Zesty BBQ Beer-Marinated Chicken Skewers Recipe for Summer

Summers call for backyard gatherings where beer-marinated chicken skewers sizzle with mouthwatering flavor.

Tender chicken pieces soaking in a bold beer marinade promise an explosion of taste.

The secret lies in selecting a robust beer that complements the meat’s natural richness.

Marinating breaks down proteins, ensuring each bite delivers maximum tenderness and depth.

Grilling these skewers creates a beautiful caramelized exterior that locks in succulent juices.

Fresh herbs and a touch of spice elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Fire up the grill and get ready to impress everyone at your next cookout with these irresistible skewers.

Tools You’ll Need for Chicken Skewers That Shine

• Large bowl: Perfect for whisking marinade ingredients together smoothly.
• Whisk: Essential for blending marinade ingredients until well combined.
• Zip-top bag or large bowl: Needed for marinating chicken evenly.
• Wooden or metal skewers: Critical for threading and grilling chicken pieces.
• Grill or grill pan: Primary cooking surface for creating delicious char marks.
• Basting brush: Optional tool for adding extra BBQ sauce during grilling.
• Tongs: Crucial for safely turning skewers and handling chicken on the grill.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Necessary for accurately portioning marinade ingredients.

Cooking BBQ Beer Chicken Skewers on the Grill

• Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

Blend beer, zesty BBQ sauce, olive oil, and secret spices in a bowl. Whisk until ingredients dance together, creating a mouthwatering liquid that’ll make your chicken sing with excitement.

• Transform Chicken into Marinade Magic

Dunk chicken pieces into the liquid flavor bath. Let them soak up deliciousness in the refrigerator for a few hours, allowing every morsel to become totally infused with tangy goodness.

• Prepare Grilling Essentials

Grab wooden skewers and give them a water bath to prevent any fiery mishaps. Threading chicken onto these moisture-protected sticks will be your pathway to grilling perfection.

• Fire Up the Grill

Crank your grill to a sizzling medium-high temperature. Watch for those perfect heat waves that promise gorgeous char marks and juicy results.

• Grill to Delicious Perfection

Place marinated skewers on the grill, rotating every few minutes. Cook until chicken develops a beautiful golden-brown exterior and reaches that perfect internal temperature. For an extra flavor punch, splash some additional BBQ sauce during the final moments of grilling.

Flavor Combos to Try with Beer-Marinated Chicken

• Let chicken soak in the marinade for the full 8 hours to develop deep, complex flavors that will make your taste buds dance.
• Choose metal skewers for easier handling and more even cooking, or if using wooden skewers, soak them thoroughly to prevent unwanted burning during grilling.
• Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives for a vegetarian version that still packs a punch of BBQ goodness.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing safe and perfectly juicy results every single time.
• Prepare skewers up to a day in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and making party prep a breeze.

Serving BBQ Skewers Hot off the Grill

• Party Platter Paradise: Arrange these sizzling skewers on a large wooden board with fresh herbs scattered around for a rustic, inviting presentation.
• Sidekick Sensations: Serve alongside creamy coleslaw, grilled corn on the cob, or a zesty potato salad to complement the smoky chicken flavors.
• Dipping Delight: Prepare a quick sauce mixing extra BBQ sauce with ranch or honey mustard for guests who love additional flavor drizzles or dunking.
• Weekend Warrior Meal: Perfect for backyard gatherings, game day celebrations, or casual summer cookouts where friends can enjoy finger-friendly, flavor-packed protein.

Keep BBQ Chicken Skewers Juicy for Leftovers

• Slice chicken into uniform pieces before marinating to ensure even flavor absorption and consistent cooking. This technique guarantees every bite is perfectly seasoned and tender.
• Prepare skewers up to 24 hours before grilling. Store assembled, marinated skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent cross-contamination.
• Refrigerate cooked chicken skewers in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days. Great for quick lunch additions, salad toppers, or wrapping in tortillas. Reheat gently in microwave or skillet to maintain moisture.
• Cool grilled skewers completely, then wrap individually in foil and place in freezer-safe bags. These protein-packed meals will stay delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for BBQ Beer-Marinated Chicken Skewers

• Beer: Adds depth and tenderizes chicken with malty complexity.
• Bbq Sauce: Brings sweet and tangy flavor profile to the marinade.
• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and keeps chicken moist.
• Soy Sauce: Enhances umami and provides subtle saltiness.

• Brown Sugar: Creates caramelization and balances savory notes.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic intensity and robust background flavor.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces smoky undertone and vibrant color.
• Onion Powder: Delivers concentrated onion essence without chopping.
• Salt: Amplifies overall seasoning and helps tenderize protein.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and aromatic warmth.

• Chicken: Select boneless, skinless pieces for even cooking and quick marinating.

• Wooden Skewers: Choose sturdy wooden skewers that can withstand high grilling temperatures.
• Extra Bbq Sauce: Optional finishing touch for additional glaze and flavor complexity.

Juicy BBQ Beer-Marinated Chicken Skewers Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Sizzling BBQ beer-marinated chicken skewers deliver a flavor explosion straight from summer grilling traditions. Juicy marinated chicken with hoppy undertones promises a mouthwatering experience that elevates backyard barbecue moments.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken breasts or thighs, boneless, skinless, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
• 1 cup (240 ml) beer (lager or ale works best)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) BBQ sauce (your favorite kind)
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) soy sauce
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Wooden or metal skewers
• Extra BBQ sauce for basting (optional)
• Chopped parsley or green onion, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Blend beer, BBQ sauce, olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until smooth and well-combined.
2. Chicken Marination: Submerge chicken pieces completely in the marinade mixture, ensuring thorough coating. Refrigerate for 2-8 hours to maximize flavor absorption and tenderize meat.
3. Skewer Setup: Immerse wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent charring during grilling. Thread marinated chicken pieces onto prepared skewers, evenly distributing meat.
4. Grilling Process: Heat grill to medium-high temperature (400F). Position skewers on heated grates, rotating every 3-4 minutes to ensure uniform cooking and attractive char marks. Grill for 10-12 minutes until chicken reaches proper internal temperature and develops a caramelized exterior.
5. Finishing Touch: Optional – Brush additional BBQ sauce during final grilling moments to enhance flavor complexity and create a glossy, appetizing appearance.

Notes

• Allow chicken to sit in marinade for at least 2 hours, but not more than 8 hours to prevent meat from becoming mushy and maintain optimal flavor absorption.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for minimum 30 minutes before grilling to stop them from catching fire and disintegrating during cooking.
• Use meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked chicken without drying out the meat.
• Brush additional BBQ sauce during final grilling minutes to create caramelized exterior and boost sauce intensity without burning the chicken.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg