Hey y'all! When the summer sun is shining and your schedule's packed, nothing beats a plate of juicy, smoky BBQ chicken kabobs hot off the grill. These 15-Minute BBQ Chicken Kabobs for Busy Summer Nights are bursting with bold flavor, tender chicken, and colorful veggies—perfect for family dinners, backyard parties, or last-minute get-togethers. They're quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This 15-Minute BBQ Chicken Kabobs for Busy Summer Nights Recipe
- Ready in just 15 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous entertaining.
- Uses simple, everyday ingredients for maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
- Grilled to smoky, juicy perfection for a classic summer BBQ taste.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies and sauces.
- Kid-friendly and ideal for meal prep or casual gatherings.
Ingredients for 15-Minute BBQ Chicken Kabobs for Busy Summer Nights
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 small red onion, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand; top picks here)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8-10 wooden or metal skewers
Directions: How to Make 15-Minute BBQ Chicken Kabobs for Busy Summer Nights
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 10 minutes to prevent burning (skip if using metal).
- Place chicken, bell peppers, and onion in a large bowl.
Step 2: Season and Assemble Kabobs
- Drizzle olive oil over chicken and veggies. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat.
- Thread chicken and veggies alternately onto the skewers, leaving a little space in between for even cooking.
Step 3: Grill the Kabobs
- Preheat your grill to medium-high (about 400°F/204°C). If using a grill pan, heat over medium-high heat.
- Place kabobs on the grill and cook for 5 minutes. Flip, brush generously with BBQ sauce, and grill another 5 minutes until chicken is cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F/74°C). Brush with more BBQ sauce before serving.
Notes for the Best 15-Minute BBQ Chicken Kabobs
- Cut chicken and veggies into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- For extra flavor, marinate chicken in BBQ sauce for up to 2 hours in advance (optional, but worth it!).
- Check out the Food Network's grilling kabob tips for even juicier results.
Variations on 15-Minute BBQ Chicken Kabobs for Busy Summer Nights
- Tropical BBQ: Add chunks of fresh pineapple for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Low-Carb: Skip the BBQ sauce and use a low-sugar marinade instead.
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the mix.
Required Equipment
- Grill or grill pan
- Skewers (metal or wooden)
- Large mixing bowl
- Brush for BBQ sauce
- Meat thermometer
Storage Instructions for 15-Minute BBQ Chicken Kabobs for Busy Summer Nights
- Let kabobs cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, microwave in 30-second bursts or warm in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes.
- Not recommended for freezing, as veggies may become mushy.
Serving Recommendations & Pairings
- Serve kabobs over fluffy rice, alongside a crisp garden salad, or with grilled corn on the cob.
- Pair with a refreshing iced tea or a light, citrusy white wine for a perfect summer meal.
Pro Tips for the Best 15-Minute BBQ Chicken Kabobs for Busy Summer Nights
- Pre-cut chicken and veggies the night before for lightning-fast assembly.
- Double up on BBQ sauce for bolder flavor and extra caramelization.
- Check out safe chicken cooking temps to avoid overcooking.
FAQ: 15-Minute BBQ Chicken Kabobs for Busy Summer Nights
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
- Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even more juicy and flavorful—just adjust grilling time if pieces are thicker.
- What vegetables work best for kabobs?
- Bell peppers, onions, zucchini, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes all grill beautifully with chicken.
- Can I cook these kabobs indoors?
- Yes! Use a grill pan on medium-high heat for similar results—just ensure proper ventilation.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15-20 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 small red onion, cut into chunks
- 1 zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
-
1Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 10 minutes to prevent burning.
-
2In a large bowl, toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
-
3Thread the chicken, bell peppers, red onion, and zucchini alternately onto skewers.
-
4Brush the skewers generously with BBQ sauce on all sides.
-
5Grill the kabobs for 7-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are slightly charred.
-
6Remove from grill, brush with additional BBQ sauce if desired, and serve hot.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!