My family absolutely devours anything cooked on the grill, but sometimes weeknight dinners can become a bit… predictable. Burgers, hot dogs, simple grilled chicken – delicious, yes, but lacking a certain oomph. That’s when I stumbled upon the magic of Smoky BBQ Chicken and Veggie Skewers. Let me tell you, these skewers are a game-changer! The smoky char from the grill, combined with the sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, and the vibrant burst of flavor from perfectly cooked vegetables is just incredible. Even my pickiest eater, who usually shies away from vegetables, was happily munching away on these colorful skewers. They are easy to prepare, incredibly versatile, and perfect for a casual weeknight meal or a fun weekend BBQ. If you’re looking for a way to elevate your grilling game and get everyone excited about dinner, look no further. These Smoky BBQ Chicken and Veggie Skewers are about to become your new summer staple.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Smoky BBQ Chicken and Veggie Skewers

To create these mouthwatering Smoky BBQ Chicken and Veggie Skewers, gather the following fresh and flavorful ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
  • 2 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Opt for breasts of uniform thickness for even cooking. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor and slightly more forgiving texture on the grill.
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its flavor and health benefits, but any neutral cooking oil will work.
  • 1/4 cup BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce! Consider a smoky or hickory-flavored sauce to enhance the overall smoky profile of the skewers. You can also use a classic sweet BBQ sauce and add smoked paprika to the marinade for a smoky kick.
  • 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a touch of tanginess and helps tenderize the chicken. White wine vinegar or lemon juice can be substituted.
  • 1 tablespoon Smoked Paprika: This is key to the “smoky” flavor! If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika can be used, but the smoky element will be less pronounced. Consider adding a dash of liquid smoke for a more intense smoky flavor if desired.
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar: Balances the acidity and adds a hint of sweetness. You can use honey or maple syrup as alternatives.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory flavors. Freshly minced garlic (about 2 cloves) can be used instead.
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder: Adds depth of flavor. Finely chopped onion can be used in a pinch, but onion powder provides a more consistent flavor throughout the marinade.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano: Adds an earthy and herbaceous note. Dried thyme or Italian seasoning can be used as substitutes.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt: Enhances all the flavors. Adjust to taste. Kosher salt or sea salt are recommended.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper: Adds a touch of spice. Freshly ground black pepper is preferred for the best flavor.
• For the Vegetables:
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness and vibrant color. Orange or yellow bell peppers can also be used or a mix for visual appeal.
  • 1 Green Bell Pepper: Provides a slightly different flavor profile and color contrast.
  • 1 Yellow Bell Pepper: Completes the rainbow of colors and adds another layer of sweetness.
  • 1 Large Red Onion: Adds a pungent and slightly sweet flavor when grilled. White or yellow onions can be used as alternatives.
  • 2 Zucchinis: Adds a mild and slightly sweet flavor and tender texture when grilled. Yellow squash can be used interchangeably.
  • 8 oz Cremini Mushrooms: Adds an earthy and meaty flavor. Button mushrooms or portobello mushrooms (cut into chunks) can be used instead.
  • Optional Vegetables: Cherry tomatoes, pineapple chunks, corn on the cob (cut into rounds), asparagus spears, or eggplant cubes can also be added to your skewers for variety.
• For Assembly and Serving:
  • Wooden or Metal Skewers: If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning. Metal skewers are reusable and don’t require soaking.
  • Extra BBQ Sauce (for serving): For dipping or basting during grilling.
  • Fresh Parsley or Cilantro (for garnish, optional): Adds a pop of freshness and visual appeal.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Smoky BBQ Chicken and Veggie Skewers

Follow these simple instructions to create perfectly grilled and flavorful Smoky BBQ Chicken and Veggie Skewers:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Cut the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Uniform size is crucial for even cooking on the skewers.
   • Make the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Ensure all ingredients are well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
   • Marinate the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to a resealable bag and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor infusion. Longer marinating times will result in more tender and flavorful chicken.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
   • Wash and Chop Vegetables: Wash all the vegetables thoroughly. Cut the bell peppers and red onion into 1-inch pieces. Slice the zucchini into 1/2-inch thick rounds. If using larger mushrooms, halve or quarter them so they are roughly the same size as the other vegetables. Aim for vegetable pieces that are similar in size to the chicken cubes for even cooking on the skewers.
3. Assemble the Skewers:
   • Soak Wooden Skewers (if using): If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before assembling to prevent them from burning on the grill.
   • Thread the Skewers: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-450°F or 190-230°C). Thread the marinated chicken and vegetables onto the skewers, alternating between chicken and different vegetables to create visually appealing and flavorful skewers. You can arrange them in any order you like, but try to distribute the chicken and vegetables relatively evenly across all skewers. Don’t overcrowd the skewers; leave a little space between pieces to allow for even cooking and charring.
4. Grill the Skewers:
   • Prepare the Grill: Clean your grill grates and lightly oil them to prevent sticking.
   • Grill the Skewers: Place the assembled skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and the vegetables are tender-crisp and slightly charred. Baste the skewers with extra BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling for added flavor and a glossy finish. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. The exact grilling time will depend on the heat of your grill and the size of the chicken and vegetable pieces.
   • Check for Doneness: The chicken is done when it is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork. The vegetables should be tender but still have a slight bite.
5. Rest and Serve:
   • Rest the Skewers: Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
   • Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired. Serve the Smoky BBQ Chicken and Veggie Skewers hot, with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.

Nutrition Facts for Smoky BBQ Chicken and Veggie Skewers

(Estimated Nutrition Facts Per Serving – Serves 6)

• Serving Size: Approximately 2 skewers
• Calories: 450-550 kcal (This is an estimate and can vary based on the type of BBQ sauce used, the amount of oil, and the specific vegetables.)
• Protein: 40-50g

Important Note: These are estimated nutrition facts and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used, portion sizes, and cooking methods. For more accurate nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator and input the exact brands and quantities of ingredients you use.

Preparation Time for Smoky BBQ Chicken and Veggie Skewers

• Prep Time: 30 minutes (includes chopping vegetables and making marinade)
• Marinating Time: 30 minutes to 4 hours (recommended)
• Cook Time: 10-15 minutes (grilling time)
• Total Time (excluding marinating): Approximately 40-45 minutes

How to Serve Your Smoky BBQ Chicken and Veggie Skewers

These versatile skewers can be served in a variety of ways to create a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

• Classic BBQ Sides:
  • Coleslaw: Creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw provides a cool and crunchy contrast to the smoky skewers.
  • Potato Salad: A classic BBQ side that pairs perfectly with grilled chicken and vegetables.
  • Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob, brushed with butter and herbs, is a summer staple.
  • Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans are a hearty and flavorful side.
  • Mac and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese is a comforting and crowd-pleasing option.
• Fresh and Healthy Sides:
  • Quinoa Salad: A light and nutritious quinoa salad with fresh vegetables and herbs.
  • Green Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing adds freshness and balance.
  • Watermelon Salad: A refreshing watermelon salad with feta and mint is perfect for summer.
  • Grilled Asparagus: Keep the grill going and add some asparagus spears alongside the skewers.
  • Cucumber and Tomato Salad: A simple and refreshing salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light dressing.
• Bread and Grains:
  • Dinner Rolls or Cornbread: Serve with warm dinner rolls or cornbread for soaking up the delicious BBQ sauce.
  • Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf makes a simple and satisfying side.
  • Grilled Pita Bread: Warm pita bread is perfect for wrapping the chicken and vegetables.
• Sauces and Dips:
  • Extra BBQ Sauce: Always have extra BBQ sauce on hand for dipping or drizzling.
  • Ranch Dressing: Creamy ranch dressing is a classic pairing for grilled vegetables.
  • Honey Mustard: Sweet and tangy honey mustard adds another flavor dimension.
  • Spicy Mayo: For those who like a little heat, spicy mayo is a great dipping option.
  • Chimichurri Sauce: A vibrant and herbaceous chimichurri sauce provides a fresh and contrasting flavor.
• Make it a Meal Bowl:
  • Grain Bowls: Serve the skewers over a bed of quinoa, brown rice, or couscous with your favorite sides and sauces to create a complete and customizable meal bowl.

Additional Tips for Perfect Smoky BBQ Chicken and Veggie Skewers

Follow these tips to ensure your Smoky BBQ Chicken and Veggie Skewers are a grilling success every time:

1. Soak Wooden Skewers Thoroughly: Don’t skip the soaking step if using wooden skewers! Soaking them for at least 30 minutes (or even an hour) in water prevents them from catching fire and burning on the grill. You can even soak them overnight in the refrigerator for extra protection.
2. Cut Ingredients into Uniform Sizes: For even cooking, ensure that your chicken and vegetables are cut into roughly the same size pieces. This prevents some pieces from being overcooked while others are still raw. Aim for 1-inch cubes for chicken and similar sized pieces for vegetables.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers: Leave a little space between the chicken and vegetable pieces on the skewers. Overcrowding hinders airflow and can lead to steaming instead of grilling, resulting in less char and uneven cooking.
4. Preheat Your Grill Properly: Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before placing the skewers on the grates. A hot grill sears the outside of the chicken and vegetables, creating those desirable grill marks and smoky flavor.
5. Control the Heat and Don’t Overcook: Grill the skewers over medium-high heat and turn them frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. Chicken can dry out if overcooked, so use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for the chicken. Vegetables should be tender-crisp and slightly charred.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Smoky BBQ Chicken and Veggie Skewers

Q1: Can I prepare the skewers ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can assemble the skewers up to a day ahead of time. Store them covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to grill. However, for the best texture of the vegetables, it’s recommended to assemble them closer to grilling time. You can also marinate the chicken overnight for even more flavor.

Q2: What if I don’t have a grill? Can I cook these skewers in the oven or air fryer?

A: Absolutely!

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. You can broil for the last few minutes for extra char, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
• Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to cook in batches). Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Q3: Can I use different vegetables or proteins?

A: Yes, this recipe is very versatile! Feel free to experiment with different vegetables like cherry tomatoes, pineapple, corn on the cob, asparagus, or eggplant. You can also substitute the chicken with other proteins such as shrimp, steak cubes, or even firm tofu (marinated beforehand).

Q4: How do I prevent the chicken from drying out on the grill?

A: Marinating the chicken helps keep it moist. Also, avoid overcooking the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) and remove it from the grill promptly once it’s cooked through. Basting with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling also adds moisture and flavor.

Q5: Can I make these skewers spicier?

A: Yes, you can easily add a spicy kick to these skewers. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade. Alternatively, you can use a spicy BBQ sauce or serve the skewers with a side of hot sauce or spicy mayo. You can also include jalapeño or serrano peppers on the skewers for added heat, if desired.

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