Juicy Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe
Introduction
Chicken skewers are a simple, flavorful dish perfect for grilling season. Marinated chicken pieces combined with fresh vegetables make for a tasty and colorful meal that’s easy to prepare and great for sharing.
Ingredients
- Chicken (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Marinade (your choice of spices, oil, and acid)
- Vegetables (such as bell peppers, onions, zucchini, cut into chunks)
Instructions
- Step 1: Marinate the chicken pieces in your chosen marinade for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Step 2: Thread the marinated chicken and vegetables alternately onto skewers.
- Step 3: Grill the skewers over medium heat, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and vegetables are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
Tips & Variations
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Use a yogurt-based marinade for extra tenderness and tangy flavor.
- Add different vegetables like cherry tomatoes or mushrooms for variety.
Storage
Store leftover cooked chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on a grill to maintain moisture without drying out the chicken.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for skewers?
It’s best to use fully thawed chicken to ensure even cooking and proper marination. Frozen chicken can cook unevenly and may remain undercooked inside.
What’s a good marinade for chicken skewers?
A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs works well. You can also add spices like cumin or paprika for extra flavor.
PrintJuicy Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe
Delicious and juicy chicken skewers marinated in a flavorful blend and grilled to perfection. This easy recipe combines tender chicken pieces with fresh vegetables, offering a perfect balance of smoky and savory flavors ideal for a quick meal or outdoor barbecue.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
Marinade
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetables
- 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 small red onion, cut into wedges
- Zucchini, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to blend all flavors.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the cubed chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1-2 hours to enhance the flavor and tenderness.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F (204°C), and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Thread chicken and vegetables onto skewers: Alternate pieces of marinated chicken with chunks of bell peppers, onion, and zucchini (if using) onto skewers. Leave a bit of space between pieces to allow even cooking.
- Grill the skewers: Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes to ensure even grilling and prevent burning. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and vegetables are tender with slight char marks.
- Rest and serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes. Serve warm with your favorite side dishes or dipping sauces.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes prior to threading helps prevent burning on the grill.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for juicier skewers.
- Vegetables can be swapped or omitted based on preference.
- For indoor cooking, use a grill pan on the stovetop.
- Ensure chicken is cooked through by checking with a meat thermometer.
Keywords: Chicken skewers, grilled chicken, barbecue chicken, kebabs, grilled vegetables, easy chicken recipe
