These chicken skewers are juicy and packed with flavor, thanks to a tasty marinade. They’re perfect for grilling and make a fun meal for any occasion!
I love slipping these skewers onto the grill—just watch them disappear! 🥳 They’re so simple to make, you might just start a skewer party every weekend!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great because they cook evenly and stay tender. If you’re looking for something leaner, turkey breast can be a nice swap.
Zucchini: Zucchini adds a nice crunch. You could use other veggies too, like bell peppers or mushrooms, based on your liking or what’s in your fridge.
Bell Pepper: Choose any color you like! Red, yellow, or green will all taste great. If you want a bit of a kick, try using jalapeño instead.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is ideal for flavor, but if you have another cooking oil like avocado or canola oil, it will work as well.
Spices: Paprika, cumin, and oregano create a nice flavor blend. If you don’t have cumin, try coriander, or for a zestier taste, add Italian seasoning.
How Do You Achieve the Perfectly Grilled Chicken Skewers?
Getting perfectly grilled chicken skewers involves a few key techniques to ensure they come out juicy and flavorful. The marinade is essential, so let’s break down the steps:
- Mix the marinade in a bowl and ensure it’s well-combined before adding chicken.
- Coat the chicken thoroughly and let it marinate. I recommend 4 hours for the best flavor.
- Soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes before grilling. It prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Preheat your grill properly! Medium-high heat is ideal for cooking the chicken without drying it out.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers; give each piece space for even cooking. Turn them occasionally for nice grill marks.
Let the skewers rest after grilling for a few minutes before serving. This keeps the juices in!
How to Make Chicken Skewers with Chicken Kabob Marinade!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 zucchini, sliced into 1-inch rounds
- 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
For the Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, an optional marinating time of at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for extra flavor), and about 15 minutes to cook on the grill. So, in total, you’re looking at around 1 hour to enjoy these tasty chicken skewers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
Start by grabbing a large bowl. Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. This will be your flavorful marinade to make the chicken absolutely delicious!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Now, add the chicken pieces to the marinade and make sure every piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, letting it sit for 4 hours will give even more flavor!
3. Prepare the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, now’s the time to soak them in water. This helps prevent them from burning on the grill. While they’re soaking, you can get your grill ready!
4. Preheat the Grill:
Fire up your grill and set it to medium-high heat. This will give you the perfect cooking temperature for those juicy skewers!
5. Assemble the Skewers:
With the chicken well-marinated and the grill heated, it’s time to thread the ingredients onto the skewers. Start with a piece of chicken, then add a zucchini round, followed by a piece of bell pepper and a wedge of red onion. Keep alternating until the skewer is filled. Repeat with the remaining skewers!
6. Grill the Skewers:
Place your assembled skewers on the grill. Cook them for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and has beautiful grill marks. You want that chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Let It Rest:
Once they are done cooking, carefully remove the skewers from the grill. Let them rest for a couple of minutes. This makes sure they’re juicy when you bite into them!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve those chicken skewers warm! If you’d like, garnish them with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the marinating time: shrimp requires only about 15-20 minutes, while beef may need an hour or more to fully absorb the flavors.
What Vegetables Can I Use for Skewers?
You can mix and match vegetables based on your preferences! Great options include cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or even pineapple for a sweet twist. Just ensure they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
How to Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat them in the oven or on a grill to maintain the texture, rather than using a microwave which can make them rubbery.
Can I Use a Broiler Instead of a Grill?
Yes, you can use a broiler! Place the skewers on a broiler pan and cook on high for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through. Just keep an eye on them to prevent burning, since broilers can cook quickly!
