These chicken skewers are juicy and full of flavor, thanks to a tasty marinade! Perfect for grilling, they’re an easy choice for a fun meal.
Every bite is packed with zesty goodness, and they make me feel like a grilling pro! I love serving them with fresh veggies for a colorful plate. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for skewers since they cook evenly. You can substitute with thighs for a juicier option. Rotisserie chicken works well if you’re short on time—just shred it and skip the marinating step.
Bell Peppers: Red and yellow bell peppers add great color and sweetness. If you prefer other veggies, consider using green bell peppers or even cherry tomatoes for a fun twist.
Zucchini: Sliced zucchini gives a nice texture. If zucchini isn’t available, try using eggplant or asparagus for a different flavor and look.
Marinade Ingredients: Olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic are the base. You can swap olive oil for avocado oil or use lime juice for a zesty kick. Fresh herbs like cilantro can be used instead of dried oregano.
How Do You Keep Chicken from Sticking to the Grill?
Keeping chicken from sticking can be tricky. Here are some tips to ensure your skewers come off the grill easily:
- Make sure the grill is preheated. A hot grill will help sear the chicken quickly, forming a nice crust.
- Use oil! Brush the grill grates with a little oil before placing the skewers on it.
- Don’t flip too soon. Let the chicken develop grill marks before turning them. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water. This prevents burning and sticking.
Delicious Chicken Skewers with Kabob Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1 lb 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
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before using)
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for prep, plus at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours) for marinating the chicken. The cooking time on the grill will take about 12-15 minutes. Overall, set aside about 1 hour and 45 minutes to prepare and cook your delicious chicken skewers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
Start by whisking together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. This will be your tasty marinade that adds lots of flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and stir to make sure all the pieces are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you have the time—it really enhances the flavor!
3. Prepare for Grilling:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. This ensures the chicken gets a nice sear and those beautiful grill marks!
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge. Now it’s time to assemble! Thread the chicken, alternating with pieces of red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, zucchini slices, and red onion onto the skewers. Play around with the colors and shapes to make them look extra inviting!
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place your assembled skewers on the preheated grill. Cook them for about 12-15 minutes, turning them occasionally. You want to cook the chicken until it’s fully done and its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Watch for those lovely grill marks!
6. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, carefully take the skewers off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This will help them stay juicy. When ready to serve, you can garnish them with fresh parsley if you’d like! Serve warm alongside rice, pita bread, or a fresh salad for a delightful meal. Enjoy your tasty chicken skewers!
Can I Use Different Vegetables for the Skewers?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables. Some great options include cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or asparagus. Just aim to cut them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. If you’re marinating for longer than 2 hours, be cautious as the acid in the lemon juice can start to break down the chicken, affecting its texture. For best results, stick to the time range provided.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Skewers?
No problem! If you don’t have skewers, you can grill the chicken and vegetables directly on the grill or use a grill basket. Just make sure everything is cut into manageable pieces and is evenly spaced for effective cooking.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on a skillet over low heat to maintain the texture without drying them out. Enjoy them in a salad or wrap!
