Grilled chicken kabobs are a tasty treat! Juicy chunks of chicken are marinated and skewered with colorful veggies like bell peppers and onions. They’re fun to eat and perfect for BBQs!
Whenever I make these kabobs, I always end up grilling extra because they disappear so fast! Pair them with some rice, and you’ve got a meal everyone will love. 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick cooking and easy marination. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work well too—they’re juicier and add deeper flavor.
Vegetables: I used red and yellow bell peppers for color and sweetness. Feel free to swap in zucchini for mushrooms or cherry tomatoes if you want more variety. Just slice them properly to ensure even cooking.
Spices: Smoked paprika gives a nice smoky taste, but you can use regular paprika for a milder flavor. Cumin adds warmth; however, ground coriander can be a good swap if you’re looking for a different twist.
Marinade: Don’t have fresh lemon juice? Pick up some bottled lemon juice or even vinegar. Just remember, fresh gives the best taste!
How Do I Get the Chicken Juicy and Flavorful?
The marinade is critical to keep chicken juicy and flavorful! Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Mix the marinade ingredients well in a bowl. The longer you let the chicken soak, the better the flavor. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but 2 hours is even better.
- Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly. I recommend using your hands for even distribution.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers. This helps everything cook evenly and allows for those delightful grill marks.
Lastly, let the kabobs rest after grilling for a few minutes. This helps juices redistribute and ensures moist bites in every skewer!
How to Make Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 bell peppers (red and yellow), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
- 1 medium red onion, cut into wedges
For the Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Skewers (soaked in water if using wooden skewers)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for prep work, including cutting the ingredients and mixing the marinade. Then, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) in the fridge. Finally, grilling will take around 10-15 minutes. In total, plan for about an hour with marinating time included!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed to create a flavorful marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the cubed chicken breasts into the bowl with the marinade. Make sure all the chicken pieces are coated evenly. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step allows the flavors to soak into the chicken. For best results, marinate for up to 2 hours!
3. Prepare for Grilling:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure it’s nice and hot when you add the kabobs. Next, take the soaked skewers and thread the marinated chicken, bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion onto them, alternating the ingredients to create a colorful and tasty kabob.
4. Grill the Kabobs:
Once the grill is hot, carefully place the kabobs on the grill grates. Cook them for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally so that they cook evenly and get slightly charred. You’ll know they’re ready when the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are crisp-tender.
5. Rest and Serve:
After grilling, remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This will help keep them juicy. Finally, garnish the kabobs with fresh cilantro and serve them with lime wedges on the side for that extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your delicious grilled chicken kabobs!
Can I Use Different Vegetables for the Kabobs?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables. Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or even chunks of pineapple can add delightful flavors. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes so that everything cooks evenly!
What Can I Use Instead of Chicken Breast?
You can easily substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option. If you’re looking for something different, try shrimp or firm tofu. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary; shrimp will cook much faster!
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but you can let it sit for up to 2 hours in the fridge. If you plan to marinate it longer, such as overnight, consider reducing the amount of lemon juice to avoid the chicken becoming too tender.
How Should I Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat or pop them in the microwave for a quick meal. They also make great additions to salads or wraps!
