These chicken skewers are juicy and packed with flavor thanks to a tasty kabob marinade. They’re perfect for grilling, BBQs, or a fun dinner at home!
Seriously, who can resist tender chicken on a stick? I love serving them with a side of rice or salad for a colorful plate. Plus, they’re super easy to make and a total crowd-pleaser!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star here, but you can use thighs if you prefer a juicier option. The cut should be around 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
Vegetables: I love using zucchini, bell peppers, and onion for color and flavor. You can swap these for cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or even eggplant based on your preference or what you have at home.
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the marinade. If you need a substitute, avocado oil works well. It has a high smoke point and a mild flavor.
Spices: The combination of paprika, cumin, and oregano gives a great flavor kick. If you don’t have one, Italian seasoning is a suitable alternative. Just adjust to taste!
How Do I Ensure the Chicken Stays Juicy on the Grill?
To keep your chicken moist and flavorful, marinating is key. A good marinade not only adds flavor, it helps to tenderize the meat. Here’s what to do:
- Mix all your marinade ingredients well and make sure to coat each piece of chicken thoroughly.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes but going longer (up to 2 hours) really enhances the flavor.
- Soak wood skewers in water to prevent burning on the grill.
- Finally, preheat your grill! A medium-high heat will help cook the chicken quickly, sealing in juices.
How to Make Chicken Skewers with Chicken Kabob Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into squares
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into squares
- 1 red onion, cut into squares
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
For the Marinade:
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes of active preparation time, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating the chicken. You can marinate it for up to 2 hours for extra flavor. Cooking on the grill will take around 10-15 minutes. Overall, expect about 1 hour total before you can enjoy your tasty skewers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
Begin by grabbing a medium bowl. Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This will be the flavorful marinade for your chicken. Make sure everything is mixed well!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the cubed chicken to the bowl with the marinade. Use a spoon to stir everything around, ensuring all the chicken pieces are nicely coated. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes—but if you have a little extra time, letting it sit for up to 2 hours will give it even better flavor!
3. Prepare the Skewers and Grill:
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning while grilling. Meanwhile, preheat your grill to medium-high heat so it’s nice and hot for cooking.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Once the chicken is done marinating, it’s time to assemble! Take the skewers and thread on the marinated chicken cubes, followed by pieces of zucchini, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and red onion. Alternate the ingredients so that your skewers look colorful and appetizing!
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers carefully on the preheated grill. Cook them for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally so they cook evenly. You’ll know they are done when the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center (it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F).
6. Rest and Serve:
Once the skewers are off the grill, let them rest for a few minutes. This will help keep the chicken juicy. When you’re ready, serve the chicken skewers warm! Feel free to add some fresh herbs on top for an extra touch.
Enjoy your delicious Chicken Skewers with Chicken Kabob Marinade!
Can I Use Another Protein Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu for a vegetarian version. Just be mindful of cooking times: shrimp cook quickly (about 5-7 minutes) while beef may require longer depending on cut and thickness. Ensure the internal temperature reaches safe levels for each protein.
What If I Don’t Have a Grill?
No worries! You can use an oven broiler or a stovetop grill pan. Preheat your broiler or grill pan, then cook the skewers for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked. For optimum results with the oven, place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil.
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Yes, marinating overnight is a great way to enhance the flavors! Just ensure you keep the marinated chicken in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage. If you marinate for too long, the acidity from the lemon juice can start to break down the chicken, making it less tender.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftover chicken skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or return them to a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through. Enjoy up to two times to maintain freshness!
