to 4 hours will give you the best flavor! Any longer than 4 hours, and the acid in the marinade might start to break down the chicken too much, making it a bit mushy. Think of it like steeping a good cuppa - you want the flavor, not to over brew it!
Can I prepare the BBQ chicken kabobs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the kabobs a day in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. Just make sure the raw chicken doesn't touch any other ready-to-eat foods. This makes them super convenient for a BBQ where you want to be enjoying the sunshine rather than stuck in the kitchen!
What if I don't have all the vegetables listed? Can I substitute them in my BBQ chicken kabobs?
Definitely! The beauty of kabobs is their versatility. Feel free to swap out veggies based on what you have on hand or what's in season. Bell peppers, onions, cherry tomatoes and zucchini are classic, but mushrooms, pineapple chunks (for a Hawaiian twist!), or even chunks of butternut squash can be fantastic additions.
Get creative it's your culinary adventure!
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out when making BBQ chicken kabobs on the grill?
Dry chicken is a right bother, isn't it? To keep your kabobs juicy, don't overcook them! Use an instant read thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally. Basting the kabobs with extra BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling also adds moisture and flavor.
And remember to let the kabobs rest for a few minutes after grilling; this allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken lovely and tender.
Are BBQ chicken kabobs on the healthier side, or are they more of a treat?
BBQ chicken kabobs can be a reasonably healthy option, especially if you load them up with veggies! Chicken is a great source of lean protein. To keep things even lighter, use a low-sugar BBQ sauce and serve with a side salad or grilled vegetables instead of heavier sides like fries.
Everything in moderation, as they say!
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for these kabobs?
You certainly can! Chicken thighs will result in a more flavorful and moist kabob due to their higher fat content. Just be aware that thighs take slightly longer to cook, so keep a close eye on them to ensure they're cooked through. Trim off any excess fat before cubing them for the kabobs.
Sweet Smoky Bbq Chicken Kabobs Grill Master Edit
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20-30g |
| Fiber | 30-40g |