These Grilled Chicken Kabobs are a fun way to enjoy juicy chicken with colorful veggies. Perfect for summer cookouts, they are easy to make and super tasty!
Who doesn’t love food on a stick? It’s like a party for your mouth! I love serving these with some rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal—make sure to grab extra napkins! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is the go-to for these kabobs. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey breast pieces work well too. Just remember, cooking times may vary slightly.
Bell Peppers: I love using a mix of colors for the sweet flavor. If you don’t have bell peppers, try using cherry tomatoes or even mushrooms for a different taste.
Zucchini: Its mild flavor adds a nice texture. You can swap it with summer squash or eggplant if you’d like. Slice them thick so they hold up on the grill.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a must for the marinade. However, garlic powder can be a good alternative in a pinch. Use about 1/8 tsp for each clove needed.
Olive Oil: This adds richness and helps to grill the kabobs evenly. Feel free to substitute it with avocado oil or melted coconut oil, especially if you prefer a different flavor.
How Do I Properly Marinate the Chicken for Flavor?
Marinating the chicken enhances the flavor and tenderness. The key is to mix the marinade thoroughly and give it enough time to work its magic. Here’s how you can do it:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper until well blended.
- Add the cubed chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate it.
- Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes; for deeper flavor, aim for 2 hours.
By marinating longer, the chicken will soak up more of that tasty mixture, making every bite oh-so-delicious!
How to Make Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 1.5 lbs 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 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
- 1 onion, cut into wedges
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus 30 minutes to marinate the chicken (you can marinate it for up to 2 hours if you want even more flavor). Grilling will take around 10-15 minutes. So total, you’ll need about 50 minutes if you include marinating time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Soak the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, start by soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes before you begin. This helps keep them from burning when you grill the kabobs.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors into a tasty marinade.
3. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, making sure each piece is coated well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you have the time!
4. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This helps to get those beautiful grill marks on your kabobs.
5. Assemble the Kabobs:
Take the marinated chicken out of the refrigerator. Thread the chicken cubes onto the skewers, alternating with pieces of the red, yellow, and green bell peppers, zucchini slices, and onion wedges. Be sure to pack them snugly but not too tightly!
6. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the assembled skewers on the grill. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally. You want the chicken to be cooked through and have nice grill marks on all sides.
7. Rest and Serve:
Once the kabobs are done cooking, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy! When ready, serve the grilled chicken kabobs garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Other Vegetables for the Kabobs?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any vegetables you enjoy. Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or even pineapple chunks work great. Just keep in mind that different veggies may have varying cooking times, so cut them to roughly similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
What If I Don’t Have Olive Oil?
No problem! You can substitute olive oil with any neutral oil like canola or grapeseed oil. For a different flavor, consider using avocado oil as well, which is great for grilling and adds a subtle taste.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
The chicken can marinate for as little as 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor. If you want to marinate it longer, you can refrigerate it overnight, but be cautious not to exceed 24 hours as the chicken may become too tender and mushy.
Can I Make These Kabobs in the Oven?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the kabobs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through. You can also use a broiler for a few minutes at the end to get that nice char effect!
