Take your grilling up a notch with these vibrant and flavorful Chicken Skewers! Juicy, marinated chicken and a rainbow of veggies create a deliciously tender and crunchy bite. These skewers are sure to impress and delight, perfect for a summer barbecue or a tasty dinner. Let’s get grilling!
Why you will love this recipe?
You’ll love this Chicken Kebab recipe because it’s incredibly flavorful and easy to make. The marinade, packed with spices and yogurt, ensures the chicken stays juicy and tender while grilling. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or a cozy dinner at home, these kebabs are sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredients you will need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- Vegetables: Yellow zucchini, green zucchini, red bell pepper, and orange bell pepper bring a burst of color and a delightful crunch to your skewers.
- Protein: Skinless and boneless chicken breast ensures a tender and juicy bite in every skewer.
- Skewers: Soaked wooden skewers or metal skewers provide the perfect base to assemble your vibrant and tasty chicken skewers.
For the Marinade:
- Olive Oil: Adds a rich and smooth texture, helping to coat the chicken evenly.
- Spices and Seasonings: A mix of dry herbs, chili flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, ground black pepper, salt (plus extra to taste), and cumin create a flavor-packed marinade that makes the chicken irresistibly delicious.
How to store?
Keep your Chicken Skewers fresh and delicious with these easy storing tips:
- Refrigeration: Place any leftover skewers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat them gently in the microwave or oven.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze any extra portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for a tasty meal anytime.
Tips for the Best Chicken Kebab
Marinate Well: Let your chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if possible, for maximum flavor and juiciness.
Uniform Pieces: Cut chicken and veggies into similar-sized pieces for even cooking and perfect bites every time.
Soak Wooden Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
Preheat the Grill: Ensure your grill is hot before cooking to sear the chicken, locking in juices and creating beautiful grill marks.
Baste While Grilling: Brush your skewers with leftover marinade or olive oil while grilling to keep them moist and add extra flavor.
Creative Twists for Chicken Kebab
Grill: Get that classic smoky flavor by cooking your skewers on a hot grill. The direct heat gives them beautiful char marks and a deliciously crisp exterior.
Oven: No grill? No problem! Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the skewers for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through for even cooking.
BBQ: Elevate your skewers with a BBQ. The smoke and high heat infuse the chicken with incredible flavor. Turn frequently to avoid burning.
Veggie Mix: Add variety with mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or red onions. Each veggie adds unique flavor and texture.
Seasonal Twists: Adapt to the seasons with fresh produce. Pineapple adds a summer tropical touch, while butternut squash offers a fall flavor boost.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for great flavor, but if you can, let it sit overnight for maximum tenderness and taste.
You can grill, bake, or BBQ your skewers. Grilling gives a smoky char, baking in a 400°F oven is easy and consistent, and BBQing adds rich, smoky flavor.
Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before cooking. Turn the skewers frequently while grilling or BBQing to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
Chicken Kebab
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 Yellow Zucchini
- 1 Green Zucchini
- 1 Red Bell Pepper
- 1 Orange Bell Pepper
- 2 pounds Chicken Breast skinless and boneless
- 12 Soaked Wooden Skewers or Metal Skewers
For the Marinade:
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Mixed Dry Herbs
- 1 tsp Chili Flakes
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Salt plus extra to taste
- 1/2 tsp Cumin
Instructions
1. Marinate The Chicken:
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, mixed dry herbs, chili flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, and cumin to create the marinade.
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1 1/2 inches each.
- Add chicken pieces to the marinade and toss until well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for optimal flavor.
2. Prepare The Other Elements:
- Wash and prepare the vegetables by deseeding (if applicable) and cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
- Soak wooden skewers in room-temperature water for 10 minutes, if using.
3. Assemble The Skewers:
- After marinating, thread pieces of chicken, yellow zucchini, green zucchini, red bell pepper, and orange bell pepper onto the skewers, alternating between ingredients to create a colorful pattern.
4. Cook The Chicken Skewers:
- Preheat grill or oven grill to medium heat (approximately 300-400ºF or 150-200ºC).
- Place skewers on the grill rack over a foil-lined roasting tray, ensuring they do not touch each other.
- Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning every 5 minutes, until chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from heat and let skewers rest for 3 minutes before serving hot with your favorite accompaniments.
