Catch the irresistible aroma of marinated chicken mingling with charred vegetables sizzling on the grill. These summer BBQ skewers promise a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing like nobody’s watching. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a family cookout or enjoying a sunny picnic with friends, these tasty treats are bound to steal the show.
It’s a warm Saturday afternoon, the sun is shining, and laughter fills the air as we gather around the grill. My cousin Billy claims he can flip burgers better than anyone else while my Aunt Sue counters with her secret potato salad recipe. Amidst all this culinary competition, I proudly unveil my summer BBQ skewers—a colorful medley of flavors that instantly earns me a round of applause.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These summer BBQ skewers are incredibly easy to prepare and make cleanup a breeze.
- With a rainbow of vegetables and succulent chicken, they are visually stunning as well.
- Perfect for gatherings but versatile enough for weekday meals or meal prep!
I remember serving these skewers at last year’s family reunion. My uncle took one bite and proclaimed it was “the best thing since sliced bread!” Now that’s some serious praise from a man whose culinary expertise extends only to flipping pancakes.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless Chicken Thighs: These juicy cuts hold moisture well and are perfect for grilling; feel free to use breasts if you prefer.
- Bell Peppers: Grab an assortment of colors—red, green, yellow—for that eye-catching presentation; plus they add sweetness when grilled.
- Zucchini: Slice into thick rounds; zucchini becomes tender and flavorful when grilled—don’t skimp on this fantastic veggie.
- Red Onion: Cut into chunks; their sweet flavor caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
- Cherry Tomatoes: These burst with flavor when cooked; they add juiciness and color to your skewers.
- Olive Oil: A good drizzle helps prevent sticking and enhances flavor; opt for extra virgin for the best taste.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed adds brightness; it also acts as a natural marinade tenderizer.
- Garlic Powder: A must-have seasoning that boosts savory flavors without overpowering the dish.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance all those bold flavors—don’t forget to season generously!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by washing your veggies thoroughly and drying them off. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces while slicing bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and halving cherry tomatoes.
Create Your Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until combined. The aroma should be tangy yet inviting!
Marinate Chicken: Add chicken pieces to the marinade bowl. Toss until every piece is coated well—let it sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb those flavors.
Assemble Your Skewers: Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers along with bell peppers, zucchini rounds, red onion chunks, and cherry tomatoes. Alternate ingredients for visual appeal—make them look like a rainbow!
Grill Time! Preheat your grill over medium heat. Once hot enough (you can test by holding your hand above it), place skewers on the grill grates; cook for about 10-12 minutes total.
A Little Extra Flavor: Turn the skewers occasionally until everything is nicely charred; you’ll know they’re done when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and veggies are tender.
Now step back and take in those beautiful summer BBQ skewers! Serve them right off the grill while they’re still sizzling hot—your guests will thank you!
Enjoy making your unforgettable summer BBQ skewers!
You Must Know
- Marinate for at least an hour for deeper flavor,I learned this the hard way when my last-minute skewers tasted a bit bland.
- Use fresh veggies; they add crunch and color, My friend once used frozen bell peppers, and let’s just say they weren’t winning any beauty contests.
- Soak wooden skewers in water before grilling to prevent burning, Trust me, charred sticks are not a great addition to your summer BBQ skewers.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating your protein while prepping vegetables. Assemble the skewers, then grill them until everything is perfectly cooked and slightly charred for that irresistible smoky flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap proteins or add extra spices like paprika or garlic powder for a kick. You could also throw in some pineapple for that sweet-and-savory combo everyone loves at barbecues.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them on low heat in the oven to maintain their juiciness without drying out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always preheat your grill; it ensures even cooking.
- Let skewers rest after grilling; this helps juices redistribute.
- Don’t overcrowd your skewers; give each piece room to get that gorgeous char.
Sharing a funny story about one of my first BBQs, I accidentally set off the smoke alarm because I forgot the skewers were on the grill too long. Friends still tease me about my “infamous fire alarm BBQ.”
FAQ
What proteins work best for summer BBQ skewers?
Chicken and shrimp are popular choices that grill beautifully and absorb flavors well.
Can I prepare these skewers ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble them a few hours before grilling for easy prep during your BBQ.
What dipping sauces go well with summer BBQ skewers?
Try tzatziki or a spicy peanut sauce to complement the flavors of your skewers perfectly.
Delicious Summer BBQ Skewers for Outdoor Gatherings
Delight in the flavors of summer with these vibrant BBQ skewers, featuring tender chicken and fresh veggies, perfect for any outdoor gathering or family meal.
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (8 skewers total) 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup bell peppers, assorted colors, chopped
- 1 cup zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
- 1 medium red onion, cut into chunks
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and dry all vegetables thoroughly.
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken pieces to the marinade; toss to coat and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Thread marinated chicken and vegetables onto skewers in an alternating pattern.
- Preheat grill to medium heat. Grill skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until chicken is cooked through (165°F) and veggies are tender.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For added flavor, marinate chicken for up to an hour.
- Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
- Soak wooden skewers in water beforehand to prevent burning
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
