BBQ Beer-Marinated Chicken Skewers
Fire up the grill because these BBQ Beer-Marinated Chicken Skewers are about to take your cookout game to a whole new level! Juicy, flavorful chicken soaked in a rich beer marinade, grilled to perfection, and slathered in smoky BBQ sauce—this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just craving something smoky and delicious, trust me, this one’s a game-changer.
Why You’ll Love BBQ Beer-Marinated Chicken Skewers
Versatile: Perfect for summer cookouts, family dinners, or even meal prep.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
Quick and Easy: The marinade does most of the work, and grilling takes just minutes!
Customizable: Play around with different beers, BBQ sauces, and seasoning blends to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: Juicy, smoky, and packed with flavor—everyone will be asking for seconds!
Ingredients
Ingredients in BBQ Beer-Marinated Chicken Skewers
Here’s what makes these skewers absolutely irresistible:
Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Tender, juicy, and perfect for soaking up all the marinade flavors.
Beer: Adds depth and richness—lager, ale, or even a dark stout will work!
BBQ Sauce: A smoky, tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
Olive Oil: Helps keep the chicken moist and enhances the marinade.
Garlic: Because every great marinade needs a little garlicky kick.
Soy Sauce: Adds a salty, umami boost to balance the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
Brown Sugar: Gives a touch of sweetness and helps with caramelization.
Smoked Paprika: Enhances the smoky BBQ flavor.
Cumin: Adds warmth and depth to the seasoning.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
Wooden or Metal Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Make the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together beer, olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks and add them to the marinade. Cover and let it sit in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight for deeper flavor).
Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
Grill to Perfection: Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char.
Glaze with BBQ Sauce: In the last few minutes of grilling, brush the skewers generously with BBQ sauce, letting it caramelize beautifully.
Serve & Enjoy: Remove from the grill and let the skewers rest for a couple of minutes. Serve hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 (varies based on BBQ sauce and beer choice)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes (plus marinating)
How to Serve BBQ Beer-Marinated Chicken Skewers
These skewers are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides:
- Grilled corn on the cob for that classic BBQ vibe.
- Crispy potato wedges or sweet potato fries for a satisfying crunch.
- Coleslaw to balance out the smoky flavors with some fresh crunch.
- Garlic bread because, let’s be real, everything’s better with garlic bread.
- Rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.
Additional Tips
- Want more flavor? Marinate the chicken overnight for the juiciest results.
- No grill? No problem! Cook these skewers in a grill pan or under the broiler in your oven.
- Make it spicy by adding cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the marinade.
- Use different beers to experiment with flavors—a light lager will keep it mild, while a dark stout adds a rich, deep taste.
- Baste at the right time—only brush the BBQ sauce on in the last few minutes to prevent burning.
FAQ’s
1. What’s the best beer to use for marinating chicken?
Lighter beers like lagers and pilsners keep the flavor mild, while darker beers like stouts or porters add richness.
2. Can I make this recipe without beer?
Absolutely! Swap the beer for apple juice, chicken broth, or even soda for a different flavor twist.
3. How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 1 hour, but for the best flavor, let it sit overnight.
4. Can I bake these skewers instead of grilling?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
5. What kind of BBQ sauce works best?
A smoky, slightly sweet BBQ sauce works best, but you can experiment with spicy or tangy versions.
6. How do I keep wooden skewers from burning?
Soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent charring.
7. Can I add veggies to the skewers?
Of course! Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and zucchini all work great.
8. How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should be 165°F (75°C).
9. Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes! You can freeze the chicken in the marinade for up to 3 months. Just thaw before grilling.
10. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the grill or in a skillet.
Conclusion
BBQ Beer-Marinated Chicken Skewers are smoky, juicy, and packed with bold flavors—the perfect recipe for any grilling occasion. Whether you’re making them for a summer BBQ, a weeknight dinner, or meal prepping for the week, they’re easy, delicious, and guaranteed to impress. Fire up the grill and give these a try—you won’t regret it!
PrintBBQ Beer-Marinated Chicken Skewers
These BBQ Beer-Marinated Chicken Skewers are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for grilling season. The beer-infused marinade tenderizes the chicken while adding a rich, smoky taste, making these skewers a crowd-pleaser at any barbecue or gathering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes (including marination)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American, BBQ
Ingredients
**For the Marinade:**
– 1 cup beer (lager or ale)
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
**For the Skewers:**
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
– 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
– 1 red onion, cut into chunks
– 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds
– 8 wooden or metal skewers
**For Basting & Serving:**
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the beer, olive oil, soy sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
2. Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor).
3. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
4. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
5. Thread the marinated chicken, bell peppers, onion, and zucchini onto the skewers, alternating the ingredients.
6. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
7. During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the skewers with BBQ sauce for a caramelized glaze.
8. Remove from the grill, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
– Use a light beer for a subtle flavor or a darker beer for a richer taste.
– For an oven-friendly version, bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
– You can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu for variety.
– Serve with grilled corn, coleslaw, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
