There’s something magical about the sizzle of chicken hitting a hot grill, especially when it’s slathered in BBQ sauce. I remember the first time I made BBQ chicken skewers with garlic bread for a backyard cookout—my friends couldn’t stop raving about how juicy the chicken was and how the crispy, buttery bread soaked up all those smoky flavors. It’s become my go-to summer dish because it’s ridiculously easy but tastes like you spent hours cooking. Honestly, the hardest part is waiting while the chicken marinates! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something delicious, this combo never disappoints. Fire up the grill and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love BBQ Chicken Skewers with Garlic Bread
Let me count the ways this recipe will become your new favorite:
- Weeknight lifesaver – Ready in under 30 minutes, even with marinating time!
- Flavor bomb – That sweet-spicy BBQ glaze caramelizes perfectly on the grill.
- Crowd pleaser – Skewers make serving a breeze at cookouts (kids especially love ’em).
- No-fail grilling – Even beginners get perfect results with the simple timing.
- That garlic bread – Crispy, buttery, and impossible to resist when dipped in extra BBQ sauce.
I’ve made this dozens of times and it never gets old. The combo is just too good!
Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Skewers with Garlic Bread
Gather these simple ingredients – I promise you probably have most already:
- 500g chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes (uniform size cooks evenly)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce – use your favorite brand or homemade
- 2 tbsp olive oil (helps the sauce cling to the chicken)
- 1 tsp each salt, black pepper, and paprika (the trifecta of flavor!)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (fresh is best, but 1 tsp garlic powder works in a pinch)
- 1 loaf French bread – day-old works great for extra crispness
- 50g softened butter (salted gives the best flavor)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (the green makes it pretty!)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
BBQ sauce: I often use store-bought for convenience (Sweet Baby Ray’s is my guilty pleasure), but homemade lets you control sweetness and spice. For heat lovers, mix in ½ tsp cayenne!
Bread options: No French bread? Ciabatta or baguette work beautifully. For gluten-free, try a sturdy GF baguette – just watch it closely under the broiler.
Chicken swaps: Thighs stay juicier but need 2-3 extra minutes on the grill. Vegetarian? Firm tofu or portobellos soak up BBQ sauce amazingly well. For more chicken recipes, check out our chicken recipes.
Butter hack: Out of fresh garlic? A tablespoon of garlic paste or ¾ tsp garlic powder blends perfectly into the butter. And yes, you can totally use margarine if that’s what you’ve got!
Equipment Needed for BBQ Chicken Skewers with Garlic Bread
Grab these kitchen buddies – most are probably already in your drawers:
- Grill (charcoal gives killer flavor, but gas works perfectly)
- Skewers – metal ones last forever, but soak wooden ones for 30 mins to prevent flaming
- Mixing bowls (one for marinade, one for garlic butter)
- Basting brush – silicone won’t shed bristles onto your chicken
No grill? No problem! Broil skewers 6 inches from heat for similar char, and toast bread under the broiler too. Easy peasy.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewers with Garlic Bread
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff! Here’s my foolproof method for skewer perfection:
- Marinate the chicken: Toss those cubed chicken pieces with BBQ sauce, olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika in a bowl. Cover and let it hang out in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (overnight is even better for flavor explosion).
- Skewer like a pro: Thread 4-5 chicken pieces onto each skewer, leaving tiny gaps between cubes so heat circulates. Pro move: Alternate direction of the cubes so they don’t spin when flipping!
- Fire up the grill: Get it nice and hot (medium-high heat, about 375°F/190°C). Oil the grates lightly – trust me, no one wants stuck-on chicken.
- Grill the skewers: Cook for 5-6 minutes per side, basting with extra BBQ sauce during the last 2 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when juices run clear (165°F internal temp if you’re using a thermometer). Learn more about safe chicken cooking temperatures.
- Garlic bread magic: While chicken rests, mix softened butter, minced garlic, and parsley. Slash the French bread diagonally (don’t cut through the bottom!), slather with garlic butter, and grill cut-side down for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy.
That’s it! Plate those gorgeous skewers with the garlic bread and watch everyone’s eyes light up. The whole process takes less time than ordering takeout!
Pro Tips for Perfect BBQ Chicken Skewers
Skewer soak: Forgot to soak wooden skewers? No worries – wrap the exposed ends in foil to prevent flaming. Chicken cubes: Keep them uniform (about 1-inch) so they cook evenly. Garlic bread watch: Don’t walk away! It goes from golden to burnt in seconds. And here’s my secret – brush a little reserved garlic butter on the bread after grilling for extra flavor punch.
Serving Suggestions for BBQ Chicken Skewers with Garlic Bread
Oh, how I love plating these skewers! Arrange them diagonally across a big wooden board with the garlic bread fanned out beside them—it looks so rustic and inviting. For sides, I always go for:
- Crunchy coleslaw – the coolness balances the smoky BBQ
- Grilled corn on the cob – brush with leftover garlic butter!
- Extra BBQ sauce for dipping (because more is always better)
In summer, I add watermelon slices—the sweetness pairs magically with the charred chicken. For parties? Skewer cherry tomatoes between chicken cubes for color! For more appetizer ideas, visit our appetizers section.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers? Lucky you! Store skewers and garlic bread separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, skip the microwave—it makes the bread soggy and the chicken rubbery. Instead, pop skewers on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes until warmed through. For the bread, 2 minutes under the broiler brings back that perfect crispness. Pro tip: Brush chicken with a little extra BBQ sauce before reheating to keep it juicy!
BBQ Chicken Skewers with Garlic Bread FAQs
I get so many questions about this recipe – here are the ones that pop up most often:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs stay juicier on the grill and can handle the extra 2-3 minutes they need to cook through. Just trim excess fat so flames don’t flare up.
How do I keep my garlic bread from getting soggy?
Two tricks: 1) Toast it right before serving, and 2) Don’t pile hot skewers directly on top. That crispy texture is everything!
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Prep the skewers and garlic butter the night before, but grill everything fresh. Cold BBQ chicken just isn’t the same, you know?
No grill – what’s the best oven method?
Broil skewers 6 inches from heat, flipping halfway. For bread, butter it first, then broil cut-side up for that perfect golden crunch. For more oven-friendly recipes, check out our air fryer recipes.
Nutritional Information
Just a heads up – these numbers are general estimates since brands and ingredient sizes vary. But hey, with juicy chicken and fresh bread, you’re getting protein and carbs to keep you satisfied! The real nutrition here? Pure deliciousness. For more insights, see our recipe insights.
Try this recipe and share your results in the comments!
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Juicy BBQ Chicken Skewers with Garlic Bread in 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Juicy BBQ chicken skewers paired with crispy garlic bread for a simple and delicious meal.
Ingredients
- 500g chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 loaf French bread
- 50g butter, softened
- 1 tbsp parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Marinate chicken cubes with BBQ sauce, olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika for 30 minutes.
- Thread chicken onto skewers and grill for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway.
- Mix butter, minced garlic, and parsley in a bowl.
- Slice French bread and spread garlic butter on each slice.
- Grill or toast bread until golden and crispy.
- Serve skewers with garlic bread.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Adjust BBQ sauce quantity based on preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer with bread
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: BBQ chicken, skewers, garlic bread, grilled chicken
