These Balsamic Grilled Chicken Kabobs are a fun and tasty way to enjoy juicy chicken. Marinated in a sweet and tangy balsamic mix, they’re packed with flavor and colorful veggies!
Grilling kabobs is like a backyard party on a stick! 😄 I love how easy they are to make—just thread the chicken and veggies, grill them, and you’re ready to feast on some deliciousness!
Serve these kabobs with a fresh salad or some rice. You’ll impress your friends and family, and might even want to make them every week! Trust me, they’ll keep asking for more!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: This recipe shines with chicken breast, but you can swap it for chicken thighs for a juicier option. Thighs have more fat, which can add flavor as they grill.
Balsamic Vinegar: Using quality balsamic vinegar is key to rich flavors. If you don’t have it, apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar can work, but they’ll give a different taste.
Peppers: I love the flavor of both red and yellow bell peppers in this dish. If you want a spicier kick, feel free to use jalapeños or even some cubed pineapple for sweetness!
Zucchini & Summer Squash: Fresh veggies not only add color but also great textures. If you can’t find summer squash, just use more zucchini or other grillable veggies like mushrooms or asparagus.
Herbs: Oregano is nice, but try mixing it up with thyme or Italian seasoning. Fresh herbs are great too but adjust the amount since they are stronger in flavor!
How Do I Prepare the Perfect Skewers for Grilling?
Preparing skewers correctly can make or break your grilling experience! Here are my tips to help you out:
- For wooden skewers, always soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
- When threading items onto the skewer, alternate between meat and veggies. This helps everything cook evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers! Leave a bit of space between pieces to allow heat to circulate.
- Try to keep similar-sized pieces together so that they cook at the same rate.
Balsamic Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Marinade:
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For The Kabobs:
- 1 lb 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 zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
- 1 summer squash, sliced into thick rounds
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 8-10 cherry tomatoes
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes for marinating the chicken, plus another 15-20 minutes for grilling. In total, you should plan for about 45-50 minutes to prepare and grill these tasty kabobs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This delicious blend will give your chicken great flavor.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade. Make sure all the pieces are well coated. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you want even more flavor!
3. Prepare the Grill and Skewers:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 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. Begin threading the marinated chicken and the vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, summer squash, red onion, and cherry tomatoes) onto the soaked skewers. Alternate between chicken and veggies for a colorful and tasty kabob!
5. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the assembled skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally so they get nice grill marks and cook evenly. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is cooked through.
6. Rest and Garnish:
After grilling, remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy. Before serving, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a lovely touch!
Enjoy these warm, flavorful kabobs as a delightful meal or appetizer with family and friends!
Can I Use Different Vegetables for the Kabobs?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute or add your favorite vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or even pineapple. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking. If you’re using firmer vegetables, like carrots or potatoes, consider parboiling them for a few minutes before skewering.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 30 minutes up to 2 hours. For optimal flavor, try not to exceed 24 hours, as the acidity of the balsamic vinegar can start to break down the chicken and impact its texture. If marinating longer, keep it in the refrigerator!
Can I Cook These Kabobs in the Oven?
Yes! If you prefer to cook the kabobs indoors, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Just keep an eye on them to ensure even cooking!
How to Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Enjoy them cold in salads or wraps for a quick meal!
