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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for kabobs. If you prefer something leaner, turkey breast is a great alternative. For extra flavor, consider using thighs instead!
Balsamic Vinegar: This gives a tangy sweetness. If you’re out, red wine vinegar mixed with a touch of sugar can be a nice substitute. I find the depth of flavor in balsamic really enhances the dish!
Olive Oil: It adds richness and helps the marinade cling. If you need a substitute, avocado oil works well. I love using extra virgin olive oil for its fruity taste!
Honey: Honey balances the acidity of the balsamic. If you prefer a vegan option, maple syrup can work beautifully here. Use about the same amount.
Vegetables: I recommend using bell peppers, zucchini, and squash for color and crunch. Feel free to swap in other veggies like mushrooms, asparagus, or even pineapple for a fun twist!
What’s the Best Way to Marinate and Prepare the Chicken?
Marinating chicken is a key step to ensure it’s flavorful and juicy. Here’s how to do it right:
- Combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Cut chicken into even 1-inch cubes for consistent cooking.
- Add chicken to the marinade and mix well. Cover and refrigerate. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it gets—30 minutes minimum!
Lastly, don’t forget to soak your wooden skewers for 30 minutes! This stops them from burning on the grill.
How to Make Balsamic Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Kabobs:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds
- 1 yellow squash, sliced into rounds
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and at least 30 minutes for marinating. You’ll also spend around 15 minutes grilling. In total, plan for about 1 hour to get these delicious Kabobs ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. This will be our tasty marinade that adds flavor to the chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Now, add the chicken cubes to the marinade bowl. Make sure each piece is well coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even up to 4 hours if you have time. This really helps enhance the flavor!
3. Prepare the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. Soaking helps prevent them from burning while on the grill.
4. Assemble the Kabobs:
After marinating, take the chicken out of the fridge. Thread the marinated chicken pieces on skewers, alternating with pieces of red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, zucchini, yellow squash, red onion, and cherry tomatoes. Have fun and mix it up!
5. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill the kabobs for about 10 to 15 minutes, turning them occasionally. You’re looking for the chicken to be cooked through—about 165°F (75°C)—and the veggies to be tender and slightly charred.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re done grilling, remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a nice touch. Serve hot, and enjoy your delicious balsamic grilled chicken kabobs!
Can I Substitute Other Proteins for Chicken?
Absolutely! You can use steak, shrimp, or even tofu instead of chicken. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly: shrimp only needs about 5-7 minutes on the grill, while steak may require 8-12 minutes depending on thickness. Always check for proper doneness!
What Vegetables Can I Use Instead of the Ones Listed?
Feel free to mix and match with your favorite vegetables! Mushrooms, bell peppers of different colors, eggplant, or even asparagus work great as substitutes. Just aim for a variety in color and texture!
How to Store Leftover Kabobs
After enjoying your kabobs, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a skillet over medium heat or pop them in the microwave until warmed through, being careful not to overcook.
Can I Prepare the Kabobs in Advance?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken and prepare the skewers up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to grill. This will enhance the flavors even more!
