These Grilled Chicken Kabobs With Vegetables are a game changer for backyard BBQs with friends. The colorful vegetables and zesty marinated chicken make this recipe a hit every time. Plus, it’s completely customizable!
To make these amazing grilled kabobs, you’ll need just a few basic tools: a grill, skewers, a cutting board, a knife, a mixing bowl, and a meat thermometer. With these items and my expert guidance, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
So, let’s fire up the grill and get ready to embark on this fun journey to explore the secrets of fantastic BBQ dishes and products together. Grab your tongs, and let’s get grilling!
How To Make Grilled Chicken Kabobs With Vegetables
Prep the Ingredients
First things first, grab your cutting board and knife. Cut the chicken, yellow squash, zucchini, bell peppers, and red onion into 1.5-inch pieces. Make sure they’re all about the same size so they cook evenly.
Make the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, white wine vinegar, white wine, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and the zest and juice of a lemon. Give the chicken kabob marinade a good stir to mix everything together.
Marinate the Meat and Veggies
Now it’s time to let the flavors meld. Put your chicken and veggies in the marinade and let them soak for at least 4 hours, but no more than 12 hours. Aim for 6 to 8 hours for the best flavor.
Skewer and Season
Once marinated, start assembling your kabobs. Skewer the meat and veggies in a pattern, like chicken-squash-zucchini-pepper-onion. After you’ve got them all skewered, sprinkle a bit more salt and pepper on both sides.
Grill Time
Heat up your grill and place the chicken kabobs on Grill. Its time to Grill chicken kabobs for about 4 to 5 minutes on one side, then flip them and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn.
Check the Temperature
Safety first! Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature. You want it to reach 165°F to make sure it’s fully cooked.
Serve and Enjoy
Your kabobs are ready! Take them off the grill and serve them right away, or let them rest for a minute or two to cool down a bit. Grab a plate, dig in, and enjoy your delicious Grilled Chicken Kabob!
Tips For Making Grilled Chicken Kabobs With Vegetables
Grilling Chicken Kabobs can be a fun and easy experience, even for beginners. To make sure you nail this grilled chicken kabob recipe on your first try, here are some handy tips to keep in mind while you’re prepping and cooking. Follow these suggestions, and you’ll be a kabob master in no time!
- Uniform Pieces: Cut your chicken and veggies into equally sized pieces, about 1.5 inches each, for even cooking. This will help prevent undercooked chicken or overcooked vegetables.
- Marinating Time: Let your chicken and veggies marinate for at least 4 hours but no more than 12 hours. For the best flavor and tenderness, aim for a marinating time of 6 to 8 hours.
- Grill Temperature: Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat before placing the kabobs on it. This will help ensure that the chicken and veggies cook evenly and don’t stick to the grates.
- Flipping Technique: Use tongs to carefully flip the kabobs while grilling. Turn them every 4 to 5 minutes for even cooking and to prevent burning.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
Customizing Your Grilled Chicken Shish Kabobs
Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Kabobs are a versatile chicken recipe that can easily be customized to suit your taste buds or dietary preferences. Here are some suggestions for making these kabobs uniquely yours:
Swap Chicken Breasts for Chicken Thighs
If you prefer juicier, more tender meat, consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Using chicken thighs for your chicken pieces are more forgiving on the grill. They’re likely to dry out, making them a delicious alternative that will guarantee juicy chicken every time.
Vegetarian-Friendly Kabobs
For those who follow a vegetarian diet, you can create delicious vegetable-only kabobs by leaving out the chicken and adding more vegetable pieces to the mix. Try including additional vegetables like cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, green bell peppers, or eggplant to create a satisfying and colorful vegetarian meal.
Experiment with Different Marinades
While our white wine, lemon, and herb marinade is a tasty choice, there are countless other chicken marinade ingredients to try.
For a more Asian-inspired flavor, consider using a marinade with soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil. If you’re a fan of bold flavors, try a spicy marinade with chili powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and find the perfect marinade for your chicken and vegetable pieces to match your taste preferences.
Best Beer To Serve With Grilled Chicken Kabobs
There’s nothing quite like enjoying delicious and tender grilled Chicken Kabobs with a cold beer in hand. But which brews pair best with these skewers of tasty chicken and vegetables? Here are our top 3 beer picks that will complement the flavors and take your kabob game to the next level. Cheers!
American Pale Ale
The citrusy and slightly bitter notes of an American Pale Ale make it a great choice for our Grilled Chicken Kabobs. The beer’s refreshing hoppiness cuts through the rich marinade and complements the smoky grilled flavors, creating a perfect balance.
Hefeweizen
This German-style wheat beer, with its fruity and spicy notes, is another fantastic match for our kabobs. The beer’s light and effervescent body lifts up the savory chicken and veggies, while the subtle banana and clove flavors mingle with the zesty marinade.
Blonde Ale
For a light and easy-drinking option, go for a crisp Blonde Ale. Its mild maltiness and subtle sweetness make it a versatile companion for our Chicken Kabobs Grilled. The beer’s refreshing character won’t overpower the dish, allowing the flavors of the marinade and grilled ingredients to shine through.
Other Grilled Chicken Recipes
- Balsamic Grilled Chicken Recipe
- Pellet Grill Chicken Breast Recipe
- Grilled Chicken Fajitas With Chorizo
- Grilled Chicken Parmesan Recipe
- Grilled Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
- Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken
Grilled Chicken Kabobs With Vegetables
Equipment
- Grill
- Metal Skewers
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1.5-inch pieces)
- 2 yellow squash (cut into 1.5-inch pieces)
- 2 zucchini (cut into 1.5-inch pieces)
- 2 red or orange bell peppers (cut into 1.5-inch pieces)
- 1 red onion (cut into 1.5-inch pieces)
Marinade Ingredients:
- ½ cup olive oil
- ½ cup white wine vinegar
- ½ cup white wine
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 lemon (zest and lemon juice)
Instructions
- Cut boneless skinless chicken breast and veggies into 1.5-inch pieces, keep them uniform.
- Mix marinade ingredients in a bowl.
- Marinate chicken and veggies for 6-8 hours is perfect.
- Skewer meat and veggies in a repeating pattern, season with salt and pepper.
- Grill kabobs for 4-5 minutes, then turn and grill for another 4-5 minutes.
- Check the chicken's internal temperature (165°F is perfect).
- Serve kabobs hot off the grill or let them rest for a minute or two before eating.
Grilled Chicken Kabobs With Vegetables FAQs
How long to grill chicken kabobs?
Grill chicken kabobs for approximately 10-15 minutes, turning them every 4-5 minutes to ensure even cooking. The most accurate way to check for doneness is by using a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
What vegetables can I use for grilled chicken kabobs?
Popular vegetables for grilled mediterranean chicken kabobs include yellow squash, zucchini, bell peppers, red onions, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms. Choose vegetables that have a similar density and cooking time to ensure even cooking on the skewers.
Can I marinate chicken and vegetables together?
Yes, you can marinate chicken and vegetables together. In this grilled chicken kabobs recipe, we recommend marinating them together for 4-12 hours, with an ideal marinating time of 6-8 hours for the best flavor.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers before grilling?
Soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling helps prevent them from burning on the grill. Alternatively, you can use metal skewers, which don’t require soaking and are reusable.
How do I prevent grilled chicken kabobs from sticking to the grill?
To prevent your grilled chicken skewers from sticking to the grill, preheat the grill to medium-high heat and make sure the grates are clean. You can also lightly brush the grill grates with oil before placing the kabobs on the grill.
How do I store and reheat leftover grilled chicken kabobs?
Store leftover grilled chicken kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the kabobs on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat them on the grill over medium-low heat until warmed.
Are metal skewers better than wooden skewers?
Metal skewers have some advantages over wooden skewers. They are reusable, don’t require soaking, and conduct heat better, which can help cook your kabobs more evenly. However, wooden skewers are more affordable and disposable, making them a convenient option for casual gatherings or if you don’t want to clean up afterwards.
What size skewers should I use for grilled chicken kabobs?
For grilled chicken kabobs, it’s best to use skewers that are at least 10-12 inches long. This length allows for enough space to hold a good amount of chicken and vegetables while still leaving room to grip the skewer for turning on the grill.
Can I use bamboo skewers for grilled chicken kabobs?
Yes, bamboo skewers can be used for grilled chicken kabobs, but they should be soaked in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning. Bamboo skewers are similar to wooden skewers but are made from a more sustainable material.