BBQ Chicken Skewers – Graduation or Memorial Day are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, bursting with smoky flavor and juicy tenderness. Imagine biting into succulent chicken grilled to perfection, kissed by the flames, and coated in a tangy sauce that dances across your taste buds. These skewers aren’t just food; they’re a celebration on a stick, perfect for any festive occasion.
Picture this: It’s graduation day, and you’re surrounded by family and friends, laughter fills the air as you fire up the grill. The aroma of BBQ Chicken Skewers wafts through the backyard, drawing everyone near. Memories of past summers flood your mind as you recall the joyful gatherings that revolved around these delicious bites. With each skewer, you create new memories while savoring the rich flavors—trust me; your taste buds will thank you!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These BBQ Chicken Skewers are easy to prepare, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings
- Their sweet and tangy flavor profile complements any side dish beautifully
- The vibrant colors make them visually appealing on any plate or platter
- They are versatile enough for celebrations like graduations or Memorial Day picnics!
Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Skewers – Graduation or Memorial Day
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: For more inspiration, check out this main dish recipes recipe.
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts; adjust based on your guest list to avoid any potential chicken fights!
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Bell Peppers: Choose colorful peppers for visual appeal; red, yellow, and green add a pop of color.
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Red Onion: Cut into chunks; it caramelizes beautifully on the grill and adds sweetness.
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Zucchini: Slice it into thick rounds for a tender texture that grills well.
For the Marinade:
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Ketchup: The base of our sauce; choose one with no high fructose corn syrup for quality.
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Honey: Adds sweetness that balances out the tanginess perfectly.
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Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to keep flavors bold but not overly salty.
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Garlic Powder: For that aromatic kick that makes everything better!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewers – Graduation or Memorial Day
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks—about an inch each. Chop up bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Step 2: Marinate Like a Boss
In a bowl, combine ketchup, honey, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Whisk until smooth—this marinade is going to take those skewers from zero to hero!
Step 3: Let It Soak
Add your chicken pieces to the marinade and stir to coat evenly. Cover it up and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you’re feeling generous (or just want more flavor), let it sit longer.
Step 4: Thread It Up
Once marinated, grab some skewers (soak wooden ones in water first if using). Alternate threading chicken pieces with veggies until they’re all lined up like soldiers ready for battle!
Step 5: Grill Time
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place those skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Turn them occasionally until chicken is cooked through (165°F) and veggies are tender and slightly charred.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer those glorious skewers onto a platter. Drizzle with any leftover marinade for extra flavor bomb action! Serve with fresh lemon wedges for that zesty kick!
These BBQ Chicken Skewers are not just food; they are an experience waiting to happen during graduation celebrations or Memorial Day picnics! So fire up that grill and get ready for compliments galore!
You Must Know
- This amazing BBQ chicken skewers recipe offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve BBQ chicken skewers that are juicy and flavorful, start by marinating your chicken while you prep your veggies. Grill them in batches for even cooking, ensuring everything is perfectly charred and delicious.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or tofu if you’re feeling adventurous! Experiment with different marinades like teriyaki or lemon herb, or add veggies like bell peppers and zucchini for extra color and crunch.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover BBQ chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, ensuring they don’t dry out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Marinate your chicken for at least two hours to enhance flavor and tenderness
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill
- Always let the skewers rest after grilling to keep them juicy and flavorful
It was during my best friend’s graduation party when I first made these BBQ chicken skewers. Everyone raved about them and I realized that good food can truly bring people together, especially during celebrations!
FAQs
What ingredients do I need for BBQ Chicken Skewers – Graduation or Memorial Day?
To make delicious BBQ chicken skewers, you’ll need boneless chicken breasts, bell peppers, red onions, and your favorite BBQ sauce. You can also add spices like garlic powder, salt, and pepper for extra flavor. For the skewers, use either wooden or metal ones. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill. With these ingredients, you can create a flavorful dish perfect for any celebration.
How long should I grill BBQ Chicken Skewers?
Grill your BBQ chicken skewers for about 10 to 15 minutes on medium heat. Make sure to turn them frequently for even cooking. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat. Cooking times may vary based on your grill and skewer size, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Perfectly grilled skewers are juicy and packed with flavor!
Can I prepare BBQ Chicken Skewers in advance?
Yes! You can marinate your chicken and assemble the BBQ chicken skewers a few hours before your event. Just remember to keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to grill. This makes it easy to serve at gatherings like graduations or Memorial Day celebrations. Marinating overnight enhances the flavors even more, resulting in tender and juicy skewers that everyone will enjoy.
What side dishes pair well with BBQ Chicken Skewers?
BBQ chicken skewers pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving them with coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a fresh green salad for balance. Grilled vegetables are also an excellent choice; they complement the smoky flavors of the skewers beautifully. You can also add baked beans or potato salad for heartier options that guests will love during festive occasions like graduations or Memorial Day.
Conclusion for BBQ Chicken Skewers – Graduation or Memorial Day
BBQ chicken skewers are an ideal dish for celebrations such as graduations and Memorial Day gatherings. They are easy to prepare and customizable with various vegetables and marinades. By grilling these flavorful skewers, you ensure a crowd-pleasing option that everyone can enjoy. Remember to follow grilling guidelines for safety and optimal taste. With the right sides and drinks, your event will be memorable and delicious!
BBQ Chicken Skewers – Graduation or Memorial Day
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Description
BBQ Chicken Skewers are a must-have for your graduation or Memorial Day celebrations. These skewers are packed with smoky flavor and juicy chicken, marinated to perfection in a sweet and tangy sauce. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, they will be the highlight of your gathering as family and friends gather around the grill. Enjoy the delightful combination of grilled chicken and vibrant vegetables, making every bite a memorable celebration.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3–4 pieces)
- 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), chopped
- 1 medium red onion, chopped
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and chop vegetables into similar sizes.
- In a bowl, mix ketchup, honey, soy sauce, and garlic powder until smooth to create the marinade.
- Add chicken to the marinade, ensuring it's well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Thread chicken and veggies onto skewers alternately.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and veggies are tender.
- Serve on a platter with leftover marinade drizzled on top and fresh lemon wedges.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (100g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
