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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect because they cook quickly and are very tender. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey breast works well too.
Bell Peppers: The yellow and red bell peppers add a nice sweetness and crunch. You can substitute with green peppers or even other veggies like mushrooms or cherry tomatoes if you prefer.
Zucchini: Slicing zucchini into rounds keeps them juicy, but you could replace it with summer squash or eggplant depending on your taste.
Olive Oil: This is important for helping the marinade stick and keeping the chicken moist. If you want a different flavor, feel free to swap it out for avocado oil or even sesame oil for a unique twist.
Herbs & Spices: Ground cumin, paprika, and oregano give depth to the marinade. If you want to change things up, try coriander instead of cumin, or add a pinch of chili powder for some heat.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Skewers Are Tender and Full of Flavor?
The key to delicious, tender chicken skewers lies in the marinade and marination time. Marinating for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to soak in, but if you can let them sit for 2 hours, you’ll really notice the difference!
- Start by whisking together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices in a bowl.
- Add the chicken pieces, making sure every piece is coated well. Cover it and let it sit in the fridge. This step is crucial for tenderizing the chicken and infusing it with flavor.
When grilling, make sure your grill is properly preheated. This helps in getting those perfect grill marks and prevents sticking. Also, remember to soak wooden skewers beforehand, this prevents them from burning.
How to Make Chicken Skewers with Chicken Kabob Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 zucchini, sliced into 1-inch rounds
- 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch chunks
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 30 minutes of prep time, plus a marinating time of at least 30 minutes (and up to 2 hours for more flavor). Cooking on the grill will take around 15 minutes, making the total time about 1 hour to 2 hours and 15 minutes, depending on how long you marinate the chicken.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk all these ingredients together until they are well mixed. This tasty marinade will add incredible flavor to your chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the cubed chicken to the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each piece of chicken is coated nicely. Once coated, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, and for best results, up to 2 hours. The longer, the better!
3. Prepare the Grill and Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, now is the time to soak them in water for about 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning on the grill. While the skewers soak, preheat your grill to medium-high heat so it’s nice and hot for cooking.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Once marinated, it’s time to put everything on the skewers! Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, alternating with pieces of yellow bell pepper, red bell pepper, zucchini rounds, and red onion chunks. This adds color and flavor to your skewers!
5. Grill the Skewers:
Carefully place the assembled skewers on the preheated grill. Cook them for about 12-15 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking and get those lovely grill marks on the chicken. Make sure the chicken is cooked through to a safe temperature.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices inside the chicken settle. Serve your delicious chicken skewers warm, and feel free to garnish with some fresh parsley if you like. Enjoy your scrumptious meal!
Can I Use Other Vegetables for Skewers?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute or add vegetables like cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or even pineapple for a sweet twist. Just keep in mind to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking!
What If I Don’t Have Olive Oil?
No worries! You can use other oils like canola or avocado oil instead. These oils have high smoke points and will work well for grilling while maintaining a good flavor!
How to Store Leftover Chicken Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can either warm them up on a grill or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! The marinade can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just be sure to add the chicken when you’re ready to marinate, as it should not sit in the marinade too long to avoid affecting its texture.
