These Chicken Shish Kabobs are tasty, juicy pieces of chicken grilled to perfection with colorful veggies. They are perfect for a fun barbecue or a cozy dinner at home!
There’s something special about dipping these kabobs in your favorite sauce. I could eat them every day and never get bored! 🍗🔥
I love how easy they are to make. Just marinate the chicken, skewer it with veggies, and throw them on the grill. Dinner is ready in no time and everyone loves them!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this kabob. If you prefer a darker meat, you can use boneless thighs for a juicier option.
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the marinade. If you’re looking for a lighter option or need a substitute, avocado oil works well too!
Lemon Juice: Fresh juice gives a bright flavor. You can swap it with lime juice or apple cider vinegar in a pinch, but keep in mind it’ll change the taste a bit.
Spices: Smoked paprika and ground cumin are key for flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika with a touch of chipotle powder can work. Ground coriander can replace cumin.
Garlic: Fresh is best for this dish, but garlic powder can be used if you’re short on time—just use 1 teaspoon instead of 3 cloves!
How Do You Make Sure Your Chicken Stays Juicy on the Grill?
To ensure juicy chicken kabobs, the marinade and proper cooking technique are essential. Marinating the chicken for at least an hour (up to 4) helps it soak up flavors and stay tender.
- Be sure to coat each chicken piece evenly with the marinade.
- Keep the grill at medium-high heat to quickly sear the outside while keeping the inside moist.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers; leave space between pieces for heat circulation.
- Let the kabobs rest for a few minutes after grilling—this helps the juices redistribute.
How to Make Chicken Shish Kabob?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
For Serving:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken Shish Kabob recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and 10-15 minutes for cooking on the grill. Don’t forget to allow at least 1 hour for marinating the chicken! Overall, you’ll want to plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours if you can marinate longer).
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, pour in the olive oil and add the lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Mix everything well until it’s smooth and combined. This marinade will give your chicken a savory flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the bowl with the marinade. Toss them around gently to coat all sides evenly with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour—4 hours is even better for more flavor!
3. Prepare the Skewers:
If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes so they don’t burn on the grill. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat while you wait. This step is important for getting the nice grill marks and flavor on your kabobs!
4. Assemble the Kabobs:
Now it’s time to assemble! Take the marinated chicken out of the refrigerator. Thread the chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. This helps them cook evenly and get that nice crispy exterior.
5. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook the kabobs for about 10-15 minutes, turning them every few minutes so they cook evenly on all sides. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is cooked through and has those delightful grill marks!
6. Let Them Rest:
Once cooked, take the kabobs off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to settle, making the chicken even tastier!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Chicken Shish Kabobs garnished with chopped parsley and some lemon wedges on the side. You can squeeze the lemon juice over the kabobs for an extra zing of flavor. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor to your shish kabobs. Just ensure they’re cut into similar 1-inch cubes and adjust cooking time as needed since they may take a couple of minutes longer to cook through compared to breasts.
What If I Don’t Have Smoked Paprika?
No worries! You can substitute regular paprika for a less smoky flavor. If you want to mimic the smokiness, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of liquid smoke for an extra kick.
How to Store Leftover Shish Kabobs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them on a grill or in a pan to maintain that delicious grilled flavor. Alternatively, you can microwave them on a low setting, but this may cause them to lose some of their texture.
Can I Prep the Marinade in Advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just be sure to mix well before adding the chicken to evenly distribute the flavors. This will save you time on the day you plan to grill!
