Description
Juicy, tender chicken thighs marinated in buttermilk and coated in a smoky paprika rub, grilled to perfection and finished with a sticky BBQ glaze. These skewers are easy to make, visually stunning, and perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (divided)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup thick BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 12–14 square wooden skewers
- Green onions or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, apple cider vinegar, and half of the salt. Add chicken thighs, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours).
- In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, remaining salt, and black pepper until combined.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (approx. 400°F / 200°C).
- Remove chicken from brine, pat dry with paper towels, and season lightly with salt.
- Thread 2-3 pieces of chicken onto each skewer, leaving space between pieces.
- Coat chicken generously with the paprika rub, pressing gently to adhere.
- Place skewers on the grill. Start over direct heat for 2 minutes to char, then move to indirect heat.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes total, turning every 3-4 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- In the last 2 minutes of cooking, brush skewers generously with BBQ sauce to caramelize.
- Remove from heat and immediately brush with melted butter.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions or parsley.
Notes
Soak skewers in water for 30 minutes before use to prevent burning. Use square skewers to prevent chicken from spinning. Ensure BBQ sauce is thick to prevent dripping and flare-ups. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling to retain juices. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil. For gluten-free, ensure BBQ sauce is certified GF.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 skewers per servin
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 9
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 28
Keywords: BBQ chicken skewers, grilled chicken, Labor Day recipes, summer grilling, smoky paprika rub, easy dinner party food, chicken thighs recipe