These chicken skewers are packed with flavor thanks to a tasty kabob marinade. Juicy and tender, they’re perfect for grilling up a fun meal!
They’re not just easy to make, but also great for parties. I love serving them with some fresh veggies on the side. Who can resist a meal on a stick? 🍗🥦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: This is the main protein for the skewers. You could substitute with chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat, as they are juicier. Tofu or tempeh also works if you’re looking for a plant-based option!
Bell Peppers: Red and yellow peppers add sweetness and color. Feel free to substitute with green peppers for a more bitter taste or use mushrooms for a different texture.
Zucchini: Sliced zucchini adds freshness. If zucchini isn’t available, yellow squash or even eggplant can be excellent alternatives!
Olive Oil: This helps to lock in moisture. If needed, you can use canola oil or avocado oil, which also have high smoke points.
Spices (Paprika, Cumin, Oregano): These spices give flavor. Substitute paprika with smoked paprika for a smoky flavor, or omit cumin if it’s not your favorite; dried basil can be a good substitute for oregano.
How Do I Ensure My Skewers Don’t Burn?
If you’re using wooden skewers, soaking them before grilling is key. This prevents them from charring on the grill. Here’s how:
- Submerge wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This helps absorb moisture.
- Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high to cook the chicken evenly without burning the vegetables.
For metal skewers, you can skip the soaking step. Just ensure they’re clean and ready to use!
How to Make Chicken Skewers with Chicken Kabob Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 bell peppers (red and yellow), cut into squares
- 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
For the Marinade:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating the chicken. The cooking itself will take about 10-12 minutes on the grill. Overall, you’re looking at around 1 hour total to make delicious chicken skewers.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined. This marinade will add a ton of flavor to your chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade and stir them around so they are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken to a zip-top bag. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours if you want even more flavor.
3. Prepare the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, now’s the time to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes so they don’t burn on the grill. While they soak, preheat your grill to medium-high heat so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to cook.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Once the chicken is marinated, it’s time to assemble! Take the skewers and thread them with marinated chicken and your colorful vegetables—bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion. Alternate them on the skewer for a beautiful presentation.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Carefully place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. You can check for doneness by cutting into a piece of chicken; it should be no longer pink inside.
6. Serve:
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them cool slightly. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or a fresh side salad. Enjoy your delicious chicken skewers with friends and family!
These chicken skewers are perfect for summer grilling and are sure to impress!
Can I Use Different Vegetables for the Skewers?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your vegetable choices. Some great options include cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, eggplant, or even pineapple for a sweet touch. Just make sure the vegetables you choose have similar cooking times to the chicken to ensure everything cooks evenly!
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you’re out of olive oil, you can use canola oil, sunflower oil, or avocado oil. Each will work well for the marinade, providing a nice flavor and helping to keep the chicken moist during grilling. Just keep in mind each oil has a slightly different flavor profile.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
The chicken can be marinated for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours for maximum flavor. If you’re planning to marinate for longer, avoid going beyond 24 hours, as the texture of the chicken can start to break down, making it mushy.
Can I Store Leftover Chicken Skewers?
Yes! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through, or you can grill them lightly to crisp them up again.
