Grilled skewers have a funny way of making people forget how many they've already had. Someone reaches over for "just one more," someone else goes back before the platter even makes it to the table, and suddenly the batch you thought would leave leftovers has completely disappeared.
After enough summers around the grill, I've stopped asking whether I made too much. I usually end up wishing I'd made more. These 15 skewer recipes never seem to last very long, and I can't say I'm surprised.
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce make a wonderful instant glaze that caramelizes beautifully over an open flame. The sauce bubbles up on the hot chicken to create sticky edges you will crave all night.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Vegetables
I always leave a tiny space between my meat and veggies so the hot air circulates evenly. Threading colorful bell peppers and red onions onto the stick brings a sweet, charred crunch to your chicken.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Vegetables
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Shrimp is the fastest way to feed a hungry crowd because it cooks in under five minutes. Toss them in garlic butter before grilling to get a snappy texture that has everyone reaching for more.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Kabobs
Sweet pineapple juice and soy sauce form a thick, shiny glaze that clings perfectly to grilled chicken. This Hawaiian favorite bakes a beautiful sticky coating onto the meat that will have everyone grabbing a second stick.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Huli Huli Chicken Kabobs
Traeger Pork Shoulder Skewers
Pork shoulder usually takes all day to cook, but cutting it into small cubes changes everything. The bite-sized pieces absorb the rich wood smoke fast, creating a tender snack that disappears from the plate.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Pork Shoulder Skewers
Grilled Scallop Skewers
Threading delicate scallops onto double skewers keeps them from spinning around or falling through the grill grates. A quick brush of lemon butter right before they hit the fire makes each bite taste like luxury.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Scallop Skewers
Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab
Ground chicken is my favorite secret for making kebabs that stay soft and moist over hot coals. Mixing the meat with plenty of fresh herbs keeps them so juicy you cannot possibly eat just one.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab
Smoky Grilled Apricot Lamb Kebabs
Sweet dried fruit is my favorite trick to balance the natural, rich flavor of grilled lamb. The apricots turn soft and jammy over the hot coals, making each stick a perfect sweet and savory bite.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Grilled Apricot Lamb Kebabs
Thai Spicy Basil Chicken Skewers with Cashew Sauce and Gremolata Topping
Fresh Thai basil brings a wonderful, peppery aroma to your backyard griddle that beats standard barbecue smells. Dipping the spicy chicken sticks into a creamy cashew sauce makes it impossible to stop after one.
Get the Recipe: Thai Spicy Basil Chicken Skewers with Cashew Sauce and Gremolata Topping
Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs Recipe
You do not have to skip the backyard barbecue just because you are eating plant-based meals these days. This seasoned meatless blend mimics traditional kofta so perfectly that even your meat-loving friends will grab three.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs Recipe
Pinchos (Puerto Rican Chicken Skewers)
Chicken breast dries out too fast on a hot grill, so I always use juicy chicken thighs instead. A quick soak in a classic garlic adobo marinade ensures you will immediately want a second stick.
Get the Recipe: Pinchos (Puerto Rican Chicken Skewers)
Grilled Peanut Chicken Satay
You should always serve your chicken satay with a thick side bowl of warm peanut dipping sauce. Threading the meat onto thin sticks makes it way too easy to dip and eat while socializing.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peanut Chicken Satay
Traeger Grilled Steak Kabobs
You do not need expensive cuts of beef when a simple garlic marinade can make steak incredibly tender. Alternating the meat with thick onion slices keeps the beef moist and adds a wonderful sweet flavor.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Grilled Steak Kabobs
Apple Cider Grilled Chicken Skewers with Gouda Cheese Sauce
A quick bath in apple cider tenderizes your chicken while adding a subtle hint of fruit sweetness. This recipe finishes with a warm drizzle of melted Gouda cheese sauce that makes one stick a total tease.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Grilled Chicken Skewers with Gouda Cheese Sauce
Peach Salmon Skewers With Peach Jalapeno Crema
Salmon holds up beautifully to high heat when cut into thick, sturdy cubes and paired with peaches. The sweet fruit juice keeps the fish moist, making these skewers dangerously easy to eat.
Get the Recipe: Peach Salmon Skewers With Peach Jalapeno Crema
Go make the first batch, but maybe don't stop there. I have a feeling you'll wish you'd grilled a few more.
