These chicken skewers are juicy and full of flavor, thanks to a tasty kabob marinade. They’re great for grilling or baking and perfect for a fun dinner!
I love tossing these on the grill! They’re super easy to make and the kids always get excited to eat them. Plus, who doesn’t love food on a stick? 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for skewers because they remain juicy while grilling. If you prefer, chicken thighs work well too and have a bit more flavor. For a vegetarian option, try using firm tofu or portobello mushrooms.
Vegetables: The medley of zucchini, bell peppers, and red onion gives a vibrant color and flavor. Feel free to switch it up with other veggies like cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or even eggplant. Just ensure they cook in the same time frame as the chicken.
Spices: Cumin, paprika, and oregano add great depth. If you don’t have cumin, you can use coriander or even taco seasoning for a fun twist. Dried Italian herbs can also be a substitute for oregano.
Olive Oil: You can use other oils like avocado or vegetable oil, especially if you’re grilling at high temperatures. They’ll provide a similar richness without burning.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Grilled Chicken Skewers?
The key to great chicken skewers lies in marinating the chicken and the grilling technique. The marinade not only adds flavor but also tenderizes the chicken. Make sure to let it sit for at least 30 minutes—longer is better! Here’s how to grill them perfectly:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high. A hot grill ensures nice sear and prevents sticking.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water ahead of time to prevent burning.
- Ensure chicken and vegetables are cut evenly for even cooking.
- Place skewers on the grill and turn every few minutes to ensure they cook evenly, about 10-15 minutes total.
- Check the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Let them rest off the grill for a few minutes; this helps keep the juices in. Enjoy your skewers with a side to bring it all together!
How to Make Delicious Chicken Skewers!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- Wooden or metal skewers
For the Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
This chicken skewer recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes of marinating time. So, set aside about 45 minutes to an hour to make this delicious dish. If you have a bit more time, letting the chicken marinate for up to 2 hours will make it taste even better!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
Start by grabbing a large bowl. In it, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until everything is combined. This mixture will add lots of flavor to your chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes into the marinade, making sure that each piece is nicely coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have extra time, marinating for up to 2 hours will really boost the flavor!
3. Prepare the Grill and Skewers:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 15-20 minutes. This helps to prevent them from burning on the grill.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Once the chicken has finished marinating, it’s time to put everything together! Take the skewers and thread the marinated chicken, zucchini, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and red onion onto them, alternating the ingredients for a colorful display. Fill each skewer without overcrowding—this helps them cook evenly!
5. Grill the Skewers:
Your grill should be hot now! Place the skewers onto the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes. Remember to turn them occasionally so they get nice grill marks all around and the chicken is cooked through. The vegetables should become tender and slightly charred.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices in the chicken. Serve them warm with a side of rice or a fresh salad for a delightful meal. Enjoy your flavorful chicken skewers!
Can I Use Different Vegetables for Skewers?
Absolutely! You can use any vegetables you like or have on hand. Consider mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or even asparagus. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking, and be mindful of their cook times—some may need less time on the grill than others!
What If I Don’t Have Wooden Skewers?
No problem! Metal skewers are a great alternative and can be used without soaking. Just make sure to handle them carefully, as they get hot on the grill. If you don’t have skewers at all, you can also cook the marinated chicken and vegetables directly on the grill as veggies and chicken pieces.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
The chicken can be marinated for as little as 30 minutes, but for maximum flavor, you can let it marinate for up to 2 hours. If you need to marinate longer, you can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just remember to keep it covered in the fridge!
How to Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat them, you can reheat them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. They’ll make a great quick meal or snack!
