There’s nothing quite like the smoky-sweet flavor of grilled kabobs on a warm day.
These honey beer chicken kabobs are juicy, tender, and coated in a sticky glaze made with BBQ sauce, beer, and honey.
They’re easy to make, fun to serve, and guaranteed to be a hit at your next cookout.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The marinade gives the chicken incredible depth of flavor in just minutes.
Beer and BBQ sauce create a smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet glaze.
These kabobs cook quickly, making them perfect for weeknight grilling.
They pair beautifully with fresh salads, corn on the cob, or roasted potatoes.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Chicken breasts or thighs — boneless and skinless, perfect for skewers.
Beer — adds malty richness and helps tenderize the chicken.
BBQ sauce — smoky and tangy, it caramelizes perfectly on the grill.
Honey — balances the smokiness with a touch of sweetness.
Smoked paprika & garlic powder — bring warmth and savory depth.
Pro Tips Before You Start
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20–30 minutes to prevent burning.
Cut chicken into even-sized pieces for consistent cooking.
Reserve some of the BBQ sauce mixture before grilling for basting and dipping.
Don’t overcook—the chicken is ready at 165°F internal temperature.
How to Make Honey Beer Chicken Kabobs
Step 1 – Marinate the chicken
Cut chicken into bite-size chunks.
Add ¼ cup beer and let marinate for 5 minutes.
Step 2 – Make the sauce
Whisk together remaining beer, BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, honey, and garlic powder.
Set aside half the sauce for serving.
Step 3 – Skewer and glaze
Thread chicken pieces onto skewers.
Brush generously with the sauce mixture.
Step 4 – Grill the kabobs
Preheat grill or grill pan.
Cook skewers for about 4 minutes per side, brushing with more sauce as they cook, until chicken reaches 165°F.
Step 5 – Serve and enjoy
Serve kabobs hot, with the reserved sauce on the side.
What to Serve Them With
Corn on the cob or grilled veggies.
A crisp coleslaw or potato salad.
Rice pilaf, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad.
Variations / Substitutions
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier kabobs.
Swap beer for apple cider or chicken broth if desired.
Add vegetables (bell peppers, onions, zucchini) to the skewers.
Try a spicy BBQ sauce for a kick of heat.
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze cooked kabobs (without sauce) up to 2 months.
Reheat on the grill, in the oven, or in a skillet until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I marinate the chicken longer than 5 minutes?
Yes, up to 2 hours is fine. Longer marinating enhances flavor.
What kind of beer works best?
Light beers add subtle flavor, while darker beers give a deeper richness.
Can I bake these instead of grilling?
Yes, bake at 400°F for about 18–20 minutes, turning once.
Do I have to use skewers?
No, you can cook the chicken pieces directly in a grill pan or skillet.
Can I make these kabobs ahead of time?
Yes, skewer and refrigerate before grilling, or cook ahead and reheat.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Definitely—just cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the grill.
Final Thoughts
These honey beer chicken kabobs are smoky, tangy, and a little bit sweet—the perfect combination for summer grilling.
They’re easy to prep, quick to cook, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Honey Beer Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients
Method
- Cut chicken into bite-size chunks.
- Marinate with ¼ cup beer for 5 minutes.
- Mix remaining beer, BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, honey, and garlic powder.
- Reserve half for serving.
- Thread chicken onto skewers and brush with sauce.
- Grill 4 minutes per side, brushing with more sauce, until chicken is cooked through (165°F).
- Serve with reserved sauce.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/honey-beer-chicken-kabobs/
Notes
- Use boneless thighs for extra juicy kabobs.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Pairs well with grilled veggies, corn, or a fresh garden salad.
My name is Isabella, and this space was born from years of stirring sauces at sunset, baking cookies while the kids played on the porch, and finding comfort in a homemade meal after long, busy days. Here you’ll find delicious, reliable recipes made with simple ingredients, plus easy step-by-step photos and videos to help you cook confidently at home.