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Barbecue Skewers

Mark Anthony
These bold, smoky barbecue skewers are a summer grilling staple! Juicy marinated meat and colorful veggies come together on the grill for a quick, customizable, high-protein meal. Perfect for backyard BBQs, easy dinners, or meal prep—these skewers are as fun to make as they are to eat.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 380 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs cut into 1½-inch pieces
  • 1 lb sirloin steak or shrimp optional, cut into chunks
  • 2 bell peppers red and green, cut into 1½-inch pieces
  • 1 red onion quartered and layers separated
  • 1 zucchini thickly sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Bamboo or metal skewers

Instructions
 

  • Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
  • Make the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Marinate proteins and veggies: Toss chicken, steak, shrimp (if using), and vegetables in the marinade. Let sit 15–30 minutes.
  • Assemble skewers: Thread meat and veggies onto skewers, alternating ingredients for color and even cooking.
  • Grill skewers over direct heat for 10–15 minutes, turning every 3–4 minutes, until meat is cooked through and veggies are slightly charred.
  • Serve hot off the grill with your favorite dipping sauce or side.

Notes

Barbecue Skewers – Helpful Tips

Cooking Tips & Techniques
Cut all ingredients into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy skewering.
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
Marinate proteins and vegetables ahead of time for maximum flavor — even 30 minutes makes a big difference.
Preheat your grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates to avoid sticking. Rotate skewers every few minutes for even char and juicy results.
Brush with barbecue sauce toward the end of grilling to prevent burning due to the sugars in the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with classic backyard sides like potato salad, coleslaw, or grilled corn on the cob.
Pile skewers over rice, couscous, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
Pair with dipping sauces like ranch, garlic aioli, or extra BBQ sauce for added flavor.
Great for parties — arrange skewers on a platter with lemon wedges and fresh herbs for a vibrant presentation.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Make-Ahead: Prep and marinate skewers a few hours ahead; store in the fridge covered until ready to grill.
Refrigerator: Store leftover cooked skewers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze raw, assembled skewers (without sauce) in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling.
Reheat: Reheat gently on a grill or in a 350°F oven, loosely covered with foil to retain moisture.
Tasty Variations to Try
Hawaiian BBQ Skewers: Add pineapple chunks and brush with a pineapple-teriyaki BBQ glaze.
Spicy Sriracha Skewers: Mix BBQ sauce with sriracha and chili flakes for a sweet-heat twist.
Vegetarian Option: Use mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, and tofu with a smoky BBQ marinade.
Greek-Style BBQ: Season chicken with oregano, garlic, and lemon, and serve with tzatziki on the side.
Surf and Turf: Alternate shrimp and steak cubes with BBQ seasoning for a crowd-pleasing combo.
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