Juicy Chicken Skewers with Magic Kabob Marinade Recipe

Succulent chicken skewers with kabob marinade promise a delightful culinary adventure that will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of the Middle East.

Aromatic spices weave magic through tender meat, creating layers of incredible flavor.

Marinating becomes an art form when you infuse each chicken piece with robust herbs and zesty ingredients.

Authentic techniques ensure every bite bursts with complex, mouth-watering sensations that dance across your palate.

Mediterranean influences shine through this simple yet sophisticated recipe, inviting you to explore a world of taste.

Grilling transforms these skewers into a perfectly charred, juicy masterpiece that connects you with centuries-old cooking traditions.

You’ll want to savor each morsel and share this incredible dish with everyone around your table.

Reasons to Try These Chicken Skewers

• Boost Flavor Fast: Transform ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering meal with a zesty marinade that packs incredible taste in just a few simple ingredients.
• Master Quick Grilling: Learn an easy technique to create perfectly charred chicken skewers that look impressive and taste restaurant-quality without complex cooking skills.
• Customize Your Meal: Swap vegetables or adjust seasonings to match your family's preferences, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable for picky eaters or adventurous food lovers.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by preparing a complete protein-packed meal on a single grill or pan, saving precious time during busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

What You Need for Chicken Skewers

• Chicken Breast: Fresh meat that provides the primary protein source for the skewers.

• Olive Oil: Helps to distribute flavors and prevent the chicken from sticking.
• Soy Sauce, Lemon Juice: Create a tangy and savory base for the marinade.
• Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic flavor to the chicken.
• Paprika, Ground Cumin, Dried Oregano: Provide warm and complex spice notes to the dish.
• Black Pepper, Salt: Enhance the overall seasoning of the chicken.

• Bell Pepper, Zucchini, Red Onion: Add color, texture, and complementary flavors to the skewers while providing nutritional variety.

• Skewers: Essential tool for grilling and presenting the chicken and vegetables in an organized manner.

How to Cook Chicken Skewers Perfectly

Step 1: Whip Up Zesty Marinade

• Olive oil
• Soy sauce
• Lemon juice
• Minced garlic
• Paprika
• Ground cumin
• Dried oregano
• Black pepper
• Salt

This magical mixture will transform your ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Step 2: Bathe Chicken in Flavor

Toss chicken cubes into a zip-top bag or bowl. Drench the meat completely in the marinade, ensuring every piece gets cozy with the seasonings. Seal and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or overnight for an epic flavor bomb.

Step 3: Chop Veggie Companions

• Bell peppers cut into 1-inch chunks
• Zucchini sliced into thick rounds
• Red onions chopped into tasty wedges

These colorful friends will join the chicken on its grilling adventure.

Step 4: Build Flavor-Packed Skewers

Unleash your inner food artist! Slide marinated chicken and veggies onto skewers, creating a beautiful pattern that looks as good as it tastes. Mix and match for a stunning presentation.

Step 5: Fire Up the Grill

Crank your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Get ready for some serious sizzling action that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 6: Grill to Perfection

Lay those skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. Watch for those gorgeous grill marks and aim for an internal chicken temperature of 165°F.

Step 7: Rest and Devour

Carefully remove skewers from the grill. Let them rest for a few minutes to lock in those precious juices. Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement!

Tips for Great Chicken Skewers Every Time

• Marinate Wisely: Let chicken soak in the flavorful mix for at least an hour, or overnight for deeper taste and tenderness.
• Skewer Strategically: Alternate chicken and vegetables for even cooking and a beautiful, colorful presentation that looks as good as it tastes.
• Grill with Precision: Maintain medium-high heat and turn skewers occasionally to achieve perfect grill marks and prevent burning.
• Check Chicken Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing safe and juicy results every time.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap soy sauce for tamari to make the recipe gluten-free, or use tofu for a vegetarian version that keeps the delicious marinade flavor.

Marinade Ideas for Chicken Skewers

• Vegetarian Kabob Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or seitan cubes, marinating in the same flavorful mixture for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Mediterranean Greek Style: Substitute olive oil with Greek yogurt in the marinade, add mint leaves, and use lamb instead of chicken for a traditional Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Skip bell peppers and onions, use zucchini and mushrooms as vegetable options, and increase protein with extra chicken pieces for a keto-friendly approach.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Mix in chipotle powder, add cayenne pepper to marinade, and serve with cilantro-lime rice for a hot and zesty southwestern interpretation of the chicken skewers.

What to Pair with Chicken Skewers

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio that cuts through the marinade's richness and complements the herb-infused chicken perfectly.
• Serve with Greek Tzatziki Dip: Create a cool, tangy yogurt-cucumber sauce that balances the grilled skewers' warm, spiced flavors and provides a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Mediterranean Couscous Salad: Prepare a light grain salad with fresh herbs, diced cucumber, tomatoes, and lemon vinaigrette to echo the skewers' Mediterranean-inspired marinade.
• Complement with Sparkling Citrus Mocktail: Mix fresh lemon juice, mint leaves, sparkling water, and a touch of honey for a bright, zesty non-alcoholic beverage that mirrors the chicken's citrusy marinade notes.

Keep Chicken Skewers Fresh and Juicy

• Transfer leftover chicken skewers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
• Wrap individual skewers in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
• Place skewers on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warmed through. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness.

Chicken Skewers Questions Answered

• What type of chicken is best for skewers?

Boneless, skinless chicken breast works perfectly. It’s lean, tender, and absorbs marinade flavors beautifully. Cut into uniform 1-inch cubes for even cooking.

• Can I use different proteins instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Swap chicken with beef, lamb, shrimp, or tofu. Each protein will take on the marinade’s delicious flavors while maintaining the skewer’s core concept.

• Do I need metal or wooden skewers?

Both work great. Metal skewers conduct heat evenly and are reusable. Wooden skewers need pre-soaking in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Choose based on your preference and available equipment.

Chicken Skewers with Kabob Marinade Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10-15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent chicken skewers with kabob marinade dance with Middle Eastern flavors, promising a delightful culinary journey. Grilled to perfection and packed with aromatic spices, these skewers will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Lebanon.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes

Vegetables:

• 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange), cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 small zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
• 1 small red onion, cut into wedges

Marinade Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste

Additional:

• Skewers (wooden or metal)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, cumin, oregano, black pepper, and salt in a mixing bowl, creating a robust flavor profile.
2. Submerge chicken cubes into the marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for 1-4 hours to allow flavor penetration, ideally not exceeding overnight.
3. Prepare vegetables during marination time by cutting bell peppers into 1-inch chunks, zucchini into thick rounds, and red onions into wedge-shaped pieces.
4. Remove chicken from marinade and carefully thread protein and vegetable pieces onto skewers, alternating for visual appeal and balanced flavor distribution.
5. Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature, approximately 400-450°F, ensuring surface is hot before adding skewers.
6. Arrange skewers on heated grill, rotating every 3-4 minutes to achieve uniform charring. Cook for 10-15 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature, monitoring for consistent browning.
7. Transfer grilled skewers from heat, allowing 3-5 minutes resting time to redistribute internal juices. Plate and serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and moisture.

Notes

• Experiment with different marinades by swapping soy sauce for coconut aminos to make the recipe gluten-free and soy-free.
• Add a kick of heat by incorporating red pepper flakes or sriracha into the marinade for those who love spicy flavors.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning during grilling, ensuring even cooking and preventing charred edges.
• Try alternative protein options like tofu, shrimp, or lamb for versatility while maintaining the same delicious marinade and cooking technique.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg