BBQ Chicken and Veggie Skewers

It’s a funny thing about summer, isn’t it? The days get longer, the sun shines brighter, and suddenly, all we want to do is be outside, preferably with food sizzling over an open flame. For my family, summer grilling is practically a competitive sport, and we’re always on the lookout for recipes that are both delicious and relatively healthy. That’s where these BBQ Chicken and Veggie Skewers really shine. I stumbled upon a similar recipe online a few years back, tweaked it to our liking, and it has become an absolute staple. Honestly, even my pickiest eaters devour these skewers. The smoky char from the grill, combined with the sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, coating tender chicken and perfectly cooked veggies… it’s just pure summer bliss on a stick. The best part? They are incredibly versatile. We’ve made them for casual weeknight dinners, backyard barbecues with friends, and even packed them for picnics. They are always a hit, and I’m so excited to share our family’s go-to recipe with you. Get ready to fire up the grill and experience a taste of summer that everyone will love!

Ingredients

Creating the perfect BBQ Chicken and Veggie Skewers starts with selecting high-quality, flavorful ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility – you can easily adapt it to your preferences and what you have on hand. Let’s break down each component:

For the Chicken:

• Chicken Breast or Thighs (1.5 – 2 lbs): You have options here! For leaner skewers, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a fantastic choice. Cut them into 1-inch cubes. However, if you prefer a richer, more flavorful, and slightly more forgiving chicken, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the way to go. Thighs tend to stay moister on the grill and have a deeper, more savory taste. Again, cube them into 1-inch pieces. Regardless of your choice, ensure the chicken is fresh or properly thawed. If using frozen chicken, allow it to thaw completely in the refrigerator before preparing the recipe. This is crucial for even cooking and food safety.
• Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Olive oil serves as the base for our marinade, helping to keep the chicken moist and aiding in flavor distribution. Extra virgin olive oil is a great choice for its rich flavor and health benefits, but regular olive oil works just as well. The oil also helps to prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill grates.
• BBQ Sauce (1 cup, plus extra for serving): The heart and soul of these skewers is the BBQ sauce! The type of BBQ sauce you choose will significantly impact the final flavor profile. You can use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce – there are countless varieties available, from smoky and spicy to sweet and tangy. Experiment with different flavors to find your perfect match. Alternatively, for a truly homemade touch, consider making your own BBQ sauce. There are tons of recipes online, allowing you to control the sweetness, spice level, and overall flavor. Having extra BBQ sauce on hand for serving is always a good idea, as some people like to add a little extra sauciness to their skewers.
• Apple Cider Vinegar (2 tablespoons): Apple cider vinegar adds a touch of acidity to the marinade, which helps to tenderize the chicken and balance the sweetness of the BBQ sauce. It also contributes a subtle tang that complements the smoky flavors of the grill. If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can substitute with white wine vinegar or lemon juice, although apple cider vinegar offers a unique flavor that works particularly well with BBQ sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon): Worcestershire sauce is a secret weapon in many savory dishes, and it adds a wonderful depth of flavor to our chicken marinade. Its umami richness enhances the overall taste and complements the BBQ sauce beautifully. A little goes a long way, so just one tablespoon is perfect.
• Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Garlic powder provides a convenient and consistent garlic flavor throughout the chicken. It’s a pantry staple that adds a savory note to the marinade without the need for fresh garlic, which can sometimes burn on the grill.
• Onion Powder (1 teaspoon): Similar to garlic powder, onion powder adds a subtle onion flavor that enhances the overall savory profile of the chicken marinade. It complements the garlic and other spices, creating a well-rounded flavor.
• Smoked Paprika (1 teaspoon): Smoked paprika is a game-changer for adding a smoky depth to the chicken, even before it hits the grill. It provides a beautiful reddish hue and a subtle smokiness that pairs perfectly with BBQ sauce. If you only have regular paprika, you can use that, but smoked paprika truly elevates the flavor.
• Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings! Salt enhances all the flavors in the marinade and helps to season the chicken properly. Black pepper adds a touch of spice and complexity. Season generously to taste, keeping in mind that the BBQ sauce will also contribute salt.

For the Vegetables:

• Bell Peppers (2, any color): Bell peppers are fantastic on skewers! They offer a vibrant sweetness and a satisfying crunch when grilled. Choose your favorite colors – red, yellow, orange, or green – or a mix for visual appeal and varied flavors. Cut them into 1-inch pieces, removing the seeds and membranes.
• Red Onion (1 large): Red onion adds a slightly pungent and sweet flavor that mellows beautifully when grilled. Cut it into wedges or 1-inch pieces, ensuring the pieces are large enough to stay securely on the skewers. You can also use yellow or white onion if you prefer.
• Zucchini or Yellow Squash (2 medium): Zucchini and yellow squash are mild-flavored vegetables that grill up wonderfully. They become tender and slightly sweet, absorbing the BBQ sauce flavors. Cut them into ½-inch thick rounds or half-moons.
• Cherry Tomatoes (1 pint): Cherry tomatoes add bursts of juicy sweetness to the skewers. They are small enough to stay whole on the skewers and become wonderfully caramelized when grilled. You can use regular cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes.
• Cremini Mushrooms (8 oz): Cremini mushrooms, also known as baby bellas, offer an earthy and savory flavor that complements the chicken and other vegetables. Choose mushrooms that are firm and fresh. You can leave smaller mushrooms whole or halve or quarter larger ones so they are roughly the same size as the other vegetables.
• Corn on the Cob (2 ears, optional): For an extra touch of summer sweetness, consider adding corn on the cob. Cut each ear of corn into 1-inch thick rounds. Corn adds a delightful sweetness and texture to the skewers. If corn isn’t in season or you prefer to skip it, feel free to omit it.

Other Optional Vegetables:

The beauty of veggie skewers is their versatility. Feel free to get creative and add other vegetables you enjoy! Some excellent additions include:

• Pineapple chunks: Adds a tropical sweetness and tang that pairs wonderfully with BBQ chicken.
• Broccoli or Cauliflower florets: Pre-blanch them briefly for a few minutes to ensure they cook through on the grill.
• Asparagus spears: Cut into 2-inch pieces.
• Eggplant: Cut into 1-inch cubes and consider salting them beforehand to remove excess moisture.
• Halloumi cheese cubes: For a vegetarian option, or to add cheesy goodness to your skewers. Halloumi grills beautifully and adds a salty, savory element.

Skewers:

• Wooden or Metal Skewers (12-15): You’ll need skewers to assemble your creations! Wooden skewers are readily available and inexpensive. If using wooden skewers, be sure 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. Choose skewers that are sturdy enough to hold the chicken and vegetables without bending. The length will depend on your grill size, but 10-12 inch skewers are a good general size.

By gathering these fresh, flavorful ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating mouthwatering BBQ Chicken and Veggie Skewers that will be a hit at your next barbecue!

Instructions

Now that you’ve assembled your ingredients, it’s time to bring these BBQ Chicken and Veggie Skewers to life! Follow these step-by-step instructions for grilling perfection:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken (At Least 30 Minutes, Ideally Longer)

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, BBQ sauce (reserving some for later basting and serving), apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Make sure everything is well combined and the spices are evenly distributed.
2. Add the Chicken: Place the cubed chicken pieces into the bowl with the marinade. Toss to ensure that every piece of chicken is thoroughly coated in the marinade.
3. Marinate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For even more flavorful and tender chicken, marinate for 2-4 hours, or even overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the more the flavors will penetrate, and the more tender the chicken will become. Do not marinate for longer than 24 hours, as the vinegar in the marinade can start to break down the chicken too much, making it mushy.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Wash and Chop: While the chicken is marinating, wash and chop all your vegetables into bite-sized pieces, as described in the ingredients section. Aim for pieces that are roughly the same size so they cook evenly on the skewers.
2. Lightly Toss Vegetables (Optional): If you like, you can lightly toss the vegetables with a tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. This helps them to roast nicely on the grill and prevents them from drying out. This step is optional, as the BBQ sauce from basting will also flavor the vegetables.

Step 3: Assemble the Skewers

1. Prepare Skewers: If using wooden skewers, ensure they have been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes. This will prevent them from burning on the grill.
2. Thread Ingredients: Begin threading the marinated chicken and vegetables onto the skewers. Alternate between chicken and vegetables, creating a colorful and appealing pattern. There’s no right or wrong way to arrange them, but try to distribute the chicken and vegetables somewhat evenly across all the skewers. Don’t overcrowd the skewers; leave a little space between the pieces so they cook evenly. Aim for about 4-5 pieces of chicken and a generous amount of vegetables per skewer, depending on the length of your skewers.
3. Spacing: Leave a small portion of the skewer empty at each end for easy handling on the grill.

Step 4: Grill the Skewers

1. Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350-400°F or 175-200°C). Ensure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. You can use vegetable oil or cooking spray to oil the grates.
2. Grill Skewers: Place the assembled skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for approximately 15-20 minutes, turning them every 3-4 minutes to ensure even cooking and charring on all sides.
3. Baste with BBQ Sauce: During the last 5-7 minutes of grilling, brush the skewers generously with additional BBQ sauce. This will create a beautiful caramelized glaze and add extra flavor. Baste 2-3 times during the final grilling period, turning the skewers after each basting.
4. Check for Doneness: The chicken is done when it is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the thickest piece of chicken to ensure it is fully cooked. The vegetables should be tender-crisp and slightly charred.
5. Rest (Optional): Once the skewers are cooked, you can optionally remove them 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. Cover loosely with foil if resting to keep them warm.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Remove from Skewers (Optional): You can serve the skewers whole, or for easier eating, slide the chicken and vegetables off the skewers onto a platter.
2. Serve with Extra BBQ Sauce: Serve immediately while warm, with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping, if desired.
3. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness, if desired.

Following these instructions will guide you to create perfectly grilled, flavorful, and visually appealing BBQ Chicken and Veggie Skewers that are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the delicious taste of summer!

Nutrition Facts

Understanding the nutritional content of your meals is important for maintaining a balanced diet. Here’s a general overview of the nutrition facts for BBQ Chicken and Veggie Skewers. Please note that these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients, portion sizes, and BBQ sauce used.

Servings: Approximately 6 skewers

Serving Size: 1-2 skewers per serving

Approximate Nutrition Facts Per Serving (Estimated):

• Calories: 350-450 kcal
• Protein: 30-40g
• Fat: 15-25g
  • Saturated Fat: 3-5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10-15g
• Cholesterol: 100-120mg
• Sodium: 500-800mg (varies greatly depending on BBQ sauce)
• Carbohydrates: 25-35g
  • Fiber: 5-7g
  • Sugar: 15-20g (varies greatly depending on BBQ sauce)

Key Nutritional Highlights:

• Lean Protein Source: Chicken breast or thighs provide a significant amount of lean protein, which is essential for muscle building, satiety, and overall health. Protein helps keep you feeling full and satisfied after your meal.
• Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: The variety of vegetables included in these skewers – bell peppers, onions, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms – are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrients contribute to overall well-being and support various bodily functions. Bell peppers are high in Vitamin C, tomatoes are a good source of Vitamin A and lycopene, and mushrooms provide B vitamins and selenium.
• Good Source of Fiber: The vegetables contribute a decent amount of dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health, regulating blood sugar levels, and promoting feelings of fullness. Fiber also supports heart health.
• Relatively Moderate in Calories: Compared to many other BBQ dishes, these skewers are relatively moderate in calories, especially if you use chicken breast and choose a BBQ sauce that is lower in sugar. The vegetables add bulk and nutrients without significantly increasing the calorie count.
• Lower in Saturated Fat (if using chicken breast): Using chicken breast instead of thighs will significantly reduce the saturated fat content, making this a healthier option. Choosing leaner cuts of meat and trimming visible fat can further reduce saturated fat.

Important Considerations:

• BBQ Sauce Sugar and Sodium: The sugar and sodium content can vary significantly between different brands and types of BBQ sauce. Check the nutrition label of your chosen BBQ sauce and opt for lower-sugar and lower-sodium versions if you are watching your intake of these. Homemade BBQ sauce allows you to control these aspects more precisely.
• Portion Control: While these skewers are relatively healthy, portion control is still important. Be mindful of your serving size to manage calorie intake. 1-2 skewers per serving is generally a good portion for a balanced meal.
• Vegetable Variety: Increasing the variety and quantity of vegetables will further enhance the nutritional value of this dish. Don’t hesitate to add more vegetables or different types to boost your intake of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Disclaimer: These nutrition facts are estimates only and should be considered as a general guide. For precise nutritional information, it’s best to use a nutrition calculator app or website and input the specific ingredients and quantities you use in your recipe. This information is not intended as medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized dietary guidance.

Preparation Time

Planning your cooking time is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable meal preparation experience. Here’s a breakdown of the preparation time for BBQ Chicken and Veggie Skewers:

• Prep Time (Chopping Vegetables, Making Marinade): 20-25 minutes
  • This includes washing and chopping all the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
  • It also includes measuring and mixing all the marinade ingredients in a bowl.
  • Cutting the chicken into cubes will also fall under this prep time.
• Marinating Time (Chicken): 30 minutes minimum, ideally 2-4 hours (up to overnight)
  • The chicken needs to marinate in the BBQ sauce mixture to absorb flavors and tenderize.
  • While 30 minutes is the minimum for flavor penetration, longer marinating times significantly enhance the taste and tenderness.
  • Overnight marinating (in the refrigerator) is highly recommended for the best results, but even a few hours will make a noticeable difference.
• Assembly Time (Skewering): 15-20 minutes
  • Threading the marinated chicken and chopped vegetables onto the skewers takes a bit of time, especially if you are making a larger batch.
  • Soaking wooden skewers (if using) should be done concurrently while prepping vegetables or during marinating time.
• Grilling Time: 15-20 minutes
  • The actual grilling time on the barbecue is relatively quick.
  • This includes the time to preheat the grill and the cooking time with turning and basting the skewers.
  • Grilling time can vary slightly depending on the heat of your grill and the size of your chicken and vegetable pieces.

Total Time (Approximate):

• Minimum Total Time (with minimum marinating): 1 hour 20 minutes – 1 hour 45 minutes
• Ideal Total Time (with 2-4 hour marinating): 2 hours 35 minutes – 4 hours 45 minutes
• Overnight Marinating Total Time: Allow for prep and assembly time on the day of cooking, plus grilling time.

Tips for Time Management:

• Marinate Ahead: Marinating the chicken is the most time-consuming part that can be done in advance. Marinate the chicken in the morning or the night before if you plan to grill in the evening. This significantly reduces the active cooking time on the day you want to serve the skewers.
• Prep Vegetables in Advance: You can wash and chop the vegetables a few hours ahead of time and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day of grilling.
• Assemble Skewers Ahead (Short Timeframe): You can assemble the skewers up to an hour or two before grilling and keep them covered in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to grill them relatively soon after assembly for optimal freshness and to prevent the vegetables from drying out too much. If assembled too far in advance, some vegetables like zucchini can release moisture.
• Utilize Marinating Time: While the chicken is marinating, you can use that time to prepare side dishes, salads, or set the table.

By understanding the preparation time breakdown, you can effectively plan your cooking schedule and ensure that your BBQ Chicken and Veggie Skewers are ready when you want them, without feeling rushed.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken and Veggie Skewers

BBQ Chicken and Veggie Skewers are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways, making them perfect for casual weeknight dinners or more elaborate gatherings. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

Main Course with Sides:

• Classic BBQ Sides:
  • Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw or a lighter vinegar-based slaw provides a refreshing contrast to the smoky BBQ flavors.
  • Potato Salad: A classic potato salad, whether creamy or mustard-based, is always a welcome addition to a BBQ meal.
  • Corn on the Cob (whole or grilled): If you didn’t include corn on the skewers, serve grilled or boiled corn on the cob as a side.
  • Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans are a quintessential BBQ side dish.
  • Mac and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese is a comforting and crowd-pleasing side.
• Salads:
  • Green Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a light and fresh counterpoint.
  • Pasta Salad: A vibrant pasta salad with vegetables and a light dressing complements the skewers nicely.
  • Quinoa Salad or Grain Salad: For a healthier option, serve with a quinoa salad or another grain-based salad with vegetables and herbs.
  • Watermelon and Feta Salad: The sweetness of watermelon and the saltiness of feta create a refreshing summer salad that pairs well with BBQ.
• Grains and Bread:
  • Rice: Serve over fluffy white rice, brown rice, or cilantro-lime rice.
  • Quinoa: Quinoa is a healthy and protein-rich grain that works well as a base.
  • Couscous: Light and fluffy couscous is a quick and easy side.
  • Dinner Rolls or Cornbread: Serve with warm dinner rolls, cornbread, or garlic bread for soaking up the BBQ sauce.
  • Tortillas or Pita Bread: Offer warm tortillas or pita bread to make wraps or pockets with the skewer ingredients.

Appetizer or Party Food:

• Mini Skewers: For parties or appetizers, you can make mini skewers using smaller pieces of chicken and vegetables. These are perfect for passing around or setting out on a buffet table.
• Platter with Dipping Sauces: Arrange the skewers on a platter and serve with a variety of dipping sauces, such as:
  • Extra BBQ Sauce: Offer different flavors of BBQ sauce – sweet, spicy, smoky.
  • Ranch Dressing: A classic creamy dip.
  • Honey Mustard: Sweet and tangy.
  • Spicy Mayo: For a kick of heat.
  • Chimichurri Sauce: A fresh and herbaceous Argentinian sauce for a different flavor profile.

Other Serving Ideas:

• Skewers in Bowls: Remove the chicken and vegetables from the skewers and serve them over a bed of rice, quinoa, or salad greens in bowls. This makes for a more convenient and less messy eating experience.
• Skewers in Wraps or Pitas: As mentioned earlier, wrap the skewer ingredients in warm tortillas or pita bread with your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and sauces for a fun and customizable meal.
• Leftover Skewers: Leftover BBQ Chicken and Veggie Skewers are delicious cold or reheated. Enjoy them the next day in salads, sandwiches, or wraps.

By considering these serving suggestions, you can create a complete and satisfying meal around your BBQ Chicken and Veggie Skewers, whether you’re hosting a casual BBQ or looking for a delicious weeknight dinner option.

Additional Tips for Perfect BBQ Chicken and Veggie Skewers

To elevate your BBQ Chicken and Veggie Skewer game from good to outstanding, consider these helpful tips:

• 1. Cut Chicken and Vegetables Uniformly: Ensuring that your chicken and vegetable pieces are roughly the same size is crucial for even cooking on the grill. Larger pieces will take longer to cook, while smaller pieces may overcook and dry out. Aim for 1-inch cubes for chicken and vegetables, or similar sizes for other shapes like zucchini rounds or bell pepper squares. Uniformity promotes consistent cooking and prevents some pieces from being undercooked or overcooked.
• 2. Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers: Resist the temptation to pack too many pieces onto each skewer. Overcrowding hinders proper airflow and heat circulation around the ingredients. This can lead to steaming instead of grilling, resulting in uneven cooking and less char. Leave a little space between each piece of chicken and vegetable on the skewer. This allows for better heat distribution, promotes even cooking, and ensures that you get those desirable grill marks and smoky flavor.
• 3. Marinate Chicken Adequately (But Not Too Long): Marinating is key for tender and flavorful chicken. Aim for at least 30 minutes of marinating time, but ideally 2-4 hours or even overnight in the refrigerator. Longer marinating allows the flavors to penetrate deep into the chicken and helps to tenderize it. However, be mindful not to marinate for excessively long periods (over 24 hours), especially with acidic marinades like those containing vinegar or lemon juice. Over-marinating can make the chicken texture mushy.
• 4. Control Grill Heat and Don’t Overcook: Grilling over medium heat is ideal for BBQ Chicken and Veggie Skewers. Medium heat (around 350-400°F or 175-200°C) allows the chicken to cook through without burning on the outside, and the vegetables to become tender-crisp. Avoid grilling over high heat, as this can char the outside of the skewers before the chicken is cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety and optimal texture. Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough.
• 5. Baste with BBQ Sauce Towards the End: Basting the skewers with BBQ sauce should be done towards the end of the grilling process, during the last 5-7 minutes. BBQ sauce often contains sugars that can burn and caramelize quickly over direct heat. Basting too early can lead to burnt or overly sticky skewers. Brushing the sauce on during the final minutes creates a beautiful glaze and prevents burning, while still infusing the chicken and vegetables with that delicious BBQ flavor. Multiple basting applications in the last few minutes, turning the skewers after each, will build up a flavorful and glossy glaze.

By implementing these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to create BBQ Chicken and Veggie Skewers that are perfectly cooked, incredibly flavorful, and a guaranteed hit at your next BBQ or family dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about BBQ Chicken and Veggie Skewers

Here are some common questions people often have when making BBQ Chicken and Veggie Skewers:

Q1: Can I prepare the skewers in advance?

A: Yes, you can prepare the skewers in advance, which is a great time-saver! You can marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator. You can also chop the vegetables a few hours ahead and store them separately in airtight containers. You can even assemble the skewers up to a few hours before grilling and keep them covered in the refrigerator. However, it’s best not to assemble them too far in advance (more than a few hours) as some vegetables, like zucchini, can release moisture and become a bit soggy. If assembling ahead, brush the vegetables lightly with oil to help prevent drying out. Grill them as close to serving time as possible for the best quality.

Q2: What if I don’t have a grill? Can I bake or broil these skewers?

A: Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill, you can easily bake or broil BBQ Chicken and Veggie Skewers.

• Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through and basting with BBQ sauce during the last 5-7 minutes, similar to grilling instructions.
• Broiling: Preheat your broiler. Place the skewers on a baking sheet and broil for 3-4 minutes per side, watching carefully to prevent burning, and basting with BBQ sauce during the last minute or two of broiling on each side. Broiling cooks food quickly, so keep a close eye on them. Position the baking sheet in the upper rack of your oven, a few inches from the broiler element.

Both baking and broiling will yield delicious results, although they may lack the same smoky char flavor as grilling.

Q3: Can I use different vegetables?

A: Yes, definitely! One of the best things about veggie skewers is their versatility. Feel free to use your favorite vegetables or what you have on hand. Excellent alternatives and additions include: pineapple chunks, broccoli or cauliflower florets (pre-blanch them briefly), asparagus spears, eggplant cubes (salt them first), bell peppers of different colors, different types of onions (Vidalia, white), and even halloumi cheese for a vegetarian option. Get creative and customize your skewers to your liking!

Q4: What’s the best way to prevent wooden skewers from burning?

A: Soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling is crucial to prevent them from burning on the grill. Soaking them saturates the wood with moisture, which helps them withstand the heat for a longer time. You can soak them in a shallow dish or a baking pan filled with water. If you are grilling for a longer period or over higher heat, consider using metal skewers, which are reusable and don’t require soaking.

Q5: How do I store leftover BBQ Chicken and Veggie Skewers?

A: Leftover BBQ Chicken and Veggie Skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, remove the chicken and vegetables from the skewers before storing them, as this makes them easier to reheat and prevents the skewers from becoming soggy. To reheat, you can microwave them gently, bake them in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) until heated through, or quickly sauté them in a pan with a little oil. Leftovers are also delicious cold in salads or wraps.

Hopefully, these FAQs address any questions you might have and give you the confidence to make and enjoy these fantastic BBQ Chicken and Veggie Skewers!

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