How do you keep chicken skewers from drying out?

How to Keep Chicken Kabobs From Drying Out. Cooking by internal temperature is the best way to prevent dried-out chicken. Once removed from heat, meat continues to cook, so it's best to catch it before you risk overcooking. I recommend using a digital meat thermometer to check around the 10-minute mark.

How long to cook skewers on BBQ?

Whisk olive oil, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a bowl; brush some of the mixture over vegetables. Cook skewers on the preheated grill until vegetables are tender, turning and basting vegetables with remaining olive oil mixture occasionally, 10 to 15 minutes . Serve and enjoy!

What to pair with chicken skewers?

Sauteed vegetables, fried eggplant, garlic mushrooms, fried potatoes and onions, fried rice with vegetables, fried okra, fattoush salad, mixed greens, spinach or kale salad, or lentil rice. Any of these would pair well with chicken kabobs.

What do you soak skewers in before grilling?

First and foremost, soak your skewers in water before using them. While 30 minutes is the minimum, it's best to plan ahead and soak your bamboo skewers overnight in water.

How long to soak wooden skewers before BBQ?

For most recipes, 30 minutes is the soak time sweet spot. Technically, they can get by with a quick 10-minute soak before risking burn-out. For longer cooking foods, like steak and potatoes, it is not a bad idea to extend the soaking time to a minimum of 30 minutes or up to overnight.

Do you soak wooden skewers before BBQ?

Wooden skewers, like the classic bamboo skewers pictured above, can burn easily over a hot grill. Soaking them in warm water for 10 to 30 minutes before threading will keep the skewers from cooking along with the food.

What adds moisture to chicken?

Like a marinade, a brine helps chicken breast soak up as much moisture as possible before cooking.

What can I spray on chicken to keep it moist?

Fill a spray bottle with a combination of apple cider vinegar and a little water. Spray the chicken with this mixture while it smokes to keep the chicken moist.

What is the best cooking method to keep chicken moist?

Brining: Soak the chicken breasts in a saltwater solution for 30 minutes to an hour before baking. This helps to retain moisture and enhances flavor. Use about 1 tablespoon of salt per 1 cup of water.

Are chicken skewers healthy?

Eating high-quality protein can help you maintain healthy skin, nails, and hair, build muscle, and maintain lean body mass while dieting. Kebabs are a high-protein meal, healthier than fast food because they are not deep-fried and include bread and salad.

Can you eat chicken skewers cold?

Formed chicken cooked on wooden skewers. Can be eaten hot or cold .

Are chicken skewers good for you?

Are Chicken Kebabs good for you? Homemade chicken kebabs are not unhealthy when cooked this way . You can easily make this recipe even lower in fat by using chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs and using low fat, or fat free yoghurt.

Why are my chicken kebabs dry?

Of course, chicken breast is a bit of a healthier option, and you are welcome to use it instead, but your kebab will come out a little dry. If you do decide to use chicken breast, make sure you marinate it for at least 4 hours, or, better yet, overnight.

Can you prepare chicken skewers in advance?

My favorite Chicken Kabobs recipe requires just a few simple ingredients and is the most delicious summer dinner! Tender, juicy chicken is marinated and grilled with peppers and onion and the entire dish can be made ahead of time . You are going to absolutely LOVE this simple, delicious chicken kabobs recipe.

The Best BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe (2024)

This really is the best BBQ Chicken Skewers recipe! There are a few easy extra steps that really add a depth of flavor that you can't get from just BBQ sauce. One word...BACON.

One of the best chicken recipes – BBQ Chicken Skewers!

Whether you call them skewers or kebabs or kebobs… it doesn’t matter because THIS recipe isn’t your ordinary barbecue chicken. In fact, these BBQ chicken skewers are the best barbecue chicken I’ve tasted. It has definitely earned its place among the best chicken recipes out there!

A few easy extra steps really add a depth of flavor that you can’t get from just a BBQ sauce. Don’t let it overwhelm you… it’s easier than you think!

How to Make The Very Best Chicken Skewers:

Don’t worry, I’ll take you through it step by step!

Start by tossing the chicken pieces with the salt, then letting it sit, covered, in the fridge for about 30-60 minutes. This helps to tenderize the meat and keeps it from becoming dry on the grill. This is the only “marinating” time needed, so after this step, things go quickly!

How to Make Raw Bacon Paste

One of those extra special ingredients in these BBQ chicken skewers is the addition of processed raw bacon; a bacon paste, if you will. Stay with me here… I promise it is worth it.

Just cut up a few slices of raw bacon, then put the pieces in a food processor or blender and process until you have bacon paste or puree. (I usually use Savory Butcherfor chicken and bacon).

The bacon doesn’t actually add bacon flavor (unfortunately), but does lend more of a smoky flavor that enhances the rub and the sauce. Sounds weird, but it works!

Food processors and blenders can be expensive. A hand blender with accessories can be a great alternative…it’s a multi-purpose tool! There are so many other great uses for it like making protein shakes, whipping eggs, whipping cream, emulsifying salad dressing, pureeing sauces, making salsa, and even guacamole! And it works to make the bacon paste for this recipe. 🙂

Two Types of Paprika

Another element that really adds flavor to this chicken kebab recipe is a rub made of paprika, smoked paprika, and sugar. Yes, that’s right…two different types of paprika in there.

I couldn’t find one in the store that said “sweet paprika,” so I use any good quality regular paprika for that. Smoked paprika seems to be clearly labeled and easy to find though. You can always try looking online too!

Prepping the BBQ Chicken

Before threading the chicken onto skewers, pat it dry, then coat with the bacon paste and paprika spice mixture. I use my hands to mix it all together and it does get messy, but it rinses right off. A baking sheet makes a good tray for mixing the chicken and transporting the skewers!

My Favorite Skewers:

These stainless steel skewers are awesome, by the way. You don’t have to remember to soak them like you would with wooden ones. They are high quality, simple, and work well. I actually have two sets of them!

The chicken only needs 30-60 minutes of “marinating” time (in the salt) total; so it doesn’t take several hours of planning ahead to make these yummy bbq chicken kabobs. Hooray for that!

BBQ Sauce Recommendation

I have made these BBQ chicken kebabs with the homemade sauce originally included with the recipe and it is good, but I prefer a slightly sweeter sauce.

My recommendation is to use 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce, whether it is homemade or store-bought. If you’re like me, you might want to try this Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce copycat recipe.

P.S. – Using a Pit Mitt or something similar makes it quick and easy to flip kebabs on the grill! See more grilling gloves.

Side dish ideas to go with this chicken kebab recipe:

Grilled Zucchini
Honey Lime Fruit Salad
Grilled Rosemary Potatoes
Creamed Corn
Grilled Orange Glazed Carrots
Grilled Southwest Corn
Lemon Herb Potato Salad
Grilled Pineapple
Loaded Potato Salad
Grilled Asparagus

I first saw this grilled chicken shish kabobs recipe on Pink Parsley but ended up adapting it to be more similar the one posted on Mel’s Kitchen Cafe. However, the recipe is originally from Cook’s Illustrated May/June 2011. Hope you try it and love it!

Would you like to see more of our favorite recipes? Subscribe to our recipe email.

Watch this delicious recipe in 37 Seconds: