These Easy Chicken Kebabs are not only a perfect summer dish but also incredibly versatile for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, enjoying a picnic, or looking for a quick weeknight meal, these kebabs shine with their tender chicken and vibrant vegetables. The marinade infuses the chicken with rich flavors, making each bite delightful. Plus, they can easily be customized with your favorite veggies or spices!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 20 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for busy days.
- Flavor-Packed: The marinade blends soy sauce, garlic, and lemon juice for a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can swap out the bell peppers for any vegetables you love or have on hand.
- Great for Meal Prep: Marinate the chicken ahead of time to save even more time on cooking day.
- Family-Friendly: These kebabs are sure to please both kids and adults alike!
Tools and Preparation
To make these Easy Chicken Kebabs, gathering the right tools will streamline your cooking process and ensure perfect results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skewers
- Large bowl
- Grill
- Basting brush
Importance of Each Tool
- Skewers: Essential for holding your chicken and veggies together while grilling.
- Large bowl: Perfect for mixing all the marinade ingredients thoroughly.
- Grill: Provides that delicious charred flavor that makes kebabs irresistible.
- Basting brush: Useful for applying extra marinade or oil to keep everything moist while grilling.
Ingredients
Very tender and so flavorful, these Easy Chicken Kebabs are MUST TRY this summer! This is my go-to kebab recipe.
For the Kebabs
- 2 lbs. boneless chicken thighs, cut into medium pieces
- 1/8 cup soy sauce
- 1/8 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 3 medium garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/2 medium lemon, juiced
- 3 medium multicolored bell peppers, cut into medium pieces
- skewers
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Easy Chicken Kebabs
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl.
- Add soy sauce, olive oil, oregano, minced garlic, and lemon juice.
- Mix everything well until the chicken is fully coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to 24 hours for best results).
Step 2: Prepare the Grill
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- While waiting for the grill to heat up, arrange marinated chicken and bell pepper pieces onto skewers.
Step 3: Grill the Kebabs
- Oil the grilling grate to prevent sticking.
- Place skewers on the grill and cook each side for about 7 minutes.
- Check that the chicken is well done before removing from heat.
Enjoy your delicious Easy Chicken Kebabs! Perfectly grilled and bursting with flavor!
How to Serve Easy Chicken Kebabs
Easy Chicken Kebabs are an ideal dish for summer gatherings, and they can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer them as a main course or as part of a larger meal, these kebabs are versatile and delicious.
On a Bed of Rice
- Serve the kebabs over fluffy rice for a hearty meal. The rice will soak up the flavorful juices from the chicken.
With a Fresh Salad
- Pair your kebabs with a refreshing salad. A mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette complements the grilled flavors perfectly.
In a Pita Wrap
- Create delicious pita wraps by adding kebabs, fresh veggies, and your favorite sauces. This makes for an easy-to-eat option that’s perfect for picnics.
With Dips
- Offer various dips like tzatziki or hummus on the side. These creamy accompaniments add an extra layer of flavor to your meal.
As Appetizers
- Cut the kebabs into smaller pieces and serve them as appetizers. They’re great for parties or gatherings where guests can enjoy finger foods.
On Skewers
- Present them directly on skewers for a rustic look. Guests will love picking their own skewers off the platter!
How to Perfect Easy Chicken Kebabs
Perfecting Easy Chicken Kebabs is all about technique and preparation. Here are some tips to ensure your kebabs turn out great every time.
- Marinate Longer: Letting the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Use Soaked Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Cut Uniformly: Ensure all chicken pieces are cut into similar sizes. This helps them cook evenly.
- Preheat Grill: Always preheat your grill before cooking. A hot grill sears the chicken quickly, locking in juices.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the skewers. Leave some space between pieces for even cooking.
- Rest Before Serving: Let your kebabs rest for a few minutes after grilling. This allows juices to redistribute, making them juicier.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Chicken Kebabs
These Easy Chicken Kebabs pair wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance their flavors and create a complete meal experience.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini, corn, and asparagus grilled alongside kebabs add color and flavor.
- Couscous Salad: A light couscous salad with herbs and lemon provides a refreshing contrast to the rich kebabs.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make a satisfying side that everyone loves.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds texture and balances the savory flavors of the chicken.
- Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread offers a great way to soak up any leftover juices from the kebabs.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A healthy quinoa pilaf with nuts and dried fruits complements the dish while adding nutrition.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn on the cob brushed with butter is always a hit during summer barbecues.
- Mediterranean Chickpea Salad: This protein-packed salad brings freshness to your plate with its vibrant ingredients.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Easy Chicken Kebabs, small mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.
- Skipping the marinade time: Marinating chicken for at least 2 hours enhances flavor and tenderness. Avoid rushing this step for the best results.
- Inconsistent ingredient sizes: Cutting chicken and vegetables into uneven pieces can cause uneven cooking. Aim for uniform sizes to ensure everything cooks properly.
- Not preheating the grill: Cooking on a cold grill can lead to sticking and uneven cooking. Always preheat your grill to medium-high heat before placing the kebabs.
- Overcrowding skewers: Stuffing too many pieces on a skewer can hinder even cooking. Limit each skewer to a few pieces of chicken and veggies for better results.
- Ignoring doneness: Relying solely on time can be misleading. Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Easy Chicken Kebabs in an airtight container.
- They will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Easy Chicken Kebabs
- Wrap kebabs tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Frozen kebabs can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating Easy Chicken Kebabs
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and place kebabs on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place kebabs on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals until hot, being careful not to overcook.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a bit of oil. Cook kebabs for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Easy Chicken Kebabs more flavorful?
To enhance flavor, marinate the chicken longer (up to 24 hours), and consider adding spices or herbs like paprika or cumin.
Can I use different meats for kebabs?
Yes! You can substitute chicken with beef, pork, or shrimp, adjusting cooking times as needed for each type of meat.
What should I serve with Easy Chicken Kebabs?
These kebabs pair well with rice, salads, or grilled vegetables. You can also serve them with dips like tzatziki or hummus.
Can I make Easy Chicken Kebabs in the oven?
Absolutely! Prepare your skewers as instructed and bake them at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
How do I prevent my skewers from burning?
Soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling helps prevent burning while cooking.
Final Thoughts
Easy Chicken Kebabs are a delightful summer recipe that combines flavor and ease. Their versatility allows you to customize with different veggies or marinades based on your preferences. Try this recipe today and enjoy delicious grilled kebabs that are perfect for any gathering!
Easy Chicken Kebabs
Easy Chicken Kebabs are your go-to dish for summer barbecues and quick weeknight dinners. Bursting with flavor, these kebabs feature tender chicken marinated in a delicious blend of soy sauce, garlic, and lemon juice, paired with vibrant bell peppers. They are incredibly versatile—customize them with your favorite vegetables or spices for a personal touch. With just 20 minutes of prep time, they’re perfect for busy days while also being a hit at family gatherings. Grill them to perfection, and enjoy them on their own or served alongside rice, salads, or dips for an unforgettable meal.
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs
- 1/8 cup soy sauce
- 1/8 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 3 multicolored bell peppers
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine chicken with soy sauce, olive oil, oregano, garlic, and lemon juice. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Prepare the grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat while assembling the skewers with marinated chicken and bell peppers.
- Grill the kebabs: Oil the grill grate and cook the skewers for about 7 minutes on each side until chicken is fully cooked.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg