These grilled chicken kabobs are a fun and tasty meal! Tender pieces of chicken are marinated with spices and skewered with colorful veggies, making them a hit at any barbecue.
Who can resist juicy chicken on a stick? They are perfect for eating outdoors. I love serving them with a side of rice or a fresh salad for a yummy dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless chicken breast is great for a lean option. If you want more flavor, thighs are a tasty alternative. They stay juicier on the grill!
Bell Peppers: Red, yellow, and green peppers add color and sweetness. Feel free to swap in other veggies like cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or even pineapple for a fruity touch.
Zucchini: Sliced zucchini is excellent, but you can use summer squash or even eggplant instead. Both will cook nicely on the grill!
Cumin & Smoked Paprika: These spices give a warm flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or chili powder can work too. Adjust based on your taste preferences!
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors. You can substitute with lime juice or even a little vinegar if you’re in a pinch.
How Do I Keep My Kabobs from Drying Out on the Grill?
To keep the chicken juicy and flavorful, marinating is key! Here are some steps to ensure your kabobs stay moist:
- Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, and up to 2 hours. This lets the flavors soak in.
- Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before adding the kabobs. This helps sear the outside quickly, locking in juices.
- Avoid overcrowding the skewers; leaving some space helps them cook evenly and thoroughly. Rotate them occasionally for nice grill marks.
- Let your kabobs rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps keep the juices in!
With these tips, your grilled chicken kabobs will be a hit and full of flavor!
How to Make Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
- 1 medium onion, cut into wedges
For the Marinade:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to grill. Plus, adding a 30-minute marinating time will enhance the flavors of the chicken. In total, plan for about 1 hour if you include marinating time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until it forms a lovely marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring they’re well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and place it in the fridge. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, now is the time to soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
4. Assemble the Kabobs:
Once the chicken has marinated, take it out of the fridge. Grab your skewers and start threading the marinated chicken, bell peppers, zucchini, and onion onto them. Alternate the ingredients for a colorful kabob!
5. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally so they cook evenly. Look for nice grill marks and ensure the chicken is cooked through.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
After grilling, remove the kabobs from the grill. Let them rest for a few minutes to keep them juicy. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Enjoy your tasty grilled chicken kabobs!
Can I Use Different Vegetables for the Kabobs?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with your favorite vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or asparagus. Just keep in mind that some veggies may cook faster than others, so cut them to similar sizes for even cooking.
What Can I Use Instead of Chicken Breast?
You can easily swap out the chicken breast for chicken thighs for a juicier option. If you prefer a different protein, shrimp or firm tofu also work well and can be marinated in the same way.
How Do I Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also pop them in the microwave for a quick reheat!
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Adding the chicken to the marinade a few hours ahead will enhance the flavor even more. Just make sure to give it a good shake before adding the chicken to redistribute the ingredients!
