These yummy chicken skewers are bursting with flavor, thanks to a tasty kabob marinade! They’re perfect for grilling and make dinner feel like a fun BBQ party.
Who doesn’t love food on a stick? I often make extra because they disappear fast! Serve them hot with a side of veggies, and you’re all set for a tasty meal that everyone will enjoy.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for skewers because they cook evenly and stay juicy. You could swap them for chicken thighs for a richer flavor or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Bell Peppers: I used red and yellow because they add a pop of color and sweetness. Feel free to mix it up with green bell peppers or add other veggies like cherry tomatoes or mushrooms for variety.
Zucchini: Slicing zucchini into rounds is great, but you could also use yellow squash. If zucchini isn’t available, try asparagus or even eggplant slices for a different twist.
Marinade: The combination of olive oil, lemon juice, and spices brings out the flavors beautifully. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, you could use plain yogurt as a marinade base, or for a zestier flavor, try lime juice instead of lemon.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Skewers Are Juicy and Flavorful?
Marinating chicken is key for bringing out the flavors. In this recipe, you want to let the chicken soak up those spices and moisture. Here’s how you can make the most of the marinating process:
- Combine the marinade ingredients well, making sure the garlic and spices are evenly mixed into the oil and lemon juice.
- Cut the chicken into uniform cubes, about 1-inch, so they cook evenly.
- Marinate for at least 1 hour, but if you can, go for 4 hours. This really penetrates the chicken with flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers; give the pieces a little space for even cooking and nice grill marks.
Delicious Chicken Skewers with Chicken Kabob Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Skewers (wooden or metal; soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes)
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour for marinating. Cooking on the grill will add another 12-15 minutes, totaling approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to enjoy these tasty chicken skewers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This marinade will add awesome flavors to the chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes into the bowl and toss them around to coat everything well with the marinade. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour for a tasty result—if you want even more flavor, feel free to let it sit for up to 4 hours!
3. Prepare the Grill and Skewers:
While your chicken is soaking up all that flavor, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. And while it heats up, take your skewers and start assembling them! Thread the marinated chicken pieces and alternate with red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, zucchini slices, and red onion until the skewers are filled with colorful goodness.
4. Grill the Skewers:
Once the grill is hot, carefully place your skewers on it. Cook them for about 12-15 minutes, turning them occasionally. Keep an eye on them until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) with lovely grill marks.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
After grilling, take the skewers off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This waiting time helps keep everything juicy. Serve your chicken skewers warm, and if you’d like, garnish with fresh parsley. You can also add your favorite dipping sauce or side dishes to make this meal even more enjoyable!
Can I Use Other Vegetables for the Skewers?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with any veggies you prefer, such as cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or asparagus. Just remember to cut them into similar sizes as the chicken for even cooking.
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Yes, marinating the chicken overnight is a great way to enhance the flavor! Just be careful not to exceed 24 hours, as the acid from the lemon juice can begin to break down the chicken, making it mushy.
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, let the skewers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can be reheated gently in the microwave or on a grill pan.
What Can I Serve with Chicken Skewers?
Chicken skewers pair wonderfully with a variety of sides! Consider serving them with a refreshing salad, tzatziki sauce, or rice pilaf. Grilled pita or couscous also make great companions.
