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BBQ Beer-Marinated Chicken Skewers

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  • Author: Molly Yeh
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 27 minutes (includes marinating)
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

These BBQ Beer-Marinated Chicken Skewers are tender, juicy, and packed with smoky flavor. Marinated in a bold mix of beer, garlic, and spices, then grilled to perfection, they’re perfect for summer cookouts, tailgating, or any backyard meal.


Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1.5-inch pieces

  • 1 cup beer (lager or pale ale works best)

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks (optional)

  • 1 red onion, cut into chunks (optional)

  • Wooden or metal skewers


Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the beer, olive oil, garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.

  2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

  3. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling.

  4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

  5. Thread chicken pieces onto skewers, alternating with bell pepper and red onion if using.

  6. Grill skewers for about 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred.

  7. Remove from grill and let rest for a couple of minutes before serving.


Notes

  • For extra flavor, reserve ¼ cup of the marinade before adding the chicken and simmer it to make a dipping sauce.

  • Chicken thighs tend to be juicier, but chicken breasts work well too.

  • Serve with rice, grilled veggies, or a fresh salad.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 skewer (approx. ¼ of recipe)
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 33g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg