Take your grilling up a notch with these vibrant and flavorful Chicken Skewers! Juicy, marinated chicken and a rainbow of veggies create a deliciously tender and crunchy bite. These skewers are sure to impress and delight, perfect for a summer barbecue or a tasty dinner.
What Makes This Recipe Irresistible
You’ll love this Chicken Kebab recipe because it’s incredibly flavorful and easy to make. The marinade, packed with spices and yogurt, ensures the chicken stays juicy and tender while grilling. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or a cozy dinner at home, these kebabs are sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken Skewers:
- Vegetables: Yellow zucchini, green zucchini, red bell pepper, and orange bell pepper add vibrant color and a satisfying crunch.
- Protein: Skinless, boneless chicken breast provides lean, tender bites perfect for skewering.
- Skewers: Soaked wooden skewers or metal skewers are ideal for assembling your kebabs.
For the Marinade:
- Base: Olive oil creates a smooth coating, ensuring the marinade clings to the chicken.
- Spices and seasonings: A bold mix of dry herbs, chili flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, ground black pepper, and salt enhances the flavor of every bite.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Skewers
- Marinate for flavor: Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if possible, for maximum tenderness and taste.
- Cut evenly: Keep chicken and veggies similar in size for consistent cooking.
- Use soaked skewers: Soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
- A hot grill is key: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat to ensure a good sear and prevent sticking.
Creative Twists for Chicken Skewers
- Add fruits: Pineapple chunks or peach slices add a sweet, caramelized touch.
- Herb upgrade: Swap dried herbs for fresh ones like rosemary or thyme for an earthy twist.
- Spicy variation: Add cayenne pepper or Sriracha to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Mediterranean flair: Pair with olives, cherry tomatoes, and feta for a Mediterranean-inspired skewer.
- Seasonal veggies: Use seasonal produce like squash in fall or asparagus in spring.
- Oven: No grill? No problem! Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the skewers for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through for even cooking.
If you love these Chicken Skewers, be sure to check out more of my mouthwatering grill recipes like Greek Chicken Souvlaki Kebab, Grilled Rosemary Potatoes, Beef Brisket with Dry Rub, Lemon Mustard Chicken Kebab, and Barbecued Shrimp Skewers, perfect for any barbecue or grilling session.
How to Store Chicken Skewers
- Refrigeration: Place any leftover skewers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat them gently in the microwave or oven.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze any extra portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for a tasty meal anytime.
Meal Prep Made Easy
Cooked chicken skewers are perfect for meal prep! After cooking, let the skewers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave for quick, flavorful meals throughout the week. For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken and veggies in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month, then thaw overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to cook chicken skewers?
Grilling is the classic method, giving the skewers a smoky flavor and beautiful char marks. However, you can also bake them in a 400°F oven for 20–25 minutes or cook them on a BBQ for a richer smoky taste.
How do I keep the skewers from burning?
Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before cooking. Turn the skewers frequently while grilling or BBQing to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for great flavor, but if you can, let it sit overnight for maximum tenderness and taste.
Chicken Kebab
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 Yellow Zucchini
- 1 Green Zucchini
- 1 Red Bell Pepper
- 1 Orange Bell Pepper
- 2 pounds Chicken Breast skinless and boneless
- 12 Soaked Wooden Skewers or Metal Skewers
For the Marinade:
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Mixed Dry Herbs
- 1 tsp Chili Flakes
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Salt plus extra to taste
- 1/2 tsp Cumin
Instructions
1. Marinate The Chicken:
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, mixed dry herbs, chili flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, and cumin to create the marinade.
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1 1/2 inches each.
- Add chicken pieces to the marinade and toss until well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for optimal flavor.
2. Prepare The Other Elements:
- Wash and prepare the vegetables by deseeding (if applicable) and cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
- Soak wooden skewers in room-temperature water for 10 minutes, if using.
3. Assemble The Skewers:
- After marinating, thread pieces of chicken, yellow zucchini, green zucchini, red bell pepper, and orange bell pepper onto the skewers, alternating between ingredients to create a colorful pattern.
4. Cook The Chicken Skewers:
- Preheat grill or oven grill to medium heat (approximately 300-400ºF or 150-200ºC).
- Place skewers on the grill rack over a foil-lined roasting tray, ensuring they do not touch each other.
- Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning every 5 minutes, until chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from heat and let skewers rest for 3 minutes before serving hot with your favorite accompaniments.
