These chicken skewers are super tasty and easy to make! Marinated in a mouthwatering blend of spices, they’re perfect for grilling or baking, bringing delicious flavors to your meal.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a good skewer? They’re like a tasty little party on a stick! I love serving them with a fresh salad—or sneaking a few straight off the grill!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: This recipe uses chicken breast for its lean quality. If you prefer dark meat, thighs work well, adding more flavor. Remember, the cooking time may vary with different cuts.
Zucchini: Zucchini adds a nice texture. If it’s not available, yellow squash or eggplant can be substituted. Both add great flavor and color to your skewers!
Bell Peppers: I love using a mix of red and yellow peppers for added sweetness. If you’re not a fan of bell peppers, consider using mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or even asparagus for a fun twist.
Olive Oil: This is key for marinade richness. You can substitute it with avocado oil or canola oil if you want a different flavor or if you’re looking for a higher smoke point.
Spices: Cumin and paprika add warmth and depth. If you want a bit of heat, try adding chili powder or cayenne pepper. Conversely, you can swap these spices for Italian seasoning or a premade kabob spice mix for variation.
How Do You Get the Chicken Juicy and Flavorful?
Getting juicy, flavorful chicken starts with marination. Use a good quality marinade and allow the chicken to soak up those flavors. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix your marinade ingredients well before adding the chicken.
- Make sure the chicken pieces are well-coated. Using a plastic bag is a great way to ensure even coverage!
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but longer is even better—up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
- When grilling, avoid overcooking. Chicken breasts should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for juicy results. Use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure.
Delicious Chicken Skewers with Kabob Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
For the Marinade:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe will require about 15 minutes for preparation and an additional 30 minutes to marinate the chicken. After that, you’ll spend around 15 minutes grilling. So overall, give yourself about 1 hour for delicious homemade chicken skewers.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Making the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. This will be your flavorful marinade!
2. Marinating the Chicken:
Add the cut chicken breast pieces to the marinade in the bowl. Toss them well with the marinade so everything is coated nicely. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you want more flavor!
3. Preparing the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill. If you have metal skewers, you can skip this step.
4. Preheating the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This gives it just the right temperature for cooking the skewers perfectly!
5. Assembling the Skewers:
Once the chicken is ready, it’s time to thread everything onto the skewers. Start with a piece of chicken, then add a slice of zucchini, followed by a chunk of red and yellow bell pepper, and a piece of red onion. Repeat this alternating pattern until the skewers are full and colorful!
6. Grilling the Skewers:
Place the prepared skewers on the preheated grill. Cook them for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is cooked through and has those lovely grill marks.
7. Resting and Serving:
When your skewers are grilled to perfection, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy! Serve your chicken skewers warm, and feel free to garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Other Vegetables in These Skewers?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in any of your favorite vegetables. Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, corn, or even asparagus work great as alternatives. Just remember to cut them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
What if I Don’t Have Lemon Juice?
No problem! You can substitute lemon juice with lime juice or even apple cider vinegar to maintain that tangy flavor. If you’re using vinegar, start with a little less as it can be more potent.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just remember to give it a good stir before using it with your chicken to re-emulsify the ingredients.
How to Store Leftover Chicken Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or briefly grill them again to restore some of that delicious char. Just ensure they’re heated through before serving!
