Sizzling BBQ Beer-Marinated Chicken Skewers Recipe for Summer

Unleashing a BBQ beer-marinated chicken that promises to revolutionize your grilling experience demands serious culinary courage.

Weeknight dinners suddenly become extraordinary with this bold flavor combination.

Bold marinades infuse incredible depth into ordinary protein choices.

Craft beer selections can dramatically change meat textures and taste profiles.

Weekend warriors and backyard grill enthusiasts appreciate recipes that simplify complex techniques.

Marinating transforms standard chicken into a mouthwatering masterpiece that sparks conversation.

You cannot resist trying these skewers that blend smoky, hoppy, and savory notes into one incredible dish.

FAQs

• Why use beer in the marinade?

Beer helps tenderize the chicken by breaking down proteins, adds subtle flavor complexity, and creates a more moist and flavorful meat.

• Can I substitute the beer with another liquid?

You can use chicken broth or apple juice as alternatives, but beer provides a unique depth of flavor that other liquids can’t replicate.

• How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate for at least 1 hour, but no more than 8 hours to prevent the meat from becoming mushy or overly tenderized by the beer’s acidity.

• What type of beer works best for this recipe?

Light lagers or pale ales work well, as they add flavor without overpowering the other marinade ingredients. Avoid very dark or hoppy beers that might make the chicken taste bitter.

Why BBQ Beer-Marinated Chicken Skewers Stand Out

• Boost Flavor Complexity: Combine beer, honey, and spices create a mouthwatering marinade that transforms ordinary chicken into a taste sensation with layers of smoky, sweet, and tangy notes.
• Simplify Meal Preparation: Marinate chicken ahead of time, allowing busy home cooks to have dinner ready quickly by prepping ingredients in advance and enjoying minimal hands-on cooking.
• Grill-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for summer gatherings, backyard parties, and casual dinners where everyone can enjoy colorful skewers packed with protein and vibrant vegetables.
• Customize with Ease: Swap proteins, adjust spice levels, or swap vegetables to match personal preferences and dietary needs while maintaining the recipe's core delicious concept.

Ingredients for BBQ Beer-Marinated Chicken Skewers

• Beer: Provides a rich, malty flavor and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Olive Oil: Adds moisture and helps distribute the marinade evenly.
• Soy Sauce: Brings depth and umami to the marinade.
• Honey: Adds sweetness and helps create a caramelized exterior.
• Dijon Mustard: Contributes a tangy and slightly spicy note.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances the overall savory flavor profile.

• Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the marinade.
• Smoked Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Black Pepper: Provide layers of heat, smokiness, and seasoning.

• Chicken Cubes: The main protein that absorbs the marinade and becomes tender and flavorful.
• Bell Peppers, Onion, Zucchini: Fresh vegetables that add color, texture, and nutritional value to the skewers.

• BBQ Sauce: Creates a sticky, caramelized glaze during grilling.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers a bright, fresh garnish.
• Lemon Wedges: Provides a zesty, citrusy accent (optional).
• Wooden Skewers: Used for assembling and grilling the ingredients.

How to Grill BBQ Beer-Marinated Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Craft Flavor-Packed Marinade

Whip up a tantalizing marinade by combining beer, olive oil, soy sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a large mixing bowl. Whisk the ingredients until they blend into a harmonious mixture that promises mouthwatering results.

Step 2: Marinate Chicken

Drop chicken cubes into the marinade, ensuring each piece gets thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator.

Allow the flavors to mingle and penetrate the meat for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for an even more intense taste experience.

Step 3: Prepare Skewers

Grab wooden skewers and give them a water bath for 30 minutes.

• Bell peppers
• Onions
• Zucchini

Step 4: Fire Up the Grill

Crank up the grill to medium-high heat.

This ensures a perfect sear and those beautiful grill marks we all love.

Step 5: Assemble Kebabs

Thread marinated chicken and prepped vegetables onto skewers.

Create a colorful pattern by alternating ingredients for a visually stunning presentation.

Step 6: Grill to Perfection

Place skewers on the hot grill.

Cook for 10-12 minutes, rotating occasionally to ensure even cooking. Watch for that golden-brown exterior and make sure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 7: Add Glaze Magic

During the final moments of grilling, brush skewers with BBQ sauce. This creates a delectable caramelized coating that’ll make taste buds dance.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Remove kebabs from the grill. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for an extra flavor boost.

Get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Tips for Juicy BBQ Chicken Skewers

• Let chicken soak in the beer mixture for up to 8 hours to develop deeper, more complex taste profiles.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to stop them from catching fire.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F for perfectly cooked, juicy meat.
• Turn skewers occasionally during cooking to achieve even char and prevent burning on one side.
• Brush BBQ sauce in the final grilling minutes to create a delicious caramelized glaze that adds sweetness and depth to the dish.

Fun Ways to Change BBQ Chicken Skewers

• Alcohol-Free Version: Replace beer with non-alcoholic beer or chicken broth for a family-friendly marinade that maintains similar flavor complexity.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure all marinade ingredients are certified gluten-free, substituting regular beer with gluten-free beer alternatives.
• Vegetarian Skewer Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or large chunks of portobello mushrooms, keeping the same marinade and grilling technique for a plant-based option.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Eliminate honey from marinade, increase spices, and serve skewers over cauliflower rice or mixed greens instead of traditional sides to reduce carbohydrate content.

Pairings for BBQ Beer Chicken Skewers

• Complement the BBQ beer-marinated chicken's bold flavors with a light, refreshing wheat beer that echoes the marinade's brewing notes while cutting through the richness.
• Prepare a zesty citrus coleslaw with tangy dressing and fresh herbs to balance the skewers' smoky grilled taste and provide a cool counterpoint to the spicy marinade.
• Enhance the meal with Mexican-style grilled corn brushed with mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice, which adds a creamy, spicy dimension that harmonizes with the chicken's complex flavor profile.

Storing Chicken Skewers After Grilling

• Transfer leftover skewers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep skewers whole or remove ingredients from skewers before storing.
• Wrap skewers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date of storage.
• Place skewers on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warmed through.

Bbq Beer-Marinated Chicken Skewers Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sizzling BBQ beer-marinated chicken skewers bring summer grilling magic to your backyard feast. Juicy marinated chicken, infused with hoppy flavors and smoky char, delivers a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave all season long.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes

Vegetables:

• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 red onion, cut into chunks
• 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds

Marinade and Seasoning:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) beer (lager or ale)
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Additional Items:

• 8 wooden or metal skewers
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) BBQ sauce
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (optional)

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Instructions

1. Craft a robust marinade by blending beer, olive oil, soy sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Immerse chicken cubes thoroughly in the marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Seal and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply.
3. Prepare wooden skewers by submerging them in water for 30 minutes to prevent charring during grilling.
4. Heat outdoor grill to medium-high temperature, approximately 400-450°F.
5. Arrange marinated chicken pieces on skewers, strategically interspersing with colorful bell peppers, onion chunks, and zucchini slices for visual appeal and balanced flavor.
6. Position skewers on heated grill grates, rotating every 3-4 minutes to ensure even cooking and beautiful char marks.
7. Grill for 10-12 minutes, monitoring chicken’s internal temperature until it reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
8. During final grilling moments, generously brush skewers with tangy BBQ sauce, creating a caramelized, glossy exterior.
9. Remove from grill, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve alongside zesty lemon wedges for an extra flavor dimension.

Notes

• Choose a dark, robust beer like stout or amber ale to enhance the marinade’s depth and complexity.
• Marinate chicken for longer periods in the refrigerator to develop richer, more intense flavor profiles.
• Prevent wooden skewers from burning by soaking them thoroughly in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
• Adjust spice levels by modifying red pepper flakes for those preferring milder or more intense heat sensations.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks, Cocktails
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 1.2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg