There’s something about sweet, smoky, and sticky grilled chicken that screams summer to me. These Peach BBQ Chicken Skewers are a family favorite—juicy grilled chicken glazed with a rich peach BBQ sauce that caramelizes beautifully over the flame.

The peaches add a natural sweetness and depth that make every bite pop. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or just craving something fresh off the grill, these skewers bring the flavor.

Using boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into chunks, this recipe is perfect for outdoor grilling or a quick weeknight meal.

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Recipe Highlights

This recipe is a perfect example of how fruit can elevate savory grilling. The homemade peach BBQ glaze is both tangy and sweet with a hint of spice, and it clings to the grilled chicken beautifully.

I love how it thickens on the grill and gets those irresistible caramelized edges. The dish is colorful, flavorful, and always a hit at the table.

  • Perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy
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  • Homemade peach BBQ sauce using fresh or canned peaches
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  • Easy to prep and grill in under 30 minutes
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  • Family-friendly and great for summer gatherings

Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay juicier on the grill, but breasts can be used for a leaner option.
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  • Fresh or Canned Peaches: Fresh peaches give the best flavor, but canned peaches in juice (not syrup) work well too.
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  • BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce as the base for the peach glaze.
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  • Garlic & Onion Powder: Adds savory depth without the need for sautéing.
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  • Smoked Paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness that complements the grill and peaches beautifully.
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  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Balances the sweetness with a touch of acid and tang.
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  • Brown Sugar: Deepens the caramelized flavor of the glaze.
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  • Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and keeps the chicken juicy.
Peach BBQ Chicken Skewers

How to Make My Peach BBQ Chicken Skewers

  1. Make the Peach BBQ Glaze
    In a small saucepan, combine chopped peaches, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Simmer for 10 minutes, then blend until smooth. Let cool.
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  2. Marinate the Chicken
    Cut chicken into 1.5-inch cubes. Toss with half of the peach glaze and olive oil. Marinate for 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
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  3. Assemble the Skewers
    Thread marinated chicken onto skewers (soaked if wooden), alternating with peach slices if desired.
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  4. Grill
    Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill skewers for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and lightly charred.
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  5. Glaze and Finish
    Brush on reserved peach BBQ glaze during the last 2–3 minutes of grilling. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Perfecting the Marinade

Creating the ideal marinade is key to achieving flavorful Peach BBQ Chicken Skewers. Start by combining BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar in a mixing bowl.

This mixture not only adds depth but also balances sweetness and tang.

Incorporate garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika for an aromatic touch. The olive oil helps to keep the chicken moist, while seasoning with salt and pepper enhances the overall taste.

Once the marinade is well mixed, add boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks, along with chopped peaches.

Ensure everything is coated thoroughly before letting it rest in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes.

This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Grilling to Perfection

Preheating the grill is essential for achieving those perfect char marks on your skewers. Aim for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

This preparation ensures that your skewers will cook evenly and develop a delicious crust.

Assemble the skewers by alternating marinated chicken and peach wedges. This not only creates a visually appealing dish but also allows the flavors to intermingle during grilling.

Cook the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally. This method ensures that the chicken is cooked through while the peaches caramelize slightly, enhancing their sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

Once grilled, let the skewers rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and juicy.

For an inviting presentation, garnish with additional peach wedges and fresh herbs. A small bowl of BBQ sauce on the side provides a perfect dipping option, enhancing the flavor profile of the dish.

These skewers are ideal for summer barbecues, offering a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors that will impress your guests.

These skewers pair beautifully with:

  • Grilled corn on the cob
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  • Peach or tomato salad
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  • Coleslaw or creamy potato salad
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  • Rice pilaf or herby couscous
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  • Fresh lemonade or peach iced tea

They also work great in wraps or served over a green salad.

Nutrition Highlights

Each serving of these Peach BBQ Chicken Skewers offers a satisfying balance of nutrients. With approximately 340 calories per serving, they provide a good source of protein, thanks to the chicken.

The dish includes healthy fats from olive oil and a moderate amount of carbohydrates from the peaches. This makes it a wholesome choice for a main dish, especially during warm weather.

With 25g of protein and only 10g of fat, these skewers fit well into a balanced diet, making them a great option for health-conscious individuals.

Tips for Success

To elevate your Peach BBQ Chicken Skewers, consider using fresh, ripe peaches for the best flavor. If fresh peaches are unavailable, canned peaches can be a convenient alternative, just ensure they are well-drained.

Experiment with different types of BBQ sauce to find your favorite flavor profile. Whether you prefer a smoky, sweet, or spicy sauce, the choice can significantly alter the dish’s overall taste.

Don’t over-marinate the chicken in acidic glaze for more than 2 hours—it can break down the texture.

Baste with extra glaze near the end of grilling only to avoid burning due to sugar content.

Lastly, if you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before grilling.

This prevents them from burning on the grill and ensures your skewers stay intact while cooking.

Peach BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe

Recipe by JoanneCourse: MainCuisine: American, Summer BBQDifficulty: Easy
Serving size

4

servings
Prep time (plus 30 min marinating)

20

minutes
Cooking time

10

minutes
Calories per serving

340

kcal

These skewers feature tender pieces of chicken and juicy peach wedges, grilled to perfection. The recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and serves 4 people.

Ingredients

  • 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks

  • 2 medium ripe peaches (or 1 cup canned peaches in juice), chopped

  • ½ cup BBQ sauce

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

  • Optional: peach wedges for skewering

  • Skewers (wooden or metal)

Directions

  • Make the Glaze:
  • In a saucepan over medium heat, add chopped peaches, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir and let simmer for 10 minutes until peaches soften. Use an immersion blender or food processor to puree until smooth. Set aside to cool.
  • Marinate the Chicken:
  • In a large bowl, combine the chicken with half the cooled glaze, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

  • Prepare the Skewers:
  • If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20–30 minutes. Thread chicken (and optional peach slices) onto skewers.
  • Grill the Skewers:
  • Heat the grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates. Grill skewers for about 8–10 minutes, turning every few minutes until internal temp reaches 165°F.

  • Finish with Glaze:
  • During the last few minutes, brush with the remaining glaze for a glossy, caramelized finish.
  • Rest and Serve:
  • Let skewers rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Add a splash of hot sauce to the glaze for a sweet-spicy kick
  • You can double the glaze recipe and use extra for dipping
  • Grill peaches on the side for a charred garnish
  • Make it into a meal bowl with quinoa or brown rice and greens

Storage and Warming of Leftovers

Storage:

Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

Reheat gently on a skillet or in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Avoid microwaving too long to prevent drying out.