Description
These BBQ Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and colorful dish perfect for grilling season. Marinated with a spicy and smoky blend of chili powder, paprika, and cumin, the skewers combine tender chicken, vibrant green and red peppers, and sweet onions. They’re quick to prepare and cook, making them ideal for a summer cookout or a simple weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Spice Mix
- ¼ cup chili powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground thyme
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for milder flavor)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Main Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 3 green peppers, cut into thick pieces
- 3 red peppers, cut into thick pieces
- 1 large onion, cut into thick pieces
- 10-12 wooden skewers, soaked for at least 30 minutes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes or overnight to prevent burning during grilling.
- Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, thoroughly combine chili powder, paprika, ground thyme, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, cumin, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar to create the BBQ spice blend.
- Season Chicken: Coat the cubed chicken breasts evenly with the BBQ seasoning mixture and let it marinate for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Assemble Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken, green peppers, red peppers, and onion pieces alternately onto each skewer, filling them about halfway with roughly 3-4 pieces of each ingredient.
- Preheat Grill: Heat a grill to 400º Fahrenheit (approximately 204º Celsius) to prepare for cooking.
- Grill Skewers: Place the assembled skewers on the grill. Cook for 10-15 minutes, brushing frequently with olive oil. Turn the skewers regularly to ensure even cooking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC).
- Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Soaking the wooden skewers prevents them from burning or catching fire on the grill.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper amount to control the spiciness according to preference.
- Olive oil brushing keeps the skewers moist and adds a subtle flavor during grilling.
- Ensure chicken is cooked through by checking that it reaches 165ºF internally to prevent foodborne illness.
- These skewers can also be cooked in a grill pan on the stovetop if outdoor grilling isn’t available.
