Description
A quick and stress-free summer dinner featuring juicy chicken thighs marinated in smoky BBQ sauce, grilled on skewers, and served with a fresh, bright sweet corn salsa.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup thick BBQ sauce (divided)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 cups fresh corn kernels (from 2 ears)
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely minced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8–10 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine chicken cubes, olive oil, soy sauce, smoked paprika, and half of the BBQ sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours).
- While chicken marinates, prepare the salsa: In a medium bowl, combine corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, minced red onion, and minced jalapeño.
- Add cumin, salt, pepper, and lime juice to the salsa. Fold in chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning. Set aside to let flavors meld for 10 minutes.
- Thread chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving small gaps between cubes. Aim for 4-5 cubes per skewer.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400°F / 200°C). Lightly oil the grates.
- Place skewers on the grill. Do not move for 3-4 minutes to allow charring.
- Flip skewers and grill for another 4-5 minutes. Flip again if needed, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Total cook time is 12-15 minutes.
- During the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush remaining BBQ sauce onto skewers to create a glaze.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes before serving with the sweet corn salsa.
Notes
Chicken thighs are recommended over breasts for juiciness. Do not crowd the grill to ensure proper charring. Soak wooden skewers thoroughly to prevent burning. The salsa benefits from resting for 10 minutes to meld flavors. For a spicy variation, add cayenne to the marinade.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers with 1/4 c
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 28
Keywords: grilled chicken, BBQ skewers, summer recipes, corn salsa, quick dinner, high protein, gluten-free option, meal prep