These chicken skewers are juicy and packed with flavor, thanks to a tasty kabob marinade. Perfect for grilling, they bring a fun twist to any meal or barbecue!
I love how easy they are to make—just marinate the chicken, thread it onto skewers, and grill away. They always disappear quickly, and I can’t blame anyone; they’re delicious! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast works best for skewers. For a different flavor or texture, you can substitute with chicken thighs, which tend to be juicier.
Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and red onions are great choices for skewers. If you need alternatives, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or even eggplant can add variety and flavor.
Olive Oil: This is the base of your marinade. Avocado oil is a good substitute as it has a similar flavor and a high smoke point, making it great for grilling.
Spices: Cumin and smoked paprika give the skewers great depth. If you’d like, you could experiment with cayenne pepper for some heat or thyme for a different aromatic flavor.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is ideal for this recipe, but garlic powder can work in a pinch—just use less than fresh to avoid overpowering the dish.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Is Properly Marinated?
Marinating chicken is a key step that infuses flavor and tenderness. Make sure to use enough marinade to coat all the pieces completely. Here are some tips:
- Mix the marinade in a large bowl and add the chicken, tossing until well coated.
- For best results, let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but 4 hours is ideal for maximum flavor.
- Don’t skip the acidic component (like lemon juice); it helps tenderize the meat.
- Keep the marinated chicken in a sealed container to prevent cross-contamination and maintain freshness.
How to Make Chicken Skewers with Chicken Kabob Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- Skewers (metal or soaked wooden skewers)
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken. Then, you’ll need another 15 minutes for grilling, bringing your total time to around 1 hour. Perfect for a summer meal or a fun cookout!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, pour in the olive oil and add the lemon juice. Next, toss in the minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Using a whisk, mix everything together until it forms a well-combined marinade. This will be packed with flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Now, take the chicken cubes and add them to the marinade. Make sure every piece is coated nicely! Cover your bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the fridge. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, letting it sit for up to 4 hours will deepen the flavors even more.
3. Grill the Skewers:
Once the chicken is marinated, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, it’s time to assemble your skewers! Take the marinated chicken and start threading it onto the skewers, alternating with zucchini, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and red onion. Have fun with the colors!
4. Cook the Skewers:
When the grill is ready, carefully place the skewers on it. Grill the skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally. You want to see those beautiful grill marks, and the chicken should be cooked all the way through (an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, take the skewers off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This will keep the chicken juicy! Serve the chicken skewers warm, and feel free to garnish with fresh herbs if you like. Enjoy this tasty and colorful dish!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in My Skewers?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in any vegetables you love or have on hand. Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or even eggplant can work wonderfully. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for the best flavor. If you marinate it for longer than 4 hours, the acidity in the lemon juice can start to break down the chicken, making it mushy. So, try to stick to that time frame!
Can I Prepare These Skewers Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the skewers a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to grill. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before grilling for even cooking.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or pop them in the microwave for a quick option. Enjoy your skewers again!
