Oh, you’re in for a treat with these BBQ Beer-Marinated Chicken Skewers! Imagine succulent chunks of chicken, perfectly seasoned and marinated in a delicious blend of beer and BBQ sauce, then grilled to smoky perfection. The tender, juicy chicken paired with that irresistible charred flavor will have you coming back for more with every bite. Whether you’re grilling for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these skewers are a game-changer. Trust me, when the BBQ sauce meets that beer-infused marinade, it’s like a flavor explosion on your tastebuds!
Why You’ll Love BBQ Beer-Marinated Chicken Skewers
This recipe is not just about putting chicken on a skewer—it’s about creating a memorable meal. Whether it’s a laid-back weekend barbecue or a mid-week dinner, these skewers will steal the show. Here’s why:
Versatile: Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a casual family dinner, a BBQ with friends, or just a cozy night in. They’re easy to make and even easier to devour.
Budget-Friendly: With ingredients you likely already have at home (hello, BBQ sauce and beer!), this recipe is both wallet-friendly and delicious. No need for fancy ingredients—just simple flavors that work together in harmony.
Quick and Easy: Even if you’re new to grilling, this recipe is foolproof. It only takes a little bit of prep time, and the grilling is a breeze. You’ll impress everyone without breaking a sweat.
Customizable: If you love bold, smoky flavors, this recipe has you covered. You can easily add your own twist, like using a different type of beer or adjusting the spices to your taste. Want a little heat? Throw in some chili flakes!
Crowd-Pleasing: Who doesn’t love a good skewer? They’re fun to eat and always a hit with guests. Plus, they make for an easy, grab-and-go meal that will satisfy everyone from kids to adults.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Ingredients in BBQ Beer-Marinated Chicken Skewers
Here’s what you’ll need to make these juicy, flavorful skewers:
Chicken Breasts: Tender, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for skewers. When marinated, they become juicy and packed with flavor.
Beer: The secret ingredient that adds depth and tenderness to the chicken. The beer helps break down the proteins, making the meat super tender while infusing it with a subtle maltiness.
BBQ Sauce: This classic ingredient brings that smoky, tangy, and sweet flavor we all love. It’s the glue that holds the marinade together and gives the chicken that irresistible sticky finish.
Garlic & Onion Powder: A little extra flavor boost to make the marinade shine. These pantry staples elevate the taste and round out the dish perfectly.
Olive Oil: Helps tenderize the chicken and prevents it from drying out on the grill.
Lemon Juice: A little acidity to balance the richness of the BBQ sauce and beer.
(Note: the full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Let’s get grilling! Here are the steps to make these delicious skewers:
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the beer, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, olive oil, and lemon juice. Add the chicken breasts and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you can, go ahead and let it soak for a couple of hours. The longer, the better!
Prepare the Skewers: While the chicken marinates, soak your wooden skewers in water for 10-15 minutes. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
Skewer the Chicken: After the chicken has marinated, cut it into bite-sized chunks and thread them onto the skewers. Make sure not to crowd them too tightly—this allows the chicken to cook evenly.
Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high. If you’re using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat.
Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has beautiful grill marks. Brush with a little more BBQ sauce during the last minute of grilling for extra flavor.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Then, serve them up with your favorite sides and enjoy!
How to Serve BBQ Beer-Marinated Chicken Skewers
These skewers are so versatile that you can serve them in many different ways. Here are a few ideas to make your meal even more delicious:
Fresh Salads: Pair them with a crisp, refreshing salad to balance out the smoky flavors of the skewers.
Grilled Vegetables: You can grill some veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn on the cob right alongside the chicken skewers for a complete BBQ experience.
Rice or Couscous: A light, fluffy side like rice or couscous makes the perfect base for these flavorful chicken skewers.
Dips and Sauces: Serve with a side of creamy ranch, blue cheese dressing, or even a zesty yogurt dip for a little extra flavor.
Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread or a soft pita for a delightful addition.
Additional Tips
To help you get the most out of this recipe, here are a few helpful tips:
Prep Ahead: Marinate the chicken the night before, and store it in the fridge. This not only saves time but allows the flavors to really soak in.
Spice It Up: Want some heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Dietary Adjustments: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, make sure to use a gluten-free beer and BBQ sauce.
Storage Tips: Store leftover skewers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat them on the grill or in the oven to keep them juicy and tender.
Double the Batch: These skewers are perfect for feeding a crowd. If you’re having a party or a BBQ, just double or triple the recipe.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute chicken with another protein?
A1: Absolutely! You can swap chicken with beef, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Q2: Can I make these skewers ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Marinate the chicken the night before, and they’ll be ready to grill when you are.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or on the grill for best results.
Q4: Can I freeze these chicken skewers?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken (before grilling) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling.
Q5: Can I grill these indoors?
A5: Yes! Use a grill pan or even a broiler to cook the skewers indoors. Just make sure to watch them closely.
Q6: Can I use a different marinade?
A6: Totally! Feel free to experiment with different flavors—teriyaki, lemon herb, or even a spicy buffalo sauce would all be amazing options.
Q7: Can I double the recipe?
A7: Definitely! Just make sure you have enough skewers and space on the grill to cook everything evenly.
Conclusion
These BBQ Beer-Marinated Chicken Skewers are the ultimate crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. With juicy, tender chicken, a smoky BBQ flavor, and a little bit of beer magic, it’s a recipe that will leave everyone asking for more. Whether you’re grilling up a storm with friends or treating your family to something special, these skewers will hit the spot every time. Enjoy every bite—you’ve earned it!
PrintBBQ Beer-Marinated Chicken Skewers
Juicy, smoky BBQ chicken skewers marinated in a sweet & spicy beer-based rub—perfect for grilling! Ready in 45 minutes (mostly hands-off), these are a crowd-pleaser for BBQs, game day, or weeknight dinners
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (approximately 4 skewers per person) 1x
- Category: Main Dish, BBQ
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
-
Chicken Skewers
-
2 lbs chicken tenders (or breast cut into strips)
-
Wooden skewers (soaked for 20 mins)
Marinade
-
3–4 tbsp honey BBQ dry rub (e.g., KC Masterpiece)
-
1 cup beer (lager or IPA)
-
Instructions
Skewer the Chicken
-
Thread the chicken tenders onto soaked skewers and place them in a dish.
Make the Marinade
-
Whisk together the BBQ rub and beer until smooth. Reserve ⅓ cup of the marinade.
Marinate the Chicken
-
Brush the skewers with the remaining marinade. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Grill the Chicken
-
Sear over direct heat for 1 minute per side.
-
Brush the skewers with the reserved marinade, close the lid, and cook for 5 minutes. Flip and repeat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Rest & Serve
-
Let the skewers rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
-
Make sure to soak the skewers: Soaking the wooden skewers for 20 minutes helps prevent them from burning on the grill.
-
Beer choice: A lager or IPA works best, but feel free to experiment with different beers to get your desired flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg