These chicken skewers are a fun and tasty treat! Marinated in a yummy mix of spices, they come out juicy and full of flavor. Perfect for grilling or baking!
Who doesn’t love food on a stick? It’s like eating a party! 🎉 I love serving these with a side of rice or a fresh salad. Super easy and always a hit with family and friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: This is the primary protein. You could also use chicken thighs for a juicier option. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey breast works too!
Bell Peppers: I love using yellow and red for their sweetness, but green peppers add a nice crunch! If you’re out of fresh peppers, consider using cherry tomatoes or even mushrooms as tasty alternatives.
Zucchini: Sliced zucchini brings a fresh flavor to the skewers. If zucchini isn’t available, you could substitute with yellow squash or even eggplant slices.
Olive Oil: A must for the marinade, it adds good fat and flavor. You can use avocado oil for a different taste or if you want a high smoke point for grilling.
Honey: It balances the marinade. If you’re looking for a vegan option, agave syrup is a great substitute!
How Do I Ensure The Chicken Stays Juicy While Cooking?
Marinating chicken is essential to keep it flavorful and tender. I suggest marinating for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, let it sit for up to 4 hours in the fridge. This helps the flavors penetrate deeply, so it’s well worth it!
- Mix all marinade ingredients well before adding chicken.
- Make sure the chicken is fully coated. You can even massage the marinade into the chicken for better absorption.
- When grilling, medium-high heat is ideal. Avoid cooking on high because it can lead to dry chicken.
- Turn the skewers occasionally to promote even cooking and browning.
How to Make Chicken Skewers with Delicious Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 pound chicken breast, 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 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tools:
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes for prep, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating the chicken. If you want more flavor, let it marinate for up to 4 hours. Cook time on the grill is around 10-12 minutes. So, total time from start to finish can be about 1 hour depending on marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This mixture will be your flavorful marinade that gives the chicken and veggies their delicious taste!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and make sure they are well coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you can, place it in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours to allow the flavors to soak in even more.
3. Prepare Your Skewers:
If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes while the chicken is marinating. This helps prevent them from burning on the grill. If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this step!
4. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating and your skewers are soaking, preheat your grill to medium-high heat so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to cook!
5. Assemble the Skewers:
Once the chicken is marinated and the grill is hot, it’s time to make your skewers! Alternate threading the marinated chicken, bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion onto the skewers for a colorful presentation. Don’t overcrowd them; give each piece a bit of space to cook evenly.
6. Grill the Skewers:
Place your skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Turn them every few minutes until the chicken is cooked through and you’ve got beautiful grill marks on everything. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe eating.
7. Let Them Rest:
Once cooked, carefully remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep your chicken juicy!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the chicken skewers warm, and if you like, garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your delicious chicken skewers with friends and family!
Can I Use Different Vegetables for the Skewers?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in any of your favorite vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or even eggplant. Just keep in mind that softer veggies like tomatoes and mushrooms may require less cooking time, so add them to the skewers toward the end.
What if I Don’t Have Honey?
No problem! You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweetness. If you prefer a sugar-free option, consider using a sugar substitute that bakes well, or simply omit it for a less sweet marinade.
How Do I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave them or warm them up on the grill for a few minutes until heated through. This will help restore some of the grill flavor!
Can I Bake These Skewers Instead of Grilling?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is cooked through. This method is handy if the weather doesn’t permit grilling!
