– **Title**: Chicken Fajita Kebabs
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), sliced into strips
– 1 onion, sliced into strips
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh lime wedges for serving
– Wooden or metal skewers
– **Instructions**:
1. **Prepare the Skewers**: If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
2. **Marinate the Chicken**: In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil and fajita seasoning. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
3. **Prepare the Vegetables**: While the chicken marinates, slice the bell pepper and onion into strips.
4. **Assemble the Kebabs**: Thread the marinated chicken, bell pepper, and onion alternately onto the skewers. Leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.
5. **Preheat the Grill**: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
6. **Cook the Kebabs**: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach at least 165°F (75°C).
7. **Serve**: Remove the kebabs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve with fresh lime wedges for squeezing over the top and enjoy!
These Chicken Fajita Kebabs make for a delicious and colorful meal, perfect for grilling season or anytime you crave a flavorful dish!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Chicken breast is great for these kebabs because it cooks quickly and stays juicy. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey breast is a good substitute. For a different flavor, consider using shrimp or beef.
Bell Peppers: The variety of bell peppers adds color and sweetness. Red, yellow, and green are classic choices, but you can also use orange bell peppers. If bell peppers aren’t available, zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes can make tasty swaps.
Fajita Seasoning: Store-bought fajita seasoning is convenient, but you can make your own with spices like cumin, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. This way, you can adjust the heat level to your liking!
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are usual, but corn tortillas give a nice gluten-free option. You can also serve the kebabs over rice or in a salad for a different presentation and experience.
How Do I Cook Chicken Kebabs to Avoid Drying Out the Chicken?
Keeping the chicken juicy is a key part of making kebabs. Marinating the chicken helps it soak up flavor while keeping moisture locked in. Here are some tips:
- Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes, but longer (up to 2 hours) is better.
- Ensure an even size for your chicken pieces—this helps them cook at the same rate.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers; give the chicken and veggies space for even cooking.
- Cook kebabs over medium-high heat and turn them regularly to create grill marks without burning.
- Let kebabs rest for a few minutes after grilling; this allows juices to redistribute.
How to Make Chicken Fajita Kebabs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kebabs:
- 1 lb (450 g) 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 onion, cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Tortillas
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges
- (Optional) Avocado or guacamole, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating. Cooking on the grill will take an additional 10-15 minutes. Overall, you can make delicious Chicken Fajita Kebabs in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, fajita seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken cubes to the bowl and toss until they are nicely coated in the seasoning. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you want an extra burst of flavor, you can marinate for up to 2 hours in the fridge!
2. Prepare the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This will ensure the kebabs cook evenly and get those beautiful grill marks!
3. Prepare the Vegetables:
While the grill is heating, chop your bell peppers and onion into 1-inch pieces and place them in separate bowls. This makes it easy to keep everything organized when you start assembling your skewers.
4. Assemble the Kebabs:
Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to assemble! Take your skewers and start threading the chicken and vegetables on them, alternating between pieces of chicken and vegetables. This not only looks colorful but also allows all the flavors to blend!
5. Grill the Kebabs:
Place the assembled skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally to get nice grill marks on the chicken and slightly char the vegetables. Make sure the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.
6. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the kebabs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps to keep the chicken tender and juicy.
7. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve the Chicken Fajita Kebabs warm with tortillas, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Add some avocado or guacamole on the side for dipping if you like. Enjoy your flavorful meal!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can customize your kebabs with other vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. If using firmer vegetables like carrots, consider parboiling them for a few minutes before skewering to soften them up.
What Can I Substitute for Fajita Seasoning?
If you don’t have fajita seasoning on hand, you can easily make your own! Combine equal parts of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Adjust the spices based on your taste preference for a personalized blend.
How to Store Leftover Kebabs?
Store any leftover kebabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can toss them briefly on a grill or grill pan to regain some char.
Can I Make These Kebabs in the Oven?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Place the skewers on the baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender.
