These Chicken Kabobs are a fun and flavorful dinner idea that the whole family will love! In this easy recipe, marinated bites of chicken and colorful vegetables are cooked on skewers.
These chicken kabobs are one of the first recipes I make every spring when the weather warms up enough to kick off grilling season. I love grilling chicken on skewers because the small pieces of chicken can soak up more of the marinade because they have more surface area. This means that every bite is intensely flavorful and satisfying. When you pop the skewered meat and veggies on the grill, all that surface area is ready for delicious caramelization on the hot grill grates.
The secret to the best chicken kabobs is in the marinade. In this recipe, I use my very favorite chicken marinade, a savory combination of soy sauce, lemon juice, fresh garlic and seasonings. While I’ve tried coating the veggies in the marinade as well, I prefer to toss them with a simple mix of olive oil, salt and pepper to let the flavor of the grilled vegetables shine. You can bake the kabobs in the oven if you don’t have a grill or if it’s not grilling season. You’ll find all the details below!.
For this recipe you’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts and vegetables, plus a few ingredients for the homemade marinade. You’ll also need metal or wooden skewers.
For the vegetables, I used zucchini, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper and red onion. Other vegetables that work well on kabobs are mushrooms, green bell peppers and cherry tomatoes. Cut the vegetables into 1-inch pieces. Mushrooms and cherry tomatoes can be left whole.
You will love the chicken marinade I use in this recipe! It’s my favorite way to add flavor to grilled chicken, and it makes these chicken kabobs taste even better.
Chicken skewers are a classic crowd-pleaser that can be made easily at home. With a simple marinade and by following a few tips, you can achieve delicious, juicy oven-baked chicken skewers right in your own kitchen.
Why Make Chicken Skewers?
There are many great reasons to cook up chicken skewers at home
-
They are an easy and healthy dinner, lunch, or appetizer option. Chicken is a lean source of protein.
-
You can customize the flavor with endless marinade possibilities.
-
Skewering the chicken makes it easy to cook evenly.
-
Chicken skewers are budget-friendly and feed a crowd.
-
Cooking them in the oven is convenient and requires minimal cleanup.
-
Kids love these fun “picks” and will gobble them up.
-
You can add veggies to the skewers for a full and colorful meal.
Step-by-Step Guide to Oven-Baked Chicken Skewers
Follow these simple steps for foolproof chicken skewers every time:
Ingredients
- 1-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-2 inch pieces
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- Marinade ingredients:
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
-
Make the marinade: Whisk together the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
-
Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a shallow dish or ziplock. Coat with the marinade. Refrigerate for 30 minutes up to overnight.
-
Soak the skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
-
Thread the chicken: Thread the chicken pieces evenly onto the skewers, leaving a tiny space between pieces.
-
Prepare baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly grease with oil.
-
Bake the skewers: Place skewers on the baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes. Flip and bake 5 more minutes until done.
-
Rest and serve: Allow to rest 3-5 minutes before serving with desired sauces.
Tips for Best Results
-
Use metal or pre-soaked wooden skewers to prevent burning.
-
Alternate chicken with veggies like peppers, onion, zucchini.
-
Arrange skewers so they are not touching on the baking sheet.
-
Brush with extra marinade halfway through baking.
-
Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.
-
Let skewers rest before serving so juices redistribute.
-
Garnish with chopped parsley, sesame seeds, or green onion.
Delicious Marinade Ideas
The marinade is key to infusing the chicken with lots of flavor. Here are some tasty marinade options to try:
-
Greek: Olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic
-
Mediterranean: Olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder
-
Asian: Soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, ginger
-
Jerk: Brown sugar, jerk seasoning, lime juice, thyme
-
Tandoori: Plain yogurt, tandoori paste, cumin, garlic
-
Fajita: Lime juice, chili powder, cumin, coriander
-
Italian: Balsamic vinegar, basil, garlic, parsley
-
BBQ: Ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, chili powder
Get creative and make your own signature marinade! Allow the chicken to marinate for 30 minutes to overnight.
What to Serve with Chicken Skewers
Chicken skewers pair well with many sides, sauces, and dips:
- Rice or couscous
- Roasted vegetables
- Greens or Greek salad
- Pita bread or naan
- Tzatziki, chimichurri or hummus
- BBQ sauce, teriyaki, or peanut sauce
Dinner is easy and healthy: chicken skewers with rice and vegetables. You can serve it with hummus, pita, and Greek salad for a Mediterranean feast. Serve them with fried rice and a peanut or teriyaki sauce for an Asian twist.
Grilled vs. Oven-Baked Chicken Skewers
While grilling imparts a delicious smoky char, oven baking chicken skewers is an excellent alternative when you don’t have access to a grill. The hot, dry heat of the oven will cook the chicken all the way through and add light browning to the outside.
Oven baking can be done all year and doesn’t need charcoal or propane. It also frees up your stovetop for cooking sides. Just make sure to use a baking sheet with foil on it so it’s easy to clean up.
While they won’t have quite the same charred flavor, oven-baked chicken skewers come out juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. With a flavorful marinade, you may not even be able to tell the difference!
Cooking Chicken Skewers on the Stovetop
To cook chicken skewers inside without using the oven, you can also do it quickly and easily on the stove.
To pan-fry chicken skewers:
-
Preheat a skillet over medium heat and add 1-2 Tbsp oil.
-
Working in batches, add the skewers and cook turning occasionally until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes total.
To get those nice grill marks, you can also cook chicken skewers in a grill pan. Cook over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side.
For optimal flavor and texture, sear the skewers first on the stovetop to get crispy exterior and finish cooking in a 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes until the interior cooks through.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips
For easy entertaining, chicken skewers can be prepped ahead:
-
Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance.
-
Assemble the skewers and refrigerate for several hours before cooking.
-
Par-cook the skewers in the oven then finish on the grill.
You can also freeze assembled raw chicken skewers:
-
Place in a single layer on a sheet pan and freeze until solid.
-
Transfer to ziplock freezer bags.
-
Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking as directed.
The marinade can be made 4-5 days in advance. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
With a little planning, you can whip up these crowd-pleasing chicken skewers anytime and enjoy them right away or save them for later!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cut of chicken for skewers?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts work well. Thighs stay juicier, while breasts cook quickly. Chicken tenders are also a good option.
How long should I marinate chicken for skewers?
For the best flavor, marinate for at least 30 minutes up to 8 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
What temperature should chicken skewers be cooked to?
Cook chicken skewers until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The juices will run clear when pricked with a fork.
Can you use wooden skewers without soaking?
It’s best to soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes first. This prevents them from burning and makes them sturdier for handling.
How do I get char marks on oven baked skewers?
Broil the skewers for just 1-2 minutes at the end to add char. You can also sear them first in a hot skillet before baking.
How long do baked chicken skewers last in the fridge?
Cooked chicken skewers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Time to Get Skewering!
Now you’re ready to make your own crowd-pleasing chicken skewers at home. With flavorful marinades and by following these helpful oven-baking tips, you can enjoy this versatile dish any night of the week. Impress your family and friends with your own signature chicken skewers and savor the delicious, juicy results.
Before You Start: Soak the Skewers
For about 20 minutes, soak wooden skewers in a dish of warm water before putting the meat and vegetables on them. This prevents them from catching fire on the grill. If you’re using metal skewers you do not need to soak them.
How Long to Grill Chicken Kabobs
Grill chicken kabobs over medium heat for 12-18 minutes total. Turn the kabobs every few minutes as they cook to help them cook evenly on all sides. They are done when the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165° F as measured with an instant read thermometer.