BBQ Chicken Skewers for Backyard Cookout Nights

Grilled chicken skewers are one of the easiest dinners to make when you want smoky cookout flavor without a complicated prep list. These BBQ Chicken Skewers are made with cubed chicken breast, red and green bell peppers, onion, olive oil, and a bold seasoning blend with chili powder, paprika, thyme, garlic powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and brown sugar.

The seasoning gives the chicken a warm barbecue-style flavor without needing a bottled sauce. Brown sugar helps balance the spices and encourages browning on the grill, while paprika, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder create a savory base. The peppers and onion soften as they grill, adding sweetness and color between the chicken pieces.

This recipe is a strong option for backyard dinners, summer cookouts, weeknight grilling, and casual family meals. The skewers cook in about 10 to 15 minutes over a hot grill, and brushing them with olive oil during cooking helps keep the chicken moist while the edges brown.

Why these BBQ chicken skewers work

• Chicken breast cooks quickly when cut into cubes
• The seasoning blend adds smoky barbecue-style flavor
• Brown sugar helps the chicken brown on the grill
• Bell peppers and onion add color and sweetness
• Skewers make the meal easy to serve
• Olive oil helps prevent dryness while grilling

Quick notes before starting

• Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
• Cut chicken into even cubes so it cooks at the same rate.
• Cut peppers and onion into large pieces so they stay on the skewers.
• Let the seasoned chicken rest for about 10 minutes before threading.
• Cook until chicken reaches 165°F for safe serving.

Ingredients

BBQ chicken seasoning

• 1/4 cup chili powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, adjust to taste
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes

For the skewers

• 3 green bell peppers, cut into large pieces
• 3 red bell peppers, cut into large pieces
• 1 large onion, cut into chunks
• 10 to 12 skewers, soaked in water if wooden

For grilling

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Ingredient notes

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well because they are easy to cut into cubes and cook quickly on the grill. Try to keep the pieces close in size so they finish at the same time.

Chili powder gives the seasoning its main barbecue-style flavor. Paprika adds color and warmth, while cumin gives a deeper savory note. Garlic powder helps season the chicken evenly without the risk of fresh garlic burning on the grill.

Ground thyme adds a light herb flavor. Salt and black pepper season the chicken directly, and cayenne pepper adds mild heat. You can adjust the cayenne depending on how spicy you want the skewers.

Brown sugar helps balance the spices and promotes browning. It should be mixed evenly into the seasoning so the chicken gets a light sweet-savory coating.

Green and red bell peppers add freshness, color, and slight sweetness. Onion chunks become sweeter as they grill and help round out the flavor.

Olive oil is brushed on during grilling to help keep the skewers moist and encourage browning.

Equipment

Small bowl
Large mixing bowl
Knife
Cutting board
Measuring spoons
Skewers
Plate or tray
Grill
Tongs
Basting brush
Instant-read thermometer

How to make BBQ Chicken Skewers

1) Soak the skewers

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before assembling the kebabs.

This helps protect the skewers from burning too quickly on the grill.

2) Make the seasoning

In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, paprika, ground thyme, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, cumin, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar.

Stir until the seasoning is evenly mixed and no clumps of brown sugar remain.

3) Season the chicken

Place the chicken cubes in a large bowl.

Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken and toss until every piece is evenly coated. Let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes so the seasoning can settle on the surface.

4) Prepare the vegetables

Cut the green bell peppers and red bell peppers into large pieces.

Cut the onion into chunks. The pieces should be large enough to thread onto skewers without falling apart.

5) Assemble the skewers

Thread the chicken, bell peppers, and onion pieces onto the skewers.

Alternate the ingredients as you go so each skewer has a mix of chicken, peppers, and onion. Place the assembled skewers on a plate or tray.

6) Heat the grill

Heat the grill to approximately 400°F.

A hot grill helps the chicken sear, brown, and cook through without sitting too long over the heat.

7) Grill the skewers

Place the skewers on the hot grill.

Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, turning them occasionally so the chicken and vegetables brown on all sides.

8) Brush with olive oil

Brush the skewers with olive oil several times during cooking.

This helps keep the chicken moist and promotes browning on the outside.

9) Check for doneness

Continue grilling until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Use an instant-read thermometer and check the thickest chicken pieces.

10) Serve hot

Remove the skewers from the grill.

Serve immediately while hot.

Why this recipe works

The strength of BBQ Chicken Skewers is the seasoning blend. Instead of relying on a sticky sauce, the chicken gets coated in dry spices that cling well and brown on the grill. Chili powder, paprika, cumin, thyme, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, pepper, and brown sugar create a smoky, lightly sweet, savory flavor.

The chicken pieces cook quickly because they are cut into cubes. This makes the recipe practical for weeknight dinners and cookouts where you want something flavorful without long marinating time.

The vegetables also help the skewers feel complete. Bell peppers and onion bring sweetness, crunch, and color. As they grill, their edges soften and char slightly, which works well with the seasoned chicken.

Tips for best results

• Cut chicken evenly so all pieces cook at the same speed.
• Do not pack the skewers too tightly or the chicken may cook unevenly.
• Use medium-high grill heat for browning without burning.
• Turn occasionally so every side gets heat.
• Brush with olive oil lightly instead of soaking the skewers.
• Check the temperature instead of guessing doneness.

If some vegetables are browning faster than the chicken, move those skewers to a slightly cooler part of the grill and continue cooking until the chicken is done.

Serving ideas

These skewers work well with simple cookout sides. Serve them with rice, grilled corn, pasta salad, potato salad, cucumber salad, watermelon feta salad, green salad, or warm flatbread.

You can also remove the chicken and vegetables from the skewers and serve them over rice bowls, salad bowls, or wraps.

For a backyard dinner, serve BBQ Chicken Skewers on a platter with extra grilled peppers and onions around the edges for a colorful presentation.

Easy variations

• Use more cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Add more brown sugar for a slightly sweeter finish.
• Use only red bell peppers for a sweeter skewer.
• Serve with lemon wedges for brightness.
• Cook on a grill pan if outdoor grilling is not available.

These variations keep the recipe close to the original while giving you flexibility for different meals.

Storage notes

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in a covered container.
• Best texture: Enjoy within 2 to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet, oven, or air fryer.
• Make-ahead tip: Cut the vegetables and mix the seasoning ahead.
• Serving note: Best served hot from the grill.

If making ahead, season the chicken close to grilling time and keep it refrigerated until ready to cook.

Questions you may have

How long should wooden skewers soak?
Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes before grilling.

What temperature should the grill be?
Heat the grill to about 400°F.

How long do the skewers cook?
They usually cook in 10 to 15 minutes, depending on chicken size and grill heat.

How do I know the chicken is done?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I use a grill pan?
Yes. A grill pan can work if outdoor grilling is not available, though outdoor grilling gives the strongest cookout flavor.