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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for skewers because they’re lean and cook quickly. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs are a great alternative; they stay juicier on the grill.
Vegetables: Zucchini, red and yellow bell peppers, and red onions add color and crunch. Feel free to substitute with mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers of any color based on what you have on hand.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil gives the marinade richness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, avocado oil is a great substitute. It also has a higher smoke point, which is perfect for grilling.
Honey: This adds sweetness to balance the flavors. If you’re vegan, maple syrup or agave nectar can easily take its place.
Spices: Paprika and cumin give a nice depth of flavor. You can swap paprika with smoked paprika for a richer taste, or use chili powder for more heat.
How Do I Prepare the Skewers Like a Pro?
Preparing skewers can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll master it easily! First, make sure to soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling; this helps prevent them from burning.
- Cut the chicken and vegetables into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- When threading, alternate ingredients for balanced bites and even cooking.
- Leave a bit of space between pieces on the skewer. This helps heat circulate, ensuring everything cooks nicely.
Remember, turning the skewers occasionally while grilling helps avoid any stickiness to the grill and promotes a good char. Happy grilling!
How to Make Chicken Skewers with Chicken Kabob Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares
- 1 medium red onion, cut into wedges
- Bamboo or metal skewers (if using bamboo, soak in water for 30 minutes)
For the Marinade:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating the chicken (or up to overnight if you want extra flavor). Cooking the skewers on the grill will take about 10-12 minutes. Overall, aim for about 1 hour if you include the marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. This will create a flavorful marinade for your chicken. Smell that? That’s deliciousness in the making!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure they’re all well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to soak up all the tasty flavors. If you have more time, letting it sit overnight works wonders!
3. Prepare the Grill:
While your chicken is marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. This will ensure those chicken skewers get nice grill marks and cook evenly.
4. Thread the Skewers:
Once marinated, it’s time to prepare your skewers! Take the chicken and thread it onto the skewers, alternating with pieces of zucchini, red and yellow bell peppers, and red onion. Get creative with the colors and make it look pretty!
5. Grill the Skewers:
Now that your grill is hot, carefully place the skewers on it. Grill them for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally so they cook evenly and get those beautiful marks. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C).
6. Rest and Serve:
When done, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute so your chicken stays tender. Serve the warm skewers on a platter, and feel free to garnish with fresh parsley if you’d like. Enjoy your delicious chicken skewers!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in These Skewers?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or even asparagus. Just keep in mind the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the vegetables you choose, so adjust accordingly to ensure everything is perfectly grilled.
Can I Make the Chicken Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade in advance! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just add the chicken the day you plan to grill for the best flavor. If you’d like, you can also marinate the chicken overnight for even more deliciousness!
How to Store Leftover Chicken Skewers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but be careful not to overdo it to avoid drying them out.
What Should I Serve with Chicken Skewers?
These chicken skewers pair wonderfully with a side of rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them with pita bread and tzatziki or hummus for a Mediterranean twist. Enjoy experimenting with your favorite sides!
