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Best BBQ Chicken Skewers: Easy Labor Day Grilling

BBQ chicken skewers - featured image

These Best Grilled BBQ Chicken Skewers for Labor Day are easy, impressive, and absolutely delicious. They rescue you from a bind, taste like you tried way harder than you did, and let you actually enjoy the party instead of hovering over the grill.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 bell peppers, any color, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Instructions

  1. Soak the skewers (if using wooden ones). Place them in a baking dish filled with water and let them sit for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Make the marinade. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Set aside about 1/4 cup of this mixture for basting later.
  3. Prep the chicken. Cut the chicken thighs into 1.5-inch pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels.
  4. Marinate the chicken. Place the chicken pieces in a large zip-top bag or bowl, and pour the remaining marinade over them. Seal the bag and massage gently. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
  5. Thread the skewers. While the chicken marinates, prep the veggies. Alternate chicken, bell pepper, and onion on each skewer, leaving a little space between pieces.
  6. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F. Clean the grates and oil them lightly.
  7. Grill the skewers. Place on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, rotating every few minutes. Total cook time about 12-15 minutes.
  8. Baste during the last few minutes. Brush the reserved marinade over the skewers during the final 2-3 minutes of grilling.
  9. Check for doneness. Internal temperature should reach 165°F.
  10. Rest and serve. Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Transfer to a platter and serve warm.

Notes

Don’t skip the double-baste method. Keep pieces uniform for even cooking. Use a two-zone fire if using charcoal. Let skewers rest for 5 minutes. Oil the grates, not the skewers. Don’t walk away during basting as sugar can burn quickly.

Nutrition

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