These chicken skewers are juicy and full of flavor, thanks to a tasty kabob marinade. They are easy to make and perfect for grilling or baking!
Whenever I make these, my friends gather around the grill. Watching them devour these juicy bites is always a fun time! Plus, they’re a hit at parties! 😄
I love serving them with a fresh salad or some pita bread. It makes for a yummy meal that feels special but is so simple to prepare!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is a great choice for skewers due to its lean nature. You can substitute with chicken thighs if you want a juicier option; they tend to stay tender on the grill.
Vegetables: The zucchini, bell peppers, and red onion add crunch and color. Feel free to swap in your favorites, like asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms! Just cut them to match the cooking time of chicken.
Olive Oil: This gives the marinade moisture and flavor. If you don’t have olive oil, you could use avocado oil or even canola oil. They’ll work well without altering the taste too much.
Spices: The combination of cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano brings out a warm flavor. If you like things a bit spicier, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes for a kick!
How Do You Make Sure Your Chicken Stays Moist on the Grill?
To keep the chicken from drying out, marinate it for at least 30 minutes, but longer is even better! This allows it to soak up all those tasty flavors.
- Make sure to coat every piece of chicken in the marinade well before refrigerating.
- When grilling, don’t overcrowd the skewers; this helps them cook evenly.
- Turn the skewers occasionally to ensure they get nice grill marks and cook through without burning.
How to Make Chicken Skewers with Chicken Kabob Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes of prep time to cut the chicken and veggies and make the marinade. You’ll also need at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken (2 hours is even better!). Finally, grilling takes about 15 minutes. In total, you should set aside around 1 to 2 hours to make these delicious chicken skewers.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined. This marinade is packed with flavor and will make your chicken delicious!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the cubed chicken breast to the marinade and stir well to coat all pieces. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you can, let it sit for about 2 hours for even more flavor.
3. Prep the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill. This is an important step to make sure your skewers don’t catch fire!
4. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, turn on your grill and preheat it to medium-high heat. This will help you get those lovely grill marks and juicy chicken!
5. Assemble the Skewers:
Once the chicken has marinated, take it out of the fridge. Thread the marinated chicken cubes, zucchini rounds, red bell pepper pieces, yellow bell pepper pieces, and red onion pieces onto the skewers. Alternate the ingredients for a colorful and fun presentation. You can fit about 3-4 pieces of chicken per skewer, followed by veggies.
6. Grill the Skewers:
Place the assembled skewers on the preheated grill. Cook them for about 10-15 minutes, turning the skewers occasionally so all sides get nice and charred. You want the chicken to be cooked through—an internal temperature of 165°F indicates it’s ready!
7. Let Them Rest:
Once cooked, carefully remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the chicken skewers warm, and if you’d like, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Enjoy this tasty dish with your friends and family!
Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix it up with any of your favorite vegetables. Options like cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or even eggplant work great. Just ensure they are cut into similar sizes to help them cook evenly alongside the chicken.
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil on hand, you can use any neutral oil, such as vegetable or canola oil. For a more robust flavor, avocado oil or sesame oil are also good alternatives and will complement the marinade nicely!
How Should I Store Leftover Chicken Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop them in a microwave or on the grill for a few minutes until warmed through. Adding a splash of water before microwaving can help keep them moist.
Can I Marinade the Chicken Overnight?
Yes, marinating the chicken overnight will enhance the flavor even more! Just be careful not to exceed 24 hours, as the acid in the lemon juice can start to break down the chicken, making it too soft. Remember to always refrigerate while marinating!
