Juicy Grilled Chicken Kabobs Recipe: A Sizzling Summer Delight

Summers buzz with excitement when delicious grilled chicken kabobs land on your plate, promising a burst of flavor and joy.

Skewers loaded with marinated meat and colorful vegetables create an instant celebration of outdoor cooking.

Char marks dance across tender chunks, telling stories of backyard gatherings and relaxed weekend meals.

Every ingredient plays a perfect role in this simple yet spectacular dish.

Mediterranean spices whisper promises of adventure, turning ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Marinades infuse each bite with deep, complex tastes that make people ask for seconds.

You’ll want to fire up the grill and invite friends over to share this mouthwatering feast.

Why Grilled Chicken Kabobs Are a Crowd Favorite

• Tackle Marination Magic: Infuse chicken with bold, zesty flavors by letting it soak in a delicious blend of olive oil, lemon juice, and aromatic spices, creating a mouthwatering taste explosion that elevates the entire dish.
• Grill Master's Delight: Perfect for outdoor cooking enthusiasts who love creating restaurant-quality meals right in their backyard, these kabobs turn simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing feast that showcases impressive grilling skills.
• Family Feast Favorite: Customizable and fun to prepare together, these kabobs bring everyone into the kitchen, allowing each person to thread their own skewers and enjoy a hands-on cooking experience that creates lasting memories.

Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Kabobs

• Chicken: Tender meat that serves as the primary protein for these delicious kabobs.

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and keeps the chicken moist during grilling.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic flavor to the marinade.
• Ground Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy spice to the chicken.
• Smoked Paprika: Delivers a smoky depth of flavor and beautiful color.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, green color and light herbal flavor to the finished kabobs.

• Skewers: Necessary for creating the traditional kabob shape and easy grilling.

How to Grill Chicken Kabobs Perfectly

Step 1: Whip Up Zesty Marinade

In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, fresh lemon juice, crushed garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Blend these ingredients thoroughly to create a mouthwatering coating that will transform ordinary chicken into a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Bathe Chicken in Flavor

• Chicken cubes
• Prepared marinade

Gently toss chicken pieces in the marinade, ensuring each morsel gets completely drenched. Cover the bowl and park it in the refrigerator. Let the chicken soak up the delicious flavors for 30 minutes to 4 hours.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Crank your grill to medium-high heat about 10 minutes before cooking. This primes the grill for perfect searing and those Instagram-worthy grill marks.

Step 4: Skewer with Style

Remove marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Carefully thread chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving tiny spaces between chunks to guarantee even cooking.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Place skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 10-15 minutes, rotating occasionally to ensure all sides get beautifully charred. Chicken is ready when it hits 165°F internal temperature.

Step 6: Rest and Relax

Transfer kabobs from grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This crucial pause allows juices to redistribute, keeping the meat supremely tender.

Step 7: Dress and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over kabobs for a vibrant finish. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce or vegetable sides for a complete meal that’ll make taste buds dance.

Kabob Tips for Juicy Grilled Chicken

• Prevent Skewer Burning: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading chicken to stop them from charring quickly on the grill.
• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let chicken sit in marinade for at least 2 hours to allow herbs and spices to deeply penetrate the meat, creating richer taste.
• Check Chicken Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked kabobs every time.
• Space Chicken Evenly: Leave small gaps between chicken pieces on skewers for consistent heat distribution and thorough cooking.
• Boost Herb Freshness: Chop parsley right before garnishing to maintain vibrant color and maximum flavor intensity.

Creative Chicken Kabob Combos to Try

• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Kabobs: Replace smoked paprika with oregano and add fresh rosemary, creating a classic Mediterranean flavor profile with aromatic herbs.
• Spicy Sriracha Chicken Kabobs: Swap cumin with sriracha sauce and add red pepper flakes for a hot and zesty kick that brings intense heat to the traditional recipe.
• Yogurt-Marinated Tandoori Chicken Kabobs: Substitute olive oil with plain yogurt, add garam masala and turmeric for an Indian-inspired version that delivers rich, complex spices and tender meat.
• Lemon Garlic Chicken Kabobs (Low-Carb Option): Keep original marinade but serve without sides, making it perfect for keto and low-carbohydrate diet followers who want a protein-packed meal.

Perfect Sides for Grilled Chicken Kabobs

• Wine Wonderland: Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the kabobs' zesty marinade, cutting through the grilled meat's richness with bright, refreshing notes.
• Mediterranean Mingle: Serve alongside tzatziki sauce, warm pita bread, and a fresh Greek salad to create a complete Mediterranean-style meal that enhances the kabobs' cumin and paprika flavors.
• Sidekick Sensations: Pair with grilled vegetable skewers like zucchini, bell peppers, and red onions to add color, texture, and a smoky counterpoint to the chicken's tangy marinade.

Storage Guide for Chicken Kabobs

• Wrap grilled chicken kabobs tightly in aluminum foil or place in airtight containers. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring they remain fresh and safe to eat.
• Carefully place cooled kabobs in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 2-3 months without losing quality.
• Transfer kabobs to a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to prevent drying out.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place kabobs on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent moisture loss.

FAQ for Grilled Chicken Kabobs

• How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas and juices should run clear.

• Can I use wooden skewers instead of metal?

Yes, but soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning during grilling.

• What type of chicken works best for kabobs?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal. Cut them into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.

• How long can I marinate the chicken?

Marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes and a maximum of 4 hours. Longer marination can make the chicken texture mushy due to the acid in the lemon juice.

Grilled Chicken Kabobs Recipe

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4.5 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes (minimum)
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Mediterranean grilled chicken kabobs bring Middle Eastern flavors dancing across your plate. Marinated tender chicken pieces perfectly charred and nestled with colorful vegetables create a simple yet spectacular meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

Marinade Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

• 1/4 cup (15 grams) fresh parsley, chopped

Additional Equipment:

• Skewers (metal or soaked wooden skewers)

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined.
2. Immerse chicken cubes into the marinade, ensuring each piece is completely coated. Seal the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply.
3. Prepare the grill by heating to medium-high (around 400°F) approximately 10 minutes before cooking, creating optimal grilling conditions.
4. Remove marinated chicken from refrigerator and carefully skewer pieces, maintaining slight spacing between chunks to promote uniform heat distribution.
5. Position skewers on hot grill grates, rotating every 3-4 minutes to achieve consistent caramelization and prevent burning. Total cooking time ranges 10-15 minutes.
6. Verify chicken’s doneness by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer. Properly cooked meat will appear opaque and slightly charred.
7. Transfer grilled kabobs to a clean platter, allowing them to rest 3-5 minutes for juice redistribution. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with complementary sauces or side dishes.

Notes

• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning and ensure safer cooking.
• Choose chicken breasts with uniform thickness to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent some pieces from drying out.
• Experiment with alternative protein options like tofu, shrimp, or lamb for diverse dietary preferences and exciting flavor variations.
• Add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini between chicken pieces to create colorful, nutritious kabobs and enhance overall meal texture.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes (minimum)
• Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg