BBQ Chicken Skewers

A Busy Mom's Guide to Delicious and Easy BBQ Chicken Skewers

As a working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner needs to be quick, healthy, and (most importantly) something the whole family will actually enjoy. That's why I've become a huge fan of grilling – and especially of these BBQ chicken skewers. They're incredibly versatile, adaptable to whatever vegetables I have on hand, and come together surprisingly fast, even on a weeknight.

The secret to these skewers is the marinade. It's a simple blend of sweet and savory flavors – brown sugar for sweetness, soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) for that umami depth, and a kick of chili-garlic sauce for a little heat. I love adding fresh ginger and garlic for an extra aromatic punch, and the sesame oil adds a wonderful nutty fragrance. The marinade isn't just delicious; it also tenderizes the chicken beautifully, leaving it juicy and flavorful even after grilling.

Preparing the skewers is a breeze. I usually do the marinating step the night before, which makes dinner prep a total snap the next day. Simply toss the chicken chunks in the marinade, pop it in the fridge, and let the flavors meld overnight. When it's time to grill, all I need to do is thread the chicken onto skewers, alternating with colorful bell peppers for a vibrant presentation and a touch of extra sweetness.

Grilling these skewers is a simple process, usually taking around 12-16 minutes, depending on the heat of your grill and the size of your chicken pieces. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, and remember to use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F. This is crucial for food safety, and it's a habit I've built into my cooking routine.

The final touch is a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped scallions. These add a visual appeal and a nice textural contrast to the tender chicken and juicy peppers. The result is a meal that's as satisfying as it is easy, perfect for busy weeknights, or even a casual weekend gathering. The leftovers are equally delicious cold, making it a perfect meal-prep option.

Tips and Variations:

• Prep ahead: Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor.
• Customize your veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like onions, zucchini, or mushrooms.
• Make it a complete meal: Serve these skewers with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a balanced and satisfying meal.
• Adjust the spice: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili-garlic sauce. For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Indoor grilling: If you don't have a grill, these skewers can be cooked in a broiler or even in a skillet.

Beyond the BBQ: These skewers aren’t just limited to summer barbecues. They are equally delicious cooked in a hot skillet, adding a slightly different, but still amazing, depth of flavor. The versatility of this recipe makes it perfect for all year round.

In a world where convenience often compromises taste, these BBQ chicken skewers offer a delightful exception. They're a testament to the fact that healthy, delicious meals don't have to be time-consuming. It's a recipe that has quickly become a staple in my family’s meal rotation, and I hope it becomes a favorite in yours as well.

Step-by-step

• Cut chicken into chunks and place into ziplock bags or bowl.
• Grate red onion and fresh ginger. Mince garlic.
• Whisk together red onion, ginger, garlic, Soy Sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar and chili-garlic sauce to make marinade.
• Pour marinade, reserving 1 cup, over chicken and refrigerate the chicken for 2 hours.
• Take the remaining cup of marinade and place it into a small pot and cook over medium heat. Bring it to bubbling...stir often and keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't burn. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes.
• Mix cornstarch and water into a slurry; then add to the marinade and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow the BBQ sauce to cool.
• Core and seed red pepper; cut into chunks.
• Remove the chicken from the marinade and alternate the chicken and red pepper chunks on skewers.
• Grill 6-8 minutes on each side. Brush on extra BBQ sauce during grilling. Make sure internal temperature of chicken reaches 165° Fahrenheit using a meat thermometer.
• Sprinkle the sesame seeds and green parts from the scallions on the cooked chicken skewers.
• Enjoy!