Grilled chicken kabobs are a fun and tasty treat! Juicy pieces of chicken are mixed with colorful veggies, all skewered and grilled to perfection. Yum!
These kabobs are a hit at gatherings. I love serving them with a side of rice or salad. Plus, they’re super easy to make—just marinate, skewer, and grill!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for kabobs, but you can use thighs for more flavor. If you want a lighter option, try shrimp or firm tofu for a meat-free version!
Olive Oil: This adds moisture and flavor. You can substitute it with avocado oil or canola oil if you prefer. I find avocado oil gives a nice, smooth finish to the chicken.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the marinade. If you’re out of lemons, try lime juice or even vinegar for a tangy alternative. I often use a mix of both for added depth!
Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and dried oregano together create a burst of flavor. You can swap paprika for sweet or hot if that’s your preference. Adjust based on what you love!
Fresh Parsley: It’s a lovely garnish that adds color and freshness. If you don’t have parsley, cilantro works well too. I personally like the mix of flavors with cilantro.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Kabobs Don’t Dry Out on the Grill?
To keep your chicken moist and juicy, marinating is key. Aim for at least 30 minutes but up to 2 hours works wonders! This not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the meat.
- Make sure to preheat your grill to medium-high heat, then cook the kabobs for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s at 165°F (75°C). This step is important for juicy chicken!
- Let the kabobs rest for a couple of minutes after grilling before serving. This helps keep the juices inside.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Kabobs:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes before grilling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and then 30-120 minutes to marinate the chicken. After marinating, cooking on the grill will only take about 10-12 minutes. In total, you can expect around 1 hour to enjoy these delicious Grilled Chicken Kabobs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, start by combining the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s well blended and looks smooth.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the cubes of chicken to the marinade in the bowl. Toss the chicken well to ensure every piece is covered in the flavorful marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, letting it sit for up to 2 hours will enhance the flavors even more!
3. Get the Grill Ready:
While the chicken is marinating, go ahead and preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure they have been soaking in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
4. Assemble the Kabobs:
Once the chicken is nicely marinated, take it out of the fridge. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, making sure to leave a little space between each piece. This helps them cook evenly!
5. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill the chicken kabobs for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally so they cook evenly and get a nice char. To ensure they are ready, check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (75°C).
6. Let Them Rest:
Once the kabobs are done, carefully remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle, making them more tender and flavorful!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, sprinkle the kabobs with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your delicious Grilled Chicken Kabobs with your favorite sides!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and will add more flavor and moisture to your kabobs. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a few extra minutes to cook through compared to breasts. Aim for the same internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What If I Don’t Have All the Spices?
No worries! You can get creative with substitutions. For instance, if you’re missing smoked paprika, regular paprika mixed with a pinch of cumin works well. Feel free to use your favorite herbs and spices according to what you have on hand!
How Should I Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a skillet over medium heat until warmed through or pop them in the microwave for a quick heat-up!
Can I Make the Marinade in Advance?
Definitely! You can make the marinade up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to use it, simply add the chicken and let it marinate as directed for an easy prepped meal!
