Grilled Chicken Kabobs are juicy pieces of chicken skewered with colorful veggies like bell peppers and onions. They’re easy to make and packed with flavor!
These kabobs are perfect for a sunny day or a backyard barbecue. I love how they cook quickly on the grill, and you can even swap in your favorite veggies for a tasty twist!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is my go-to for kabobs as it cooks quickly and stays juicy. If you prefer, you can use thighs for more flavor, or even substitute with tofu for a vegetarian option!
Bell Peppers: The red and yellow peppers add sweetness and color. Feel free to swap them for green peppers or even cherry tomatoes for a different taste. Whatever you choose, make sure they are firm and vibrant!
Zucchini: Sliced into rounds, zucchini adds a nice crunch. You could replace it with summer squash or mushrooms if you prefer a different texture.
Marinade Ingredients: Olive oil is essential for moisture, but avocado oil works too. For lemon juice, you might use lime juice for a zesty twist. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can replace Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Kabobs Are Juicy and Flavorful?
The key to juicy kabobs lies in the marinating process. Allowing the chicken to soak in the marinade not only infuses flavor but also helps keep it tender. Here’s how to get the best results:
- Mix your marinade ingredients well before adding the chicken.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but don’t hesitate to go up to 4 hours for deeper flavors.
Also, remember to soak wooden skewers in water beforehand! This prevents them from burning on the grill while also making it easier to slide your ingredients on. Happy grilling!
How to Make Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Kabobs:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
- 1 onion, cut into wedges
For The Marinade:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes for preparation and marinating, plus an additional 15 minutes for grilling. If you let the chicken marinate longer (up to 4 hours), it’ll enhance the flavor even more! So overall, plan for around 30-40 minutes if you’re short on time, or up to 4 hours if you want it extra tasty.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This will create a flavorful marinade for your chicken. Make sure everything is well combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to your marinade and stir everything together until the chicken is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, letting it sit for up to 4 hours will deepen the flavors!
3. Prepare the Skewers:
While the chicken is marinating, soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes. This will help prevent them from burning when you grill the kabobs.
4. Preheat the Grill:
Now it’s time to get the grill ready! Preheat it to medium-high heat, so it’s hot and ready for the kabobs.
5. Assemble the Kabobs:
Take the skewers out of the water and start threading them with the marinated chicken and vegetables. Alternate between the chicken, red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini, and onion to create a colorful kabob.
6. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the kabobs on the hot grill. Grill them for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and has nice grill marks. You want the chicken to be juicy and tender!
7. Let Them Rest:
Once off the grill, let the kabobs rest for a few minutes. This will help keep them juicy.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the kabobs warm, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. They’re perfect for a summer meal or a backyard barbecue. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Different Vegetables for the Kabobs?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the bell peppers, zucchini, and onion with your favorite vegetables like mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or even eggplant. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking!
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours. If you’re planning to marinate longer, keep it in the fridge to avoid food safety issues. However, marinating for too long (over 24 hours) can make the chicken mushy due to the acidity in the lemon juice.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for a quick option or grill them for a few minutes to regain the original texture and flavor.
Can I Make These Kabobs Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the kabobs ahead of time! Assemble them and store them in the fridge, covered, until you’re ready to grill. If you have marinated chicken, it can be prepared the night before and assembled right before grilling for easy convenience.
