Grilled Chicken Kabobs Recipe

If you’re searching for a meal that captures sunshine on a plate, look no further than these Grilled Chicken Kabobs. Juicy, vibrant, and irresistibly flavorful, these skewers combine marinated chicken with colorful veggies, all charred to perfection for an easy yet impressive dinner everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Super Juicy, Flavorful Chicken: The lemon-garlic marinade locks moisture into every bite with crave-worthy spices.
  • Vibrant & Colorful Veggies: Bright bell peppers and red onion not only add crunch and sweetness but also make your platter pop.
  • Perfect for Any Barbecue: Whether you’re grilling for the family or hosting friends, these kabobs always steal the show.
  • Easy to Make Ahead: Simply marinate in advance—assembly and grilling are a breeze when it’s time to eat!
Grilled Chicken Kabobs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Grilled Chicken Kabobs is how their fresh, simple ingredients sing together on every skewer. Each pick comes packed with flavors and pops of color, making this recipe both easy to shop for and satisfying to serve.

  • Boneless skinless chicken breast: Tender and lean, these cut into perfect chunks and soak up all the marinade flavors.
  • Olive oil: Provides richness and keeps the chicken juicy as it grills.
  • Lemon juice: Brightens everything up with zesty acidity that tenderizes the chicken beautifully.
  • Garlic cloves: Minced for a bold aromatic punch that infuses each bite.
  • Paprika: Adds gentle warmth and a rosy hue to the marinade.
  • Cumin: Layers on subtle earthiness, reminiscent of Middle Eastern street food.
  • Cinnamon: Just a hint adds surprising depth and a whisper of sweetness.
  • Salt & black pepper: Essential seasonings that pull everything together.
  • Red onion: Turns irresistibly sweet and caramelized once grilled.
  • Bell peppers: Choose any color you love—each one brings its own splash of sweetness and vibrancy.
  • Vegetable oil: Used to grease the grill so nothing sticks.
  • Chopped parsley: The freshest touch for a bright, herbal finish.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the joys of Grilled Chicken Kabobs is just how endlessly customizable they are. Feel free to swap, add, or adjust ingredients to make these kabobs a new family tradition that fits your cravings and needs!

  • Go Mediterranean: Add chunks of zucchini or cherry tomatoes for a garden-fresh kabob with even more color.
  • Spicy Kick: Mix some smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne into the marinade if you like it hot.
  • Dairy-Free Creaminess: Add a dollop of coconut yogurt to the marinade for an unbelievably juicy texture (plus it’s allergy-friendly!).
  • Low-Carb Version: Swap bell peppers and onions for mushrooms and zucchini for an even lighter, low-carb meal.

How to Make Grilled Chicken Kabobs

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Toss in the chicken pieces and get them well-coated. Let the flavors mingle in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (but if you have time, up to 8 hours is even better—the chicken will thank you!).

Step 2: Prep the Grill and Ingredients

While the chicken marinates, slice your red onion into thick wedges and chop your bell peppers into generous square pieces. Preheat your grill to medium-high, and give those grates a brush of vegetable oil to help prevent sticking.

Step 3: Assemble the Kabobs

Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, alternating with the bell pepper and onion pieces for maximum color and flavor on every stick. If you have leftover marinade, drizzle it over the kabobs for extra goodness.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook, turning every couple of minutes to ensure even browning, until the chicken is cooked through and the edges have those irresistible grill marks—this usually takes 10-15 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid overcooking!

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Transfer your Grilled Chicken Kabobs straight from the grill to a serving platter. Garnish with heaps of fresh chopped parsley, and serve them up hot alongside your favorite sides.

Pro Tips for Making Grilled Chicken Kabobs

  • Marinate Like a Pro: The longer you let the chicken soak, the more flavor you get—overnight is fantastic if you have the time.
  • Uniform Pieces, Even Cooking: Try to cut chicken and veggies into similar-sized chunks so each skewer grills evenly—no dry bits, no raw surprises.
  • Double Up on Skewers: Threading two parallel skewers through each kabob makes them sturdier and easier to flip without losing any precious pieces.
  • Don’t Forget to Rest: Let your kabobs rest for 5 minutes off the grill before serving—this helps the juices settle and keeps everything extra succulent.

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Kabobs

Grilled Chicken Kabobs Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

For a final flourish, scatter chopped fresh parsley or cilantro over your kabobs just before serving. Add a squeeze of extra lemon for brightness, or a dusting of sumac for a fragrant, tangy zing—either way, these little touches make your platter truly special.

Side Dishes

Pile your Grilled Chicken Kabobs alongside fluffy Lebanese rice, a generous bowl of hummus, or a crisp cucumber-tomato salad. Simple grilled pita or even some garlic yogurt sauce turns this meal into a glorious, summery feast.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting, arrange kabobs on a big wooden board with grilled lemons and a rainbow of roasted veggies. Try serving them de-skewered over mixed greens for a stunning kabob salad, or tuck them into wraps for a build-your-own kabob bar at your next cookout.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Grilled Chicken Kabobs keep beautifully in the fridge—just slide them off the skewers and pop into an airtight container for up to 4 days. Perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week!

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken and vegetables for up to 2 months. Just let them cool, remove from skewers, and pack into freezer-safe bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave (covered so they stay moist) or quickly on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth. For that just-grilled flavor, pop kabobs under the broiler for a minute or two to re-crisp the edges.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for these kabobs?

    Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and add extra richness to Grilled Chicken Kabobs. Just trim any excess fat, cut them into chunks, and marinate as directed—the grilling time is about the same.

  2. Do I need to soak wooden skewers before grilling?

    Yes, if you’re using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading. This helps prevent them from burning on the grill and keeps the kabobs intact.

  3. How can I tell when the chicken is cooked through?

    The safest way is to use an instant-read thermometer—the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If you don’t have one, cut into a piece: it should be white and juicy with no pink in the center.

  4. Can I prepare Grilled Chicken Kabobs ahead of time for a party?

    Definitely! You can marinate and assemble the kabobs up to a day in advance and keep them covered in the fridge. Grill them just before serving for maximum freshness and wow-factor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a new staple on your summer table, don’t wait another minute—give these Grilled Chicken Kabobs a try. They’re easy, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to draw smiles all around. I hope your family enjoys every colorful, savory bite as much as mine does!

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Grilled Chicken Kabobs Recipe

Grilled Chicken Kabobs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 110 reviews
  • Author: Villerius
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 69 skewers 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Halal

Description

These Grilled Chicken Kabobs are a delightful and flavorful dish perfect for a barbecue or a casual weeknight dinner. Tender marinated chicken, colorful bell peppers, and red onions grilled to perfection on skewers, served with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken Kabobs:

  • 1 1/2 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into large bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For Assembling:

  • 1 large red onion, cut into thick slices
  • 2 bell peppers, cut into squares
  • Vegetable oil for greasing the grill
  • Chopped parsley for serving

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Add chicken pieces, mix well, and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Preheat the Grill: Grease the grill with vegetable oil and preheat to medium-high heat.
  3. Assemble Kabobs: Thread marinated chicken, bell peppers, and onions onto skewers, alternating between the ingredients. Pour any leftover marinade on top.
  4. Grill Kabobs: Grill until fully cooked and golden brown, turning skewers every few minutes for even cooking, about 10-15 minutes.
  5. Serve: Remove from the grill and serve with Lebanese rice or preferred sides.

Notes

  • Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Make Ahead: You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for convenience.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 skewer
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 380mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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