Memorial Day BBQ Skewer Recipe: Quick and Easy
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Introduction
Memorial Day is one of those holidays that signals the official start of summer—and what better way to celebrate than with a flavorful BBQ cookout? Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or attending a family picnic, Memorial Day BBQ skewers are a crowd-pleasing favorite that combine delicious flavors with an easy-to-prepare format. With tender marinated chicken, vibrant peppers, and a hint of smokiness from the grill, these skewers are the perfect addition to your Memorial Day menu. Let’s dive into this quick and easy Memorial Day BBQ skewer recipe that will have everyone at the cookout reaching for seconds.
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Skewers:
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 12–16 wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes) or metal skewers (available on Amazon)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Optional sides:
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Fresh potato salad
- Coleslaw
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the marinade
In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until the honey is fully dissolved and the marinade is smooth. The honey adds a touch of sweetness, while the lemon juice and soy sauce provide a perfect balance of acidity and saltiness.
Step 2: Marinate the chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss them to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally for 2–3 hours. This will allow the chicken to soak up the flavors and become juicy and tender when grilled. If you’re short on time, even a 30-minute marinade will give you a tasty result!
Step 3: Prep the veggies
While the chicken marinates, prep your vegetables. Cut the peppers into 1-inch pieces, slice the zucchini into rounds, and cut the onion into wedges. You want everything to be bite-sized so it can cook evenly on the grill and fit nicely onto the skewers.
Step 4: Assemble the skewers
Once your chicken has marinated and the vegetables are prepped, it’s time to assemble the skewers. Thread the chicken, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, zucchini, and onion onto the skewers, alternating between the chicken and vegetables. Don’t overcrowd the skewers—leave a little space between the pieces to allow for even grilling.
Step 5: Preheat the grill
Before you start grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375–400°F). If you’re using a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are hot and covered with white ash. If you’re using a gas grill, allow it to heat for 10–15 minutes.
Step 6: Grill the skewers
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 8–10 minutes, turning every couple of minutes to ensure even cooking. The chicken should be cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F), and the veggies should be tender with nice grill marks. The slight char on the vegetables adds extra flavor, so don’t be afraid to get a little caramelization on the edges!
Step 7: Garnish and serve
Once your skewers are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the skewers hot off the grill with your favorite sides, like grilled corn, potato salad, or coleslaw.
Grilling Tips
- Soak the skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Use high-quality meat: For juicy, tender chicken, try using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier result, but be mindful of the cooking time as they may take slightly longer to cook than chicken breasts.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers: When assembling your skewers, don’t overstuff them. This allows heat to circulate around the ingredients and ensures everything cooks evenly.
- Adjust the seasoning: You can adjust the amount of honey or lemon juice in the marinade to suit your taste. Add more honey for sweetness or more lemon juice for acidity.
- Grill in batches: If you’re making a large quantity, don’t overcrowd the grill. Grill the skewers in batches to ensure even cooking and avoid steaming the food.
Conclusion
This Memorial Day BBQ skewer recipe is a simple, tasty, and festive way to celebrate the holiday with friends and family. The marinade infuses the chicken with rich flavors, while the fresh vegetables add a delightful crunch and smokiness from the grill. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or attending a potluck, these skewers are sure to be a hit.
Don’t forget to pin this recipe on Pinterest to keep it on hand for your upcoming BBQs and cookouts. And, when you try this recipe, be sure to tag us on Instagram using #EasyYumFood so we can see your delicious creations!
Looking for more easy and delicious BBQ ideas? Check out our Holiday Recipes and Quick Meals sections for more mouth-watering recipes perfect for your summer gatherings.