Grilled Chicken Skewers with Vegetables Recipe
Introduction
Chicken skewers are a versatile and flavorful dinner option that can be customized to suit any taste. Whether grilled or baked, they make a simple yet satisfying meal with plenty of room for creativity using different marinades and vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Marinade of your choice (for example, lemon-garlic, teriyaki, or BBQ)
- Mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes)
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the chicken by cutting it into even bite-sized pieces for uniform cooking.
- Step 2: Place the chicken in a bowl and pour over the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
- Step 3: While the chicken marinates, chop the vegetables into pieces similar in size to the chicken.
- Step 4: Thread the chicken pieces and vegetables onto skewers, alternating between them for a colorful presentation.
- Step 5: Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C). If baking, line a tray with foil and lightly oil it.
- Step 6: Cook the skewers on the grill for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and nicely charred. If baking, cook for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite sides.
Tips & Variations
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Try different marinades like spicy chipotle, honey mustard, or yogurt-based for varied flavors.
- Use vegetables that hold up well to grilling, such as mushrooms or eggplant, to add extra texture.
- For a quicker meal, marinate the chicken for as little as 15 minutes, though longer enhances flavor.
Storage
Store leftover cooked chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Uncooked marinated chicken can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for skewers?
It is best to use fully thawed chicken to ensure even cooking and to allow the marinade to penetrate the meat properly.
What side dishes go well with chicken skewers?
Chicken skewers pair well with rice, couscous, salads, or grilled bread for a complete and balanced meal.
PrintGrilled Chicken Skewers with Vegetables Recipe
Delicious and versatile chicken skewer dinner ideas featuring marinated chicken pieces paired with fresh vegetables, perfect for grilling or baking at home. These skewers offer a flavorful and healthy meal option that is easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite marinades and veggies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium red onion, cut into wedges
- 8 oz mushrooms, cleaned and trimmed
- Cherry tomatoes, optional, for skewering
Additional
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soaked in water for 30 minutes)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the chicken. Add the cubed chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1-2 hours, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Prepare the vegetables. While the chicken marinates, wash and cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces suitable for skewering. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.
- Assemble the skewers. Thread the marinated chicken pieces alternating with vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes onto each skewer, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking.
- Choose your cooking method: grilling or baking. For grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grill grates. For baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Cook the skewers. Place the skewers on the grill or baking sheet. Grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, or bake for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is cooked through, and vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
- Serve. Remove skewers from heat and let rest for a few minutes. Serve hot with your choice of sides such as rice, salad, or flatbread.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is safely cooked to 165°F (75°C).
- Vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or pineapple can also be used.
- If baking, turning the skewers halfway through cooking helps achieve even roasting.
- Brush skewers with extra marinade or olive oil during cooking to keep them moist.
Keywords: chicken skewers, grilled chicken, dinner ideas, marinated chicken, healthy skewers, vegetable skewers
