Golden chicken skewers with browned edges and vegetables on a clean grill, with a digital food thermometer beside the serving platter.
Techniques Guide

How to Grill Chicken Skewers: Heat, Turning, and Safe Doneness

Grill chicken skewers over medium-high heat, turning every 5 to 6 minutes as in the Utah State Extension example. Use a thermometer to check the thickest chicken piece; it should reach 165 F.

Golden chicken skewers with browned edges and vegetables on a clean grill, with a digital food thermometer beside the serving platter.

Purpose

Cut chicken into 1 to 1.5-inch pieces, thread them onto skewers, and grill over medium-high heat. Use a food thermometer to check for safe doneness.

When To Use It

Use this approach for bite-size chicken pieces on skewers when the grill is ready for medium-high heat. The timing example below uses 1 to 1.5-inch pieces.

Equipment

You will need skewers, a food thermometer, tongs, and a grill. Soak wooden skewers in water for 5 to 10 minutes before threading to help prevent burning. Use a separate plate for raw chicken and a clean platter for cooked skewers.

Procedure

Cut chicken into 1 to 1.5-inch pieces and marinate them in the refrigerator. Thread the pieces onto skewers and preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Turn the skewers every 5 to 6 minutes, following the Utah State Extension example. Check the thickest chicken pieces with a food thermometer and cook them to 165 F.

Visual Cues

Look for browning as you turn the skewers. Check the thickest chicken piece with a food thermometer; it should reach 165 F.

Mistakes

Cooking time changes with piece size, grill heat, and the number of skewers on the grill, so use the 5 to 6-minute turns as a starting point. Check safe doneness with a thermometer. Keep raw chicken and its juices away from cooked food. Wash your hands, tongs, plates, and work surfaces after handling raw chicken, and use a clean platter for serving. If you want sauce, reserve some marinade before adding the chicken. Boil any marinade that has touched raw chicken before serving.

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