Imagine sinking your teeth into juicy, perfectly grilled chicken skewers that are bursting with a tantalizing blend of sweet honey, rich beer, and smoky BBQ sauce. These Beer and Honey BBQ Chicken Skewers aren't just a meal—they're a culinary adventure that will transform your backyard barbecue from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you're hosting a summer cookout or craving a mouthwatering dinner, this recipe promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 1 cup beer
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine beer, honey, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create the marinade. Whisk ingredients until well blended.
- Cut chicken breast into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. Place chicken cubes into the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow flavors to penetrate the chicken thoroughly.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat, approximately 375-400°F. Clean and oil grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Reserve remaining marinade for basting.
- Thread marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving small spaces between pieces for even heat distribution.
- Place skewers on preheated grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, turning occasionally and basting with reserved marinade.
- Ensure chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F using a meat thermometer for food safety.
- Remove skewers from grill and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro if desired.
Tips
- Marinating is key: Don't rush the marinating process. The longer the chicken sits in the beer and honey marinade (ideally overnight), the more flavor it will absorb.
- Uniform chicken cubes matter: Cut chicken into consistent 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming dry or undercooked.
- Wooden skewer hack: Always soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Temperature control: Maintain a medium-high grill temperature (375-400°F) for perfect caramelization without burning.
- Basting is your friend: Regularly baste the skewers with reserved marinade to keep the chicken moist and enhance the flavor profile.
- Food safety first: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken has reached 165°F internal temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 110mg
