Chicken Shish Kabob is a tasty dish featuring tender chunks of marinated chicken grilled to perfection on skewers. It’s juicy, flavorful, and perfect for summer cookouts!
These kabobs are so fun to make! I love loading them up with colorful veggies like bell peppers and onions. Plus, they disappear fast, so be ready to enjoy every last bite! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: This recipe works best with boneless, skinless chicken breast. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs are a great substitute for added moisture and flavor.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is ideal for its rich taste. For a lighter option, avocado oil can be a good alternative. It has a high smoke point and still provides healthy fats.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice adds brightness. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice will work, but fresh gives a much better flavor. Try lime juice for a fun twist!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch (1/8 teaspoon for every clove). Roasted garlic can add a sweeter flavor if preferred.
Spices: Dried oregano and cumin bring depth to the kabobs. If you don’t have oregano, Italian seasoning blends well too. Smoked paprika adds extra dimension if you have it.
Fresh Parsley: This adds a lovely finish. If you’re not a fan, try fresh cilantro or even fresh mint for a different flavor.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken Kabobs Are Juicy and Flavorful?
Marinating is the key to juicy chicken kabobs. Marinating the chicken infuses flavor and keeps it moist while cooking. Aim for at least an hour or even overnight for the best results.
- Combine marinade ingredients well before adding chicken to ensure even coverage.
- Soaking wooden skewers in water prevents them from burning and helps them hold moisture during grilling.
- Grill over medium-high heat for even cooking. Avoid high heat, as it can dry out the chicken.
- Check for doneness with a meat thermometer; 165°F (75°C) means it’s perfectly cooked.
How to Make Chicken Shish Kabob
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges for garnish
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep the marinade and marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour. You’ll need another 15-20 minutes for grilling. If you decide to marinate overnight, that’s even better for flavor! Altogether, expect around 1 hour and 35 minutes, including marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together really well to make a delicious marinade that will flavor the chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add your chicken cubes to the bowl, making sure each piece is coated well in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or longer if you have time – up to overnight for extra flavor!
3. Prepare to Grill:
If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill. While they soak, preheat your grill to medium-high heat so it’s nice and hot for the chicken!
4. Skewer the Chicken:
Once the chicken is marinated, take it out of the fridge. Thread the chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little bit of space between each piece for even cooking. This will help them grill nicely!
5. Grill the Kabobs:
Carefully place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally. You want to see some nice grill marks, and the chicken should be fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy. Finally, sprinkle the grilled chicken kabobs with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Shish Kabob!
Can I Use Other Meats for Shish Kabobs?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with lamb, beef, pork, or even fish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly. For example, beef cubes might need a bit longer on the grill than chicken. Always ensure the meat reaches a safe internal temperature!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Wooden Skewers?
No worries! You can use metal skewers, which don’t need soaking, or you can thread the chicken directly onto grill-friendly vegetables like bell peppers and onions for a veggie kabob. Just remember to grill them for slightly longer to ensure even cooking.
How to Store Leftover Shish Kabobs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can place them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or use a microwave. Just be careful not to overcook them during reheating!
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Yes, marinating the chicken overnight is a great way to enhance flavor! Just cover the bowl tightly to prevent any odors from the fridge infiltrating the marinade. If you’re in a hurry, even a 1-hour marinade works well.
