Barbecue Skewers

There’s something magical about gathering around a hot grill on a warm evening, threading vibrant cubes of chicken, beef, shrimp, and fresh vegetables onto wooden or metal skewers. Barbecue skewers are a versatile, crowd-pleasing option that turns an ordinary dinner into a festive feast. With an intermediate difficulty level, this recipe is perfect for home cooks who are comfortable with basic grilling techniques but want to step up their game. Whether you’re planning a relaxed weeknight dinner or a backyard barbecue with friends, these skewers fit right into your menu. The prep is straightforward—about 20 minutes—and the cooking time is quick, around 15 minutes, with a 1-hour marinating window that lets the flavors intensify. Each serving clocks in at approximately 480 kcal, making it a satisfying yet balanced choice for both lunch and dinner. When you fire up the grill to 375°F–400°F, you’ll find that the combination of proteins and vegetables cooks beautifully together, delivering a plate that’s as colorful as it is delicious.

These skewers burst with sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors that dance on your taste buds. A zesty honey-soy marinade glazes every piece, highlighting the natural juiciness of the chicken breast, the tender richness of the beef sirloin, and the slightly briny pop of the shrimp. Crisp red and yellow bell peppers add a playful crunch, while zucchini rounds and onion chunks soak up just enough char to deepen their flavor. Thanks to hints of garlic powder, paprika, and ground cumin, each bite carries a warm, earthy note that ties every element together. These barbecue skewers aren’t just a meal—they’re an experience. They bring people together, spark conversations, and create memories over shared plates. So grab your skewers, rally your loved ones, and get ready for a feast that’s equal parts flavorful and fun.

KEY INGREDIENTS IN BARBECUE SKEWERS

To create these mouthwatering barbecue skewers, you’ll need a handful of simple yet impactful ingredients that work in harmony. Each item plays a crucial role—whether it’s providing protein, infusing flavor, or helping you achieve that perfect char. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

• Chicken breast

A lean protein that soaks up the marinade beautifully, chicken breast remains tender and juicy when grilled correctly.

• Beef sirloin

Known for its rich flavor and moderate fat content, beef sirloin adds a hearty bite and caramelizes nicely on the grill.

• Shrimp

Peeled and deveined, shrimp cooks rapidly and brings a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the zesty marinade.

• Red bell pepper

These colorful chunks contribute a crisp texture and a mild sweetness, adding visual appeal and fresh flavor.

• Yellow bell pepper

With a slightly sweeter profile than its red counterpart, yellow bell pepper enhances the color palette and taste balance.

• Zucchini

Sliced into rounds, zucchini absorbs all the marinade goodness while retaining a pleasant bite and light flavor.

• Onion

Cut into chunks, onion layers separate slightly when cooked, giving sweet, smoky notes and a tender crunch.

• Olive oil

Acts as the base of the marinade, ensuring even distribution of flavors and preventing ingredients from sticking to the grill.

• Soy sauce

Contributes a savory, umami depth that complements both the meats and vegetables.

• Honey

Adds a natural sweetness and helps create a sticky glaze that caramelizes into a beautiful char.

• Lemon juice

Brightens the marinade with a citrusy zing and helps tenderize the proteins.

• Garlic powder

Provides an earthy, aromatic backbone without the hassle of chopping fresh garlic.

• Paprika

Offers a mild smokiness and vibrant red hue that enhances both taste and appearance.

• Ground cumin

Brings a warm, slightly nutty flavor that ties together sweet and savory elements.

• Salt and pepper

Simple seasonings that balance flavors and bring out the natural taste of every ingredient.

• Wooden or metal skewers

Essential for threading your ingredients; if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.

HOW TO MAKE BARBECUE SKEWERS

Now that your ingredients are prepped, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating these irresistible skewers. Each stage—from marinating to grilling—is crucial for building layers of flavor and achieving the perfect char.

1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, soy sauce, honey, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper to create the marinade. Whisk thoroughly until the honey dissolves and the spices are evenly distributed, forming a glossy sauce that will coat every ingredient.

2. Divide the marinade into two equal parts. Place the chicken and beef cubes in one part of the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Transfer the shrimp, bell peppers, zucchini, and onion to the other bowl of marinade, stirring gently to cover all surfaces. Cover both bowls and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or for best results, overnight to let the flavors meld.

3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 400°F). Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking and to achieve those desirable grill marks.

4. Thread the marinated chicken, beef, shrimp, and vegetables onto skewers, alternating between meat and veggies. This not only ensures balanced cooking but also creates an appealing presentation. Take care not to overcrowd the skewers to allow heat to circulate evenly.

5. Place the skewers on the grill. Grill the chicken and beef for about 5–7 minutes on each side, turning once. Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and beef hits 145°F for medium doneness.

6. Grill the shrimp and vegetables for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until shrimp turns pink and curls slightly, and the vegetables become tender with a light char on the edges.

7. Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This brief pause allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR BARBECUE SKEWERS

These skewers aren’t just about the grill—they’re about creating a memorable plate that’s as fun to share as it is to eat. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, presentation and pairings can elevate this dish from delicious to unforgettable. Consider how you layer textures, colors, and complementary flavors to craft a complete meal experience. Here are some crowd-pleasing ideas to get you started:

• Serve with fluffy rice pilaf

A bed of herbed rice soaked in a bit of olive oil and chicken broth creates a perfect, neutral canvas for your skewers to shine.

• Pair with a crisp garden salad

Toss mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber ribbons, and a simple vinaigrette to add a refreshing, crunchy counterpoint to the smoky skewers.

• Drizzle with extra marinade glaze

Whisk together reserved marinade, warm it gently, and brush over hot skewers just before serving to intensify the zesty and sweet flavors.

• Offer a trio of dipping sauces

Set out tzatziki, barbecue sauce, and a spicy chili mayo to let everyone customize their bite with tangy, smoky, or heat-forward notes.

HOW TO STORE BARBECUE SKEWERS

Whether you’re planning to enjoy leftovers or prep in advance, proper storage ensures your skewers stay juicy and full of flavor. Cooling them quickly after grilling helps prevent bacterial growth and locks in moisture. Keeping them in the right container preserves that freshly-grilled taste. Below are some storage methods that will help maintain texture and taste for up to a few days—or even longer if freezing is your goal.

• Refrigerate in an airtight container

Once cooled to room temperature, transfer the skewers to a shallow, airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or a skillet to prevent drying out.

• Freeze on a baking sheet then transfer to freezer bags

Lay cooled skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1–2 hours). Slide them into labeled, zip-top freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

• Store marinade leftovers separately

If you’ve reserved extra marinade, pour it into a clean, sealed jar and refrigerate. Use within 3 days as a basting sauce or salad dressing.

• Reheat with moist heat

To warm up cooked skewers, wrap them loosely in foil with a spritz of water or broth, and heat in a preheated oven at 325°F for 10–12 minutes to keep them succulent.

CONCLUSION

Barbecue skewers are more than just a recipe—they’re a celebration of flavors, textures, and the joy of cooking outdoors (or indoors, if you have a grill pan!). By combining chicken, beef, shrimp, and a medley of colorful vegetables, you’ll create a dish that caters to every palate. The honey-soy marinade brings it all together, delivering that irresistible sweet-tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully over medium-high heat. With a prep time of roughly 20 minutes, a quick 15-minute cook, and a crucial 1-hour marinating period, you’ll find that the time invested is well worth the burst of flavor in every bite. These skewers fit seamlessly into any lunch or dinner occasion, offering an approachable yet impressive dish for both novice grillers and seasoned barbecue enthusiasts.

Feel free to print and save this article for easy reference during your next cookout or midweek meal planning. You’ll also find a handy FAQ below to answer any lingering questions—everything from skewering tips to temperature checks. We’d love to hear how your barbecue skewers turn out! If you have any comments, questions, or feedback—whether it’s a secret ingredient you added or a timing tweak that worked wonders—drop a note and share your experience. Your insights can help fellow home cooks master this recipe and create unforgettable grilling moments of their own. Enjoy the sizzle, savor the flavor, and happy grilling!

Print Recipe

Barbecue Skewers

Author: Rebecca Hughes Courses: Lunch

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 15 mins Rest Time 1 hr Total Time 1 hr 35 mins

Calories: 480

Description

These skewers burst with sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors, bringing together juicy chicken, tender beef, plump shrimp, and crisp veggies for a relaxed feast that's perfect any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 1 lb beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks

• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks

• 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds

• 1 onion, cut into chunks

• ¹⁄₄ cup olive oil

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 2 tbsp honey

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• ¹⁄₂ tsp ground cumin

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before use)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, soy sauce, honey, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
2. Divide the marinade into two parts. Place the chicken and beef cubes in one part of the marinade, and the shrimp, peppers, zucchini, and onion in the other part. Allow both mixtures to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for more flavor.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 400°F).
4. Thread the marinated chicken, beef, shrimp, and vegetables onto skewers, alternating between meat and veggies. Be sure not to overcrowd the skewers for even cooking.
5. Place the skewers on the grill. Grill the chicken and beef for about 5-7 minutes on each side, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for chicken and 145°F for beef.
6. Grill the shrimp and vegetables for about 3-4 minutes per side or until shrimp turns pink and vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
7. Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Note

• You can customize the vegetables and meats based on your preference.
• Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro before serving adds a fresh touch.
• For extra flavor, brush the skewers with more marinade during grilling.
• These skewers are perfect served with rice, a fresh salad, or a dipping sauce like tzatziki or barbecue sauce.

Keywords: barbecue skewers, grilled skewers, chicken skewers, beef skewers, shrimp skewers, grilled vegetables