Let’s be honest, we all have those moments staring into the fridge, wondering what to do with that pack of chicken breast. It’s such a staple, but it can get a little boring, right? Well, I am here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be that way. We are about to turn that simple protein into something you’ll actually crave.
Get ready for one of my favorite Chicken Breast Recipes of all time. We’re talking juicy, grilled chicken skewers coated in a smoky, sweet, and tangy homemade BBQ sauce. And to make it even better, we’ll serve it with a super fresh corn and feta salsa. It’s a complete meal that feels special but is surprisingly easy to make.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, the flavor is just incredible. The homemade BBQ sauce is a perfect balance of smoky and sweet, with a little tang that really makes the chicken pop. It’s so much better than anything you can buy in a bottle, and it only takes a few minutes to whip up.
This recipe is also wonderfully versatile. You can use an outdoor grill, a grill pan on the stove, or even roast the chicken in the oven. No matter how you cook it, the results are delicious. This flexibility makes it one of the best Simple Chicken Recipes for any time of year.
It’s a fantastic choice for Quick Dinner Ideas. The whole meal comes together in under an hour, making it great for a busy weeknight. Plus, cooking chicken on skewers is just plain fun. It’s a great way to get the family involved in the kitchen.
And let’s not forget the corn and feta salsa. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s an essential part of the meal. The fresh corn, zesty lime, savory feta, and herbs create a bright contrast to the rich BBQ chicken. It’s a combination that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
For the BBQ Chicken Skewers
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Kosher salt to taste
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite size chunks
For the Corn and Feta Salsa
- 1 to 2 jalapeños
- 2 cups grilled or steamed corn
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Whipped or mashed avocado, for serving (optional)
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Homemade BBQ Sauce
Grab a medium sized pot. Combine the chicken broth, ketchup, honey, dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Add in the chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and about a teaspoon of salt. Give it a good stir.
Bring this mixture to a boil over medium high heat. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. You’ll notice it start to thicken up nicely. This sauce is the heart of our Chicken Breast Recipes.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the sauce is simmering, you can get the chicken ready. Take your bite size chicken chunks and place them in a large bowl. Pour about half a cup of your freshly made BBQ sauce over the chicken.
Toss everything together until each piece of chicken is evenly coated in that delicious sauce. Let it sit for a few minutes to soak up the flavors. If you have extra time, you can let it marinate for about 30 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken Skewers
Now it’s time to cook. Set your grill, grill pan, or skillet to medium high heat. Thread the saucy chicken pieces onto your skewers. Don’t pack them too tightly, as this helps them cook evenly.
Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook them for about 10 to 12 minutes total, turning them occasionally. You’re looking for the chicken to be cooked through and lightly charred on the outside. That char adds so much flavor!
If you prefer using the oven, you can roast the chicken pieces on a baking sheet at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 30 minutes. It’s one of the most forgiving Simple Chicken Recipes you can find.
Step 4: Prepare the Corn and Feta Salsa
While the chicken is cooking, let’s make the salsa. If you’re grilling, you can grill the jalapeño at the same time until it’s lightly charred. This adds a nice smoky element. Once it’s done, give it a rough chop.
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped jalapeño with the corn, cilantro, and basil. Add the lime juice, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar. Season with a pinch of salt and then gently toss in the crumbled feta cheese.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your amazing dinner is ready! Serve the hot chicken skewers with the fresh corn salsa on the side. A little whipped or mashed avocado is a wonderful creamy addition. You can also have extra BBQ sauce available for dipping. This is truly one of the best Quick Dinner Ideas around.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is easy. First, let the chicken skewers cool down to room temperature. Then, remove the chicken from the skewers and place it in an airtight container.
Store the corn and feta salsa in a separate airtight container. Both the chicken and the salsa will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. Storing them separately keeps the salsa from making the chicken soggy.
When you’re ready to eat, you can gently reheat the chicken in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat. The salsa is best served chilled or at room temperature. Leftover chicken is also great for making Shredded Chicken Recipes for tacos or salads!
Tips
- If you are using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
- For the juiciest chicken, be careful not to overcook it. Chicken breast can dry out quickly. It’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Feel free to customize the BBQ sauce. If you like it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you prefer it sweeter, a little extra honey will do the trick.
- This recipe is great for meal prep. You can make the BBQ sauce and chop the chicken ahead of time. This makes assembling the skewers for a quick dinner even faster.
- Don’t have feta? Goat cheese or cotija cheese would also be delicious in the salsa. You could also leave the cheese out for a dairy free option.
Conclusion
So there you have it! A fantastic way to make chicken exciting again. This recipe proves that with a little creativity, you can create a truly memorable meal from simple ingredients. It’s a standout among Chicken Breast Recipes for its bold flavors and ease of preparation.
Whether you’re looking for new Simple Chicken Recipes or just need some fresh Quick Dinner Ideas, these BBQ chicken skewers with corn and feta salsa are sure to become a new favorite. I hope you and your family love this dish as much as I do. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would be delicious in this recipe. They have a bit more fat, which makes them extra juicy. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as thighs might take a few minutes longer to cook through.
Can I Make The BBQ Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you definitely can. The BBQ sauce can be made up to a week in advance. Just let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator. This is a great time saver for a busy week.
What Can I Serve With These Chicken Skewers?
The corn and feta salsa is a great side on its own, but you can definitely add more. These skewers are wonderful with a side of fluffy white rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad. You could also serve them with warm tortillas to make tacos.
Is This Recipe Gluten Free?
This recipe can easily be made gluten free. Most of the ingredients are naturally gluten free, but you should always double check your Worcestershire sauce, as some brands contain gluten. Use a certified gluten free brand or tamari as a substitute.
How Can I Use The Leftovers?
Leftover chicken is so versatile! You can shred it and use it in wraps, sandwiches, or on top of a big salad. This is one of the best Shredded Chicken Recipes you can make from leftovers. The salsa is also great on its own as a dip with tortilla chips.
BBQ Chicken Skewers with Corn & Feta Salsa
Juicy, grilled chicken skewers coated in a smoky, sweet, and tangy homemade BBQ sauce, served with a fresh corn and feta salsa. A complete, easy, and satisfying meal.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grab a medium sized pot. Combine the chicken broth, ketchup, honey, dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Add in the chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and about a teaspoon of salt. Give it a good stir.
- Bring this mixture to a boil over medium high heat. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. You’ll notice it start to thicken up nicely.
- While the sauce is simmering, you can get the chicken ready. Take your bite size chicken chunks and place them in a large bowl. Pour about half a cup of your freshly made BBQ sauce over the chicken. Toss everything together until each piece of chicken is evenly coated. Let it sit for a few minutes to soak up the flavors. If you have extra time, you can let it marinate for about 30 minutes.
- Now it’s time to cook. Set your grill, grill pan, or skillet to medium high heat. Thread the saucy chicken pieces onto your skewers. Don’t pack them too tightly, as this helps them cook evenly.
- Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook them for about 10 to 12 minutes total, turning them occasionally. You’re looking for the chicken to be cooked through and lightly charred on the outside.
- If you prefer using the oven, you can roast the chicken pieces on a baking sheet at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 30 minutes.
- While the chicken is cooking, let’s make the salsa. If you’re grilling, you can grill the jalapeño at the same time until it’s lightly charred. Once it’s done, give it a rough chop.
- In a medium bowl, combine the chopped jalapeño with the corn, cilantro, and basil. Add the lime juice, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar. Season with a pinch of salt and then gently toss in the crumbled feta cheese.
- Your amazing dinner is ready! Serve the hot chicken skewers with the fresh corn salsa on the side. A little whipped or mashed avocado is a wonderful creamy addition. You can also have extra BBQ sauce available for dipping.
Notes
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
Avoid overcooking chicken breast to keep it juicy; it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Customize the BBQ sauce: add cayenne for spice or extra honey for sweetness.
This recipe is great for meal prep: make the BBQ sauce and chop chicken ahead of time.
Goat cheese or cotija cheese can substitute feta; omit cheese for a dairy-free option.
Store cooled chicken (removed from skewers, in an airtight container) and corn and feta salsa (in a separate airtight container) in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat chicken gently; salsa is best chilled or at room temperature.
Leftover chicken is versatile! Shred it for wraps, sandwiches, or on top of a big salad. The salsa is also great on its own as a dip with tortilla chips.
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