Chicken kabobs are a classic summer treat, but you can bake them in the oven and eat them all year long. It’s important to get the cooking time right when cooking chicken in the oven instead of on the grill so that it stays juicy and good. How long do you bake chicken kabobs until they are done?
To help you make perfect oven-baked chicken kabobs every time, I’ll talk about how to choose ingredients, prepare the skewers, marinate, set the oven temperature, cook the chicken for the right amount of time, check to see if it’s done, and more.
Choosing the Chicken
For easy preparation and even cooking, chicken breasts or thighs that don’t have any bones or skin on them are best. Choose uniform 1-1 5 inch cubes if you want to cut the meat yourself. If you want to make the kabobs quickly, buy chicken that has already been cut up.
Thighs have more flavor and moisture than breasts, but breasts will cook evenly at a lower oven temperature. Choose your cut based on how it feels and tastes.
Prep the Kabob Skewers
Soak wooden skewers at least 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning. No need to soak metal skewers.
Evenly distribute chicken and veggies, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking. Use flat skewers or make two kabobs per stick for stability.
Marinate for Maximum Flavor
A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs adds excellent flavor. Let chicken marinate 30 minutes to overnight.
For pre-cut chicken, marinate in a zip-top bag. Place cubed chicken in a baking dish or bowl if marinating overnight.
Line the Baking Sheet
Prevent sticking by lining a sheet pan with foil or parchment paper. Lightly grease the foil for easier release after baking.
Oven Temperature for Chicken Kabobs
Bake at 400°F for crisp exterior and thoroughly cooked inside. 375°F works for delicate veggies. Higher temps risk dry chicken.
Cook Times Based on Thickness
- 1-1.5 inch cubes: 18-22 minutes
- Kabobs with larger chunks: 24-28 minutes
- Breasts cook faster than thighs
Flip halfway through for even browning. Baste with reserved marinade every 8 minutes.
Check Doneness
Chicken is safely cooked at 165°F. Use an instant read thermometer to check temps, especially for thicker kabobs. Juices will run clear when pierced if fully cooked.
Allow to Rest
Let kabobs rest 5 minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute for tender, juicy meat.
Broil for Charred Bits
If desired, broil kabobs 2-3 minutes at the end to char edges like grilled kabobs. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Handy Equipment
- Instant read thermometer for doneness checks
- Soaking container for wooden skewers
- Basting brush for marinade
- Oven-safe kabob skewers (wood or metal)
- Sheet pan or baking dish
Kabob Pairings
Serve oven-baked chicken kabobs with:
- Rice pilaf or roasted veggies
- Pasta or potato salad
- Hummus and pita
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Fresh summer salads
Marinade Ideas
- Lemon garlic: olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper
- Greek: olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, parsley
- Tandoori: yogurt, Indian spices, garlic, ginger, lemon juice
- Teriyaki: soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger
- Jerk: Caribbean jerk seasoning, lime juice, garlic, brown sugar
Kabob Veggies
Try these veggies for delicious chicken kabobs:
- Bell peppers
- Mushrooms
- Cherry tomatoes
- Zucchini or yellow squash
- Red onion
- Pineapple chunks
Handy Tips for Oven Kabobs
- Use foil or a baking mat for easy clean up
- Allow extra time if using frozen chicken
- Brush with oil to prevent drying out
- Turn kabobs halfway through baking
- Test center of thickest pieces for doneness
- Rest before serving for juicier meat
Enjoy Kabobs Year-Round
With the right prep and cook times, you can make incredibly delicious oven-baked chicken kabobs anytime. Follow these tips for perfectly cooked, juicy kabobs indoors.
Adjust marinade, seasonings, and veggie combinations to suit your tastes. Serve kabobs as an easy weeknight dinner or impress guests at your next gathering with these tasty skewers straight from the oven.
What To Serve with Chicken Kabobs
Complete your Mediterranean feast with a table of fresh sides, dips, and salads! Here are a few favorites that will complement the kabobs perfectly.
- To Store: This two-in-one combo is great for meal prepping. Plus, the leftovers are just as tasty! Take the chicken and vegetables off the skewers and put them in a container that won’t let air in. Store in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
- To Freeze: Put the vegetables and chicken in a bag or container that can go in the freezer. You can keep them there for up to three months.
- To reheat, just put the chicken and vegetables in the microwave and heat them until they’re warm.
Ingredients for Greek Chicken Kabobs
This chicken kabob recipe is ALL about the marinade. Not only does it flavor the chicken, but can be brushed onto the vegetables while grilling. For the best results, you’ll need….
- Chicken breasts: Because they hold up well over the grill, chicken breasts are the best choice for grilling.
- To make fresh vegetables, I like to mix red onion, bell peppers, zucchini, and squash. They look great and cook quickly on the grill. You can, however, always switch them out for other grilled vegetables you like.
- Marinade for chicken kabobs: red wine vinegar, fresh garlic, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and dried oregano are mixed together to make this bright and tangy marinade.
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
How to Cook Kabobs in the Oven
FAQ
How long do you cook chicken kebabs in the oven?
Line two baking trays with foil. Thread the chicken and vegetables onto 10 skewers, alternating the ingredients as you go, then lay them on the prepared baking trays. Roast for 30 minutes, turning the kebabs halfway through, or until the chicken is cooked through.
What temperature do you bake chicken kabobs at 400?
Oven: Pre-heat oven to 400°F, line a baking sheet/tray with parchment paper, place kabobs on a wire rack. Place wire rack on parchment lined baking tray. Cook for 13-15 minutes. Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F.
How long to grill chicken kabobs at 350 degrees?
Once it’s fired up, set the temperature to 350°F. Thread a piece of chicken, followed by a piece of pepper, mushroom, and onion. Repeat until the skewers are full. Grill the kabobs for 5 minutes on one side, then flip and grill for 5 more minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 180°F.