Grilled Chicken Skewers: Easy, Flavorful, and Perfect for Every Occasion
A simple cooking method that seals in moisture and makes entertaining effortless.
Grilled Chicken Skewers: Quick, Juicy, and Unfailingly Crowd-Pleasing
When your goal is a meal that’s fast, flavorful, and looking for little fuss, these grilled chicken skewers deliver on every front. Whether you’re planning a backyard get-together, prepping an easy family dinner, or needing a versatile appetizer, this recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. The method is wonderfully adaptable—you can grill outdoors, use a grill pan indoors, and pair with a creamy peanut sauce or classic barbecue sauce for dipping. Everything is designed with simplicity, taste, and flexibility in mind.
Why You’ll Love These Chicken Skewers
- Ready in 30 minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Minimal ingredients: Uses pantry staples for both the chicken and the sauce, so you’re never far from making a batch.
- Adaptable for indoor or outdoor grilling: Enjoy grilled goodness year-round.
- Multiple dip options: Serve with homemade peanut sauce, store-bought barbecue sauce, or both for variety.
- Great for entertaining: Skewers are easy to prepare in advance and serve as finger food at parties.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make a full batch of juicy chicken skewers plus an irresistibly creamy peanut sauce:
For the Peanut Sauce
- 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon hot chili oil
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1 tablespoon very hot water, as needed
For the Chicken Skewers
- Vegetable oil (for the grill or pan)
- 2 lbs. chicken tenders, cut in half lengthwise
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 20 to 25 wooden skewers (6 to 8 inches), soaked in water
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, minced
- Barbecue sauce (optional, for serving)
Ingredient Tips
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before use. This prevents burning on the hot grill.
- Use chicken tenders for maximum juiciness and quick cooking, but you may substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips.
- Customize your sauces: The peanut sauce is creamy and tangy with a hint of heat, while barbecue sauce offers a smoky, sweet contrast.
How to Make the Best Grilled Chicken Skewers (Step-by-Step)
- Preheat the Grill
Preheat an outdoor grill or a grill pan to medium heat, ensuring even cooking. - Blend the Peanut Sauce
In a blender, combine peanut butter, honey, soy sauce, ginger, red pepper flakes, chili oil, and lime juice. Blend until smooth, adding hot water (a teaspoon at a time) if needed until you reach a silky texture. Pour into a serving bowl, cover, and set aside. - Prep the Grill
Using tongs and a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil, brush the grates or pan to help prevent sticking. - Season and Skewer the Chicken
Pat chicken tenders dry, season with kosher salt and black pepper. Thread chicken pieces lengthwise onto the soaked skewers, leaving a little space at each end for handling. - Grill to Perfection
Arrange skewers on the grill. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side (4–6 minutes total) until golden with grill marks and cooked through. Don’t overcook; thin tenders will be ready quickly. - Finish and Garnish
Transfer grilled skewers to a platter. Sprinkle generously with minced cilantro for a pop of freshness and aroma. - Serve with Sauces
Arrange peanut sauce and barbecue sauce on the side, so guests can dip to their liking.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
- Appetizer: Serve as party bites with toothpicks or short skewers and a variety of dipping sauces (peanut, sweet chili, BBQ, tzatziki).
- Main Course: Pair with summer sides like grilled vegetables, a crisp salad, or jasmine rice.
- Make it a Wrap: Slide cooked chicken off the skewers and tuck into flatbread with lettuce, cucumber, and peanut sauce drizzle.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Peanut sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. If it thickens, whisk in a bit of hot water until dippable.
- Cooked chicken skewers will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently or serve cold as a salad topper.
- Tip: Lay the skewers flat in a single layer in a container to avoid sticking.
What others are reading
The Secret to Perfect Juicy Grilled Chicken Skewers
The best grilled chicken skewers are moist, well-seasoned, and never dry. Follow these key pointers:
- Pre-soak skewers: Avoids burning and breaking.
- Quick grilling: Thin strips of chicken cook fast, maintaining juiciness.
- Don’t over-marinate: The seasoning is simple (just salt and pepper) because the peanut and BBQ sauces add bold flavor.
- Serve immediately: Grilled skewers are best when enjoyed hot and fresh off the grill.
Alternative Sauces to Serve
| Sauce Option | Flavor Profile | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Creamy Peanut Sauce | Nutty, tangy, spicy | Classic chicken skewers, wraps |
| Barbecue Sauce | Sweet, smoky | Casual parties, family BBQs |
| Sweet Chili Sauce | Sweet, spicy | Asian-fusion sides, salad bowls |
| Tzatziki | Cool, herby, creamy | Greek-inspired wraps, light summer meals |
Expert Tips and Troubleshooting
- If your chicken sticks: The grill may not be fully preheated, or the grates weren’t well-oiled. Always start with a hot, oiled grill.
- Chicken is dry: Overcooking is the most common culprit. Chicken strips should be thin so that 2–3 minutes per side is sufficient.
- Peanut sauce is too thick: Blend in a teaspoon of very hot water until you reach the perfect dipping consistency.
- Running out of time? Use store-bought dipping sauces for even faster prep; the skewers alone will still be delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make these skewers in advance?
You can season and skewer the chicken and prepare the peanut sauce up to three days ahead. Grill the skewers just before serving for best results.
Is the peanut sauce spicy?
The sauce has a gentle heat thanks to red pepper flakes and chili oil, but it’s balanced by honey and lime. For less spice, reduce or omit the chili elements.
What if I don’t have fresh ginger?
You can substitute 1 teaspoon ground ginger or skip it entirely; the sauce will still be delicious, but fresh ginger adds brightness.
Can I use other meats or even vegetables?
Absolutely. This method works with thin strips of pork or beef, and you can even use firm tofu or assorted vegetables for a vegetarian option.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Chicken should be opaque throughout, firm to the touch, and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Thin tenders finish quickly—around 6 minutes total.
Delicious Variations and Add-ins
- Hawaiian-style skewers: Alternate chicken pieces with pineapple chunks and bell peppers for a sweet-savory combination.
- Herb marinade: Swap salt and pepper for a quick marinade of olive oil, lemon zest, garlic, and fresh herbs like parsley or oregano before skewering.
- Asian-inspired: Add a splash of teriyaki sauce or serve with sweet chili dip.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve With Chicken Skewers
- Grilled Corn on the Cob
- Chilled Pasta Salad
- Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Lemon Rice Pilaf
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes
With their refreshing crunch or bright flavors, these sides round out your meal and complement the grilled skewers beautifully.
Storage, Leftovers & Safety
- Storage: Cool skewers completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Reheating: Microwave gently or place the skewers on a sheet pan in a 300°F oven until just warmed through.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as grilled chicken tenders can turn dry once frozen and reheated.
Wrap-Up: The Best Summer Grilled Chicken Skewers
Brighten up any occasion or weeknight with these grilled chicken skewers—they’re quick to prepare, fun to serve, and loaded with flavor. The peanut sauce comes together in seconds, and you’re free to swap in any dip you like. Best of all, this recipe is endlessly adaptable—just adjust your flavors and sides to suit the gathering, and you’ll have a grilled dish that’s sure to become a repeat favorite at any table.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a65090728/grilled-chicken-skewers-recipe/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2fNID-NzMI
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a32529701/greek-chicken-kebabs-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a10616/maple-glazed-chicken-kebabs-with-sweet-jalapeno-salsa/
- https://www.aol.com/chicken-skewers-ree-drummonds-grilling-130000304.html
- https://www.mashed.com/484119/the-pioneer-womans-hawaiian-chicken-skewers-recipe-with-a-twist/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g43843840/kebab-recipes/
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