Name: BBQ Beer Chicken Skewers with Avocado Corn and Feta Salsa Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup your favorite beer; 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; 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size chunks; 1-2 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

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a dish that brings the joy of backyard grilling together with bold, fresh flavors, BBQ Beer Chicken Skewers with Avocado Corn and Feta Salsa is your answer. Imagine juicy chicken bathed in a sweet, smoky homemade BBQ sauce, perfectly charred on the grill and served with a summery salsa that pops with grilled corn, creamy avocado, zippy jalapeño, and tangy feta. It’s a showstopper for cookouts, but honestly, it’s so simple you’ll want to make it on any weeknight when you crave something utterly delicious and just a bit unexpected.

BBQ Beer Chicken Skewers with Avocado Corn and Feta Salsa Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for BBQ Beer Chicken Skewers with Avocado Corn and Feta Salsa is absolutely approachable but thoughtfully curated. Each item was chosen to build layers of flavor and give the dish its signature colorful, vibrant twist. Let’s break down exactly what you’ll need and why it matters.

Beer: Choose a light, crisp favorite—this infuses the BBQ sauce with depth and a subtle malty sweetness.
Ketchup: This everyday staple lays the foundation for a glossy, rich BBQ sauce.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps caramelize the glaze on the grill.
Dijon Mustard: A tangy kick that balances the sweetness in the sauce and perks up the overall flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce: Brings a savory, umami note that makes the BBQ sauce irresistible.
Chipotle Chili Powder: Gives the sauce a gentle, smoky heat that sets this dish apart.
Smoked Paprika: Deepens the smokiness, echoing the flavors from the grill.
Garlic Powder: Offers mellow aromatic warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
Kosher Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together—you’ll adjust to taste.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender, lean chicken ready to soak up all that BBQ flavor and grill up juicy.
Jalapeños: Brings welcome heat and a touch of charred complexity to the salsa.
Grilled or Steamed Corn: Sweet, crunchy kernels bring summery brightness and color to the salsa.
Fresh Cilantro: Adds herbal freshness and a burst of green flavor.
Fresh Basil: A little unexpected, but it melds beautifully with the cilantro and corn for a truly vibrant salsa.
Lime Juice: Its citrusy zing makes the salsa sing and balances richer flavors.
Lemon Juice: Adds extra tang for even more brightness.
Apple Cider Vinegar: A splash of acidity to ensure the salsa never tastes flat.
Crumbled Feta Cheese: Creamy, salty, and just a bit briny—it’s the perfect finish for your salsa.
Whipped or Mashed Avocado: The ultimate creamy sidekick, perfect for serving alongside your chicken and salsa.

How to Make BBQ Beer Chicken Skewers with Avocado Corn and Feta Salsa

Step 1: Make the Sweet & Smoky BBQ Beer Sauce

Start by grabbing your favorite pot and combining the beer, ketchup, honey, dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a healthy pinch of kosher salt. Bring this flavorful blend to a gentle boil over medium-high heat—it’ll smell incredible as it bubbles away! Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring now and then. The sauce will thicken and develop layers of irresistible sweetness, tang, and smoke that make BBQ Beer Chicken Skewers with Avocado Corn and Feta Salsa so special.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

While the sauce is still warm (but not scorching), pour about half a cup over your chicken pieces in a large mixing bowl. Toss them around so every piece is generously coated—the marinade will infuse the chicken with rich BBQ flavor. Let the chicken relax in the sauce while you prep your salsa or, for even more flavor, cover and refrigerate for up to an hour.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill and Skewer the Chicken

Preheat your grill, grill pan, or even a skillet to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, soaking them in water for 20 minutes is a pro move to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken chunks onto your skewers, packing them a little loosely for even cooking. Lay them on the hot grill and cook, turning every few minutes, until they have beautiful grill marks and the chicken is cooked through—usually 10 to 12 minutes. If grilling isn’t an option, roasting at 400 degrees for 20-30 minutes works surprisingly well.

Step 4: Mix Up the Avocado Corn and Feta Salsa

While the chicken is grilling, take your jalapeños—whole—and toss them on the grill until they’re lightly charred (about 5 minutes). Let them cool slightly, then chop. In a big bowl, combine your grilled corn, chopped jalapeños, cilantro, basil, lime juice, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and a sprinkle of salt. Give it a good toss, then gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese. This salsa is colorful, fresh, and positively addictive!

Step 5: Plate and Serve

Pile your BBQ Beer Chicken Skewers with Avocado Corn and Feta Salsa onto a platter. Serve the chicken skewers with a generous mound of salsa, dollops of creamy mashed avocado, and maybe a few extra fresh herbs if you’ve got them on hand. The combination of flavors and textures will have everyone coming back for seconds.

How to Serve BBQ Beer Chicken Skewers with Avocado Corn and Feta Salsa

Garnishes

Brighten up each plate of BBQ Beer Chicken Skewers with Avocado Corn and Feta Salsa with some extra cilantro leaves, basil ribbons, or quick-pickled red onions for zing and color. A squeeze of fresh lime over everything just before serving really pulls all the flavors together.

Side Dishes

This dish easily stands alone, but it’s also dreamy with fluffy rice, warm tortillas, or a crisp green salad. You might also try pairing with grilled veggies or a cool, creamy slaw for a complete summer feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd, arrange the chicken skewers and salsa family-style on a big platter, letting everyone build their own plates. Alternatively, tuck the chicken and salsa into warm pita pockets or lettuce wraps for a playful hands-on meal. These BBQ Beer Chicken Skewers with Avocado Corn and Feta Salsa also make fabulous party appetizers when served as smaller skewers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pack any leftover BBQ Beer Chicken Skewers with Avocado Corn and Feta Salsa into airtight containers. The flavors continue to meld, making tomorrow’s lunch a treat. Keep the salsa and chicken separate if you want the salsa to stay vibrant and crisp.

Freezing

The cooked chicken skewers can be frozen—just slip cooled skewers into freezer bags or airtight containers, separating layers with parchment paper. The salsa, however, is best enjoyed fresh as the avocado and cheese won’t hold up well to freezing.

Reheating

To reheat the BBQ Beer Chicken Skewers, simply warm them gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat or for a couple of minutes in the microwave. Serve with a fresh batch of salsa and avocado for best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are slightly more forgiving and stay extra juicy on the grill. Just adjust cooking time as needed to make sure everything is cooked through and tender.

What type of beer is best for the BBQ sauce?

A lighter lager or pilsner works beautifully for BBQ Beer Chicken Skewers with Avocado Corn and Feta Salsa, but you can experiment with amber or wheat beers for a deeper flavor. Avoid dark stouts, which can overpower the sauce.

How spicy is the salsa?

The heat in the Avocado Corn and Feta Salsa comes from grilled jalapeños, so you can dial the spiciness up or down by adding more or less, or by removing the seeds before chopping.

Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Yes! If you don’t have access to a grill, you can roast the chicken in a hot oven and char the jalapeños on a gas burner or under a broiler. You’ll still capture delicious, smoky flavors.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Almost—all you have to do is use a gluten-free beer and double-check the rest of your condiments. Barbecue nights just got even more inclusive with BBQ Beer Chicken Skewers with Avocado Corn and Feta Salsa.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say, once you try BBQ Beer Chicken Skewers with Avocado Corn and Feta Salsa, you’ll be tempted to make them on repeat. With every juicy, saucy bite and every scoop of tangy salsa, you’ll bring a little extra joy to your table. Invite your friends, fire up the grill, and make some delicious memories!

BBQ Beer Chicken Skewers with Avocado Corn and Feta Salsa Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 19 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These BBQ Beer Chicken Skewers are a perfect summer dish, featuring tender chicken marinated in a flavorful beer-based BBQ sauce. Served alongside a vibrant Avocado Corn and Feta Salsa, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser for any backyard barbecue or gathering.

Instructions

In a pot, combine the beer, ketchup, honey, dijon, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Boil then simmer for 15 minutes until thickened. Combine chicken with 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, grill until cooked through. 2. Grill jalapeño, chop, mix with corn, cilantro, basil, lime juice, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, and feta. 3. Serve chicken with salsa, avocado, and herbs.

Notes

For a spicier kick, leave the seeds in the jalapeño or add a dash of hot sauce to the salsa.
Feel free to customize the salsa with additional ingredients like diced tomatoes or black beans.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling, Roasting
Cuisine: American