Description
These Healthy BBQ Chicken Skewers are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for summer grilling or an easy weeknight dinner. Marinated in a simple homemade BBQ sauce and grilled until tender, they’re high in protein, naturally gluten-free, and easy to pair with grilled vegetables, salad, or brown rice.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
Marinade
- ½ cup low-sugar BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Other
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- Soak Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
- Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours to let the flavors penetrate the meat.
- Thread Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces evenly onto the soaked skewers.
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning every 2–3 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Optional Baste: During the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush the skewers with additional BBQ sauce for extra flavor and moisture.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Notes
- Add bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or pineapple between the chicken pieces for extra flavor and color.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- These skewers can also be cooked in a grill pan or under the broiler as alternatives to outdoor grilling.
- Use your favorite healthy or homemade BBQ sauce to control sugar and sodium levels.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
