These BBQ Chicken & Kielbasa Skewers are smoky, juicy, and perfect for your holiday cookout—don’t skip the cowboy butter dip! #grilledappetizers #4thofjulyfood #bbqskewers
These BBQ Chicken & Kielbasa Skewers with Cowboy Butter Dip are the ultimate 4th of July appetizer—festive, flavorful, and fresh off the grill. They combine juicy chicken and smoky kielbasa sausage, glazed with tangy BBQ sauce and served with a side of garlicky, herbed cowboy butter for dipping. Every bite is bold, satisfying, and perfect for summer parties.
These skewers are easy to prep ahead, grill quickly, and keep guests coming back for more. Plus, they look great on a platter and pair perfectly with other backyard classics.
1. Yield, Time & Tools
- Yield: 10–12 appetizer skewers
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Tools Needed: Grill or grill pan, skewers (metal or soaked wooden), basting brush, mixing bowls
2. Ingredients
For the Skewers:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 oz kielbasa sausage, sliced into thick rounds
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 small red onion, cut into wedges
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cowboy Butter Dip:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives or green onion
- Salt and pepper, to taste
3. Preparation Steps
A. Assemble the Skewers
Thread chicken, kielbasa, bell pepper, and onion alternately onto skewers. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
B. Preheat the Grill
Heat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Oil grates if needed.
C. Grill & Glaze
Grill skewers 5–6 minutes per side, brushing with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes until lightly charred and cooked through.
D. Make the Cowboy Butter Dip
While skewers grill, melt butter in a small saucepan. Stir in garlic, Dijon, lemon juice, paprika, red pepper flakes, herbs, salt, and pepper. Simmer 1–2 minutes. Keep warm for dipping.
E. Serve It Up
Transfer skewers to a platter. Serve with warm cowboy butter dip on the side.
4. Tips & Variations
- Use pineapple chunks or zucchini for added color and flavor.
- Swap BBQ sauce for honey mustard or teriyaki for a different vibe.
- Add a splash of hot sauce to the cowboy butter for heat lovers.
- Double the dip—guests will want extra!
5. Troubleshooting FAQ
Can I make these ahead?
Yes—assemble skewers and make the dip ahead. Grill just before serving.
What if I don’t have a grill?
Use a grill pan or broil them in the oven, watching closely.
Can I make them spicier?
Add more crushed red pepper or hot BBQ sauce.
Are wooden skewers safe?
Yes—just soak in water for 30 minutes before grilling.
6. Serving Suggestions
- Pair with potato salad, corn on the cob, or baked beans.
- Offer extra dipping sauces like ranch or aioli.
- Add skewers to a patriotic platter with fruit and chips.
- Serve with lemonade, beer, or iced tea.
7. Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat skewers in a skillet or on the grill until warmed through.
- Make-Ahead Tips: Assemble skewers and prep dip up to 1 day ahead.
- Freezer Instructions: Not recommended to freeze assembled skewers, but chicken and sausage can be frozen raw.
