Chicken Shish Kabob is a fun and tasty dish with juicy, marinated chicken pieces grilled to perfection! It’s often paired with colorful veggies like bell peppers and onions.
Who can resist food on a stick? I love loading mine with extra peppers for a pop of color and crunch. It’s perfect for summer barbecues or just a cozy family dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless skinless chicken breasts are great because they cook quickly and are tender. You can also use thighs for a juicier option, or even shrimp or vegetables for a vegetarian twist!
Olive Oil: This adds a nice richness to the marinade. If you’re looking for a lighter option, avocado oil or grapeseed oil works well, too. Use what you have handy!
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives an amazing flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can substitute, but use a smaller amount as it’s more concentrated. Fresh is always better, though!
Spices: Paprika, cumin, coriander, and oregano create a lovely blend. For a different kick, try smoked paprika or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat. If you’re out of cumin or coriander, mix in some taco seasoning as a fun alternative!
Skewers: Metal skewers are reusable and great for grilling. If you use wooden skewers, soaking is key to prevent burning. If you don’t have skewers, you can grill the chicken directly in a basket or on a grill pan.
How Do I Marinate Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating chicken is essential for infusing it with flavor. Here’s how you can achieve the best results:
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl and stir well. The acid from lemon juice helps tenderize the meat.
- Add the chicken cubes to the bowl and ensure each piece is coated in the marinade.
- Cover and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, but overnight is ideal. The longer, the better!
Remember to always marinate in a sealed container to avoid any mess!
How to Make Chicken Shish Kabob!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Grilling:
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Lemon slices, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken Shish Kabob recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and at least 1 hour to marinate the chicken. Add around 15 minutes for grilling, making the total time about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Perfect for a fun cooking session!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, coriander, oregano, salt, and pepper. This marinade will give your chicken lots of flavor, so mix it well!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the cubed chicken to the marinade. Make sure every piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or for even better taste, overnight.
3. Prepare the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. This is a crucial step if you want your skewers to hold together nicely.
4. Ready the Grill:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure it’s nice and hot before you start cooking.
5. Skewer the Chicken:
Now it’s time to thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers. Leave a little space between each piece so that they cook evenly. Don’t cram them too tight!
6. Grill the Kabobs:
Place your skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes. Remember to turn them occasionally so they cook evenly and get those beautiful grill marks. The chicken is ready when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
7. Let Them Rest:
Once cooked, carefully remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle in the chicken and keeps them tender.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your Chicken Shish Kabobs with chopped parsley and serve with lemon slices on the side. Enjoy them with your favorite sides like rice, salad, or pita bread for a complete meal!
Happy grilling! 🍗✨
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more moisture and flavor to your kabobs. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a minute longer to cook through than breast meat. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure they are safe to eat.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add to the Skewers?
You can definitely get creative! Bell peppers, onions, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and mushrooms all work beautifully. Just cut the veggies into similar sizes as the chicken cubes for even cooking. Remember to soak any wooden skewers that you use for veggies too!
How to Store Leftover Chicken Shish Kabob?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the kabobs in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them on a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side.
Can I Marinate the Chicken for Longer?
Yes, marinating for longer will deepen the flavor! However, if you marinate for more than 24 hours, the acid from the lemon juice can begin to break down the chicken, making it mushy. A good rule of thumb is to marinate between 1 hour to 24 hours for the best texture and flavor.
