Honey Beer BBQ Chicken Skewers
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Feast your senses on my Honey Beer BBQ Chicken Skewers; it’s a tasteful symphony of honeyed sweetness, beer richness, and a kiss of spice. Perfectly grilled and dressed in a velvety marinade, they elevate any BBQ gathering to gourmet heights.
Honey Beer BBQ Chicken Skewers
Let’s get one thing straight—these Honey Beer BBQ Chicken Skewers are no ordinary grill grub. They’re a culinary event you don’t want to miss, turning any backyard into the VIP section of flavor town. When you marinate the chicken in this divine blend of honey, beer, and a hit of red pepper, magic happens.
Once these skewers hit the grill, the marinade caramelizes into a smoky, sweet glaze that’s nothing short of revolutionary. Each bite is a mouthful of succulent, juicy chicken that has soaked up all the amazing flavors. Make sure to invite friends and family, because they won’t want to miss out on this one-of-a-kind dish.
Why You’ll Love These Honey Beer BBQ Chicken Skewers
- Unbeatable Flavor Combo: The fusion of honey’s natural sweetness with the earthy tones of beer creates a marinade that’s unlike anything you’ve tasted. Add in a dash of red pepper flakes for a little heat, and you’ve got a dish that hits all the right flavor notes.
- Easy to Prep & Grill: This isn’t some complicated culinary endeavor; it’s straight-up, crowd-pleasing barbecue. You basically whisk the marinade, let the chicken soak up all that goodness, and then grill.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weekend family barbecue, a casual dinner with friends, or a festive holiday cookout, these skewers fit the bill. They’re versatile, mouthwateringly delicious, and sure to impress guests of all ages.
- Chicken Breasts: The star of the show, making sure your skewers are hearty and protein-packed. You can also use chicken thighs for more juiciness.
- Garlic: Adds that essential aromatic kick to the marinade. If fresh garlic isn’t available, garlic powder works too.
- Beer: Elevates the marinade by adding depth and a little bitterness to balance the honey’s sweetness. lighter beer like a lager or a pilsner is often a safe bet; they add a subtle beer flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients. However, if you prefer a more robust beer flavor, you could opt for an amber ale or even a darker stout for deeper, more complex notes. Just steer clear of overly hoppy beers like IPAs, as the bitterness could overpower the marinade. Non-alcoholic beer or chicken broth can be used as substitutes.
- Honey: Offers natural sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken on the grill. Maple syrup is a good alternative if you’re out of honey.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Give that hint of spiciness. Dial it up or down based on your heat preference. Cayenne pepper can also be used.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy zing and helps emulsify the marinade. Yellow mustard or a teaspoon of mustard powder can fill in.
- Soy Sauce: Provides the savory, umami component to the marinade. Tamari or coconut aminos are good gluten-free options.
- Olive Oil: Helps in cooking and adds a subtle richness to the marinade. Canola or vegetable oil can also be used.
- Cilantro: Used for garnish, and adds a burst of freshness. If you’re not a cilantro fan, parsley is a great substitute.
These Honey Beer BBQ Chicken Skewers are a breeze to make! You won’t believe how easy it is to get restaurant-quality skewers right at home. Let’s get grilling!
Mix together your minced garlic, beer, honey, red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and a splash of olive oil in a bowl. Drop in the chicken cubes and make sure they’re all nicely coated. Cover it up and throw it in the fridge. The longer it sits, the better it tastes, so aim for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you can.
Alright, time to get that grill going. Get it nice and hot; you’re looking for medium-high heat here. While it’s heating up, you can start threading the chicken onto skewers. Don’t discard that marinade! Bring it to a quick boil on the stove for a few minutes to kill any bacteria. This makes it safe for brushing on the skewers as they grill.
Now, lay the skewers on the grill, and flip them every couple of minutes, generously brushing them with the boiled marinade for that extra flavor. Keep going until the chicken is fully cooked—juicy on the inside, perfect on the outside.
Once the chicken’s cooked through, yank those skewers off the grill. Sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top for that extra pop of color and flavor. And just like that, you’re ready to dig in!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another type of meat for these skewers?
Absolutely, you can switch it up! Pork and turkey would work beautifully with this marinade. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the meat you’re using.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No worries, you can still get in on the action. Use a grill pan on the stovetop or even roast these babies in the oven at 400°F until cooked through. If you opt for the oven, you might miss the grill marks but not the flavor!
Can I make this dish alcohol-free?
Of course! If you’re avoiding alcohol, you can replace the beer with chicken broth or apple juice. You’ll still get delicious skewers, just with a slightly different taste profile.
What’s the best beer to use?
Go for a lighter beer like a lager or pale ale. The beer’s role is to tenderize the meat and add flavor, so you don’t want anything too overpowering.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Ideally, let the chicken soak up that marinade for at least 2 hours. But if you’ve got the time, letting it sit for up to 24 hours will make it even more flavorful.
Expert Tips
- Use Flat Metal Skewers: Flat metal skewers hold the chicken better and prevent it from spinning around when you’re trying to flip them on the grill. It’s a small change that makes grilling way easier.
- Beer Choices Matter: Opt for a light beer like a lager or a pale ale. These types won’t overpower the honey and other spices in the marinade, creating a balanced flavor profile.
- Safe Basting Practices: To ensure you’re grilling safely, separate some of the marinade before adding the chicken. Use this portion for basting to avoid any cross-contamination.
- Don’t Rush the Grilling: Take your time when grilling. Frequent turning and basting will help the chicken cook evenly while locking in the juicy flavors.
Storage
Once they’ve cooled down, transfer them into an airtight container and pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay good for up to 3 days.
If you’re looking to stretch that BBQ goodness even further, you can also freeze these skewers. Just make sure to separate them with sheets of parchment paper before putting them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to feast again, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the grill or in the oven.
Discover More Grilling Recipes
- Easy Grilled Chicken Breast
- Grilled Eggplant
- Grilled Bratwurst
- Marinated Chicken Spiedies with Garlic Sauce
- Hot Honey Chicken
- Easy Grilled Cheese
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Honey Beer BBQ Chicken Skewers
Video
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds chicken breasts (boneless and skinless, cut into 1½ inch cubes)
Marinade
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¾ cup beer
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium )
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped)
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- If you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to threading the chicken. This helps to prevent the skewers from catching fire or burning while grilling.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together garlic, beer, honey, red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, olive oil and low-sodium soy sauce.
- Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are fully submerged. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, up to 24 hours for best results.
- Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat, around 375°F (190°C). A hotter grill ensures a nice sear on your skewers, locking in those succulent flavors.
- Thread about 5 pieces of chicken onto each skewer. Do not throw away the leftover marinade.
- In a small saucepan, bring the leftover marinade to a boil for at least 5 minutes to eliminate any potential bacteria.
- Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook, turning every couple of minutes. If desired, you can also brush the pre-cooked leftover marinade over the chicken for added flavor. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Once off the grill, garnish your skewers with chopped cilantro and serve.
Notes
- Marinade Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, up to 24 hours.
- Skewer Tips: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to threading the chicken to prevent burning.
- Safe Cooking: To reuse the leftover marinade for brushing, make sure to boil it first for at least one minute to eliminate any risk of cross-contamination.
- Doneness Check: Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Grill Temperature: Preheat the grill to 375°F (190°C) for optimal cooking results.
Nutrition Information
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
