These grilled chicken kabobs are a fun and tasty meal! Juicy pieces of chicken are mixed with colorful veggies and seasoned just right for a burst of flavor.
I love how quick they are to make—just skewer, grill, and enjoy! They’re perfect for a weekend barbecue or a simple dinner that feels special. 🍗🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the go-to for kabobs. If you’re looking for a different flavor, consider using chicken thighs. They stay juicier during cooking and add a richer taste.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds a lovely richness to the marinade. If you’re allergic or looking for a lighter option, feel free to substitute with avocado oil or melted coconut oil.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors in your kabobs. You can use lime juice for a different twist or even apple cider vinegar in a pinch for acidity.
Spices: Cumin and smoked paprika spice up the chicken beautifully. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or chili powder can work too. Adjust according to your taste preferences!
Fresh Parsley: Parsley adds a fresh note when sprinkled on top. If you prefer, you might use cilantro or green onions for a different flair.
What’s the Best Way to Marinate Chicken for Kabobs?
Marinating chicken is essential for flavor and tenderness. You want to ensure the marinade has enough time to soak into the meat, making it juicy and flavorful. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth.
- Add the chicken cubes, making sure they’re well coated with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate. Letting it sit for at least 2-4 hours really enhances the flavors.
Remember, a longer marination time allows the spices to penetrate deeper. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will help, but try to aim for longer whenever possible!
How to Make Grilled Chicken Kabobs?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Skewers (metal or soaked wooden skewers)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Getting these delicious grilled chicken kabobs ready will take about 15 minutes for preparation and at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken. If you can, letting the chicken marinate for 2-4 hours helps the flavors shine! Plus, you’ll need about 10-15 minutes for grilling. So, plan for around an hour and a half in total (including the marinating time) for a flavorful dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This will create a tasty marinade for your chicken, helping to keep it juicy and flavorful!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the bowl with the marinade, stirring gently until every piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. For even better flavor, let it marinate for 2 to 4 hours.
3. Preheat the Grill:
About 10 minutes before you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and gets those beautiful grill marks!
4. Thread the Chicken onto Skewers:
Once the chicken is done marinating, take it out of the fridge. Carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces onto your skewers, making sure to leave a small gap between each piece for even cooking.
5. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook the chicken for about 10-15 minutes. Remember to turn them occasionally for even grilling. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6. Let the Kabobs Rest:
Once they’re cooked, take the kabobs off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juice inside the chicken for a delicious bite!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley over the kabobs for a pop of color and flavor! Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside some tasty vegetable sides. Happy grilling!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and stay juicier than breasts. Just keep in mind that thigh pieces might take a bit longer to cook, so check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure they’re fully cooked.
What If I Don’t Have Lemon Juice?
No worries! You can substitute lemon juice with lime juice or even white vinegar for a tangy flavor. If using vinegar, start with just 1-2 tablespoons, as it can be stronger than lemon juice.
How to Prevent Wooden Skewers from Burning?
If you’re using wooden skewers, soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling will help prevent them from burning on the grill. This gives you enough time to prepare the chicken while ensuring your skewers stay intact!
How to Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a grill or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through without drying out.
