Guest Post from FuriousGrill...Featuring Quick and Easy BBQ Chicken Skewers #BBQ #grilling #chicken

While I'm hanging out in Cooperstown this weekend for Baseball Hall of Fame induction weekend, Kendrick C. Kotter is guest posting today. Kendrick is a huge food lover and a part-time barbecue blogger who loves sharing his knowledge and passion about grilling and smoking food with everyone. He tries to provide only the most useful tips, tricks, guides and reviews at FuriousGrill.

Summer is the time for picnics and family reunions. It’s a time for spending an afternoon splashing around in the swimming pool with the children, and finally ending the day with a game of ultimate Frisbee in the park with some friends and neighbors. However, no matter what your other Summer time activities, the day is always made better if you include a BBQ on the menu!

This recipe for Quick and Easy BBQ Chicken Skewers is truly quick and very easy to prepare. It will go from preparation to your plate in about an hour -- maybe even less -- so those who’ve been busy working up an appetite won’t have to wait very long until dinner is served.

For my skewers, I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs that have been cut into cubes). Next, I stir in a few simple ingredients and allow the chicken to soak up some of that flavor for about 30 minutes while it's marinating in the refrigerator. The big difference between these skewers and most others is that I add chunks of thick cut bacon to mine. Grilling the skewers at a lower temperature will keep the bacon drippings from flaring up. Believe me, this will take your BBQ chicken to a completely higher level!

Quick and Easy BBQ Chicken Skewers

from FuriousGrill

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 – 2 red onions cut into 1-inch chunks
• Thick cut chunks of bacon cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup of your favorite BBQ Sauce

6 – 8 skewers, stainless steel or bamboo

(Note: If using bamboo or any type of wooden skewers make sure to soak them in water for 30 minutes before using them.)

For the marinade:

• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1½ teaspoons sweet paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley flakes

Add:

• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• Zest and juice of one lime
• Zest and juice of half of a large orange
• ½ Tablespoon honey

Instructions:

1. First, trim off any excess fat from the chicken, and cut it into 1-inch thick cubes. Place the chicken cubes in a large bowl. Add to it all the dry spices and give it a quick stir, making sure the chicken is coated well.

2. Next add the citron zests and the wet ingredients. Use your hands to make sure the chicken is coated so it will be able to soak in all those flavors. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and place the bowl in the refrigerator and allow the chicken to marinate for 30 minutes – 45 minutes at the most. If it continues to marinate any longer, the citron will begin to “cook” the chicken.

3. While the chicken is in the fridge, get your grill ready. You will want it to reach a medium low to medium heat.

4. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator after 30 minutes.

5. Begin to thread the first skewer, starting with one or two cubes of onion, then one or two chicken pieces, next a piece of bacon. Repeat this process until the skewer is about ½ to¾ filled with an onion piece being the last on the skewer. Keep a little space between each item so that the smoke and heat will be able to waft through in order for it to cook more evenly. Repeat this process until all chicken pieces have been threaded on a skewer.

6. Place the skewers on the grill, leaving a little space between each one. You will want to turn them one quarter-turn about every 2 to 3 minutes. That way, each side will be directly over the heat.

7. Lightly brush the tops with the BBQ sauce, and repeat this process every time you turn the skewers. The sauce will cook through in just a minute or so.

8. When each side has been over the heat for 3 minutes, remove the skewers onto a tray. You may check one piece of chicken by cutting it to the center, just to make sure it has fully cooked through. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes or so. Serve and enjoy!

These BBQ Chicken Skewers go great with mashed potatoes, baked beans, and a fresh green salad. The addition of the bacon will make this dish one of your grilling favorites!