Description
These Zesty Grilled Chicken Kebabs are an absolute delight, bursting with bright, tangy flavors and wonderful smoky char from the grill. They are incredibly versatile and perfect for any gathering or a simple weeknight dinner that feels special. Imagine tender, succulent pieces of chicken kissed by the flame, coated in a vibrant, herbaceous marinade, ready to be devoured.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 zucchini sliced into 1/3 inch slices
2 bell peppers sliced into 1-inch pieces
1 onion quartered into 1-inch pieces
1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts skinless boneless – cubed into 1-inch pieces
Instructions
For brining the chicken submerge it in a saltwater solution made by dissolving 1/2 cup salt in 4 cups lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Afterwards, rinse the chicken and pat it dry.
To make the marinade, combine olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and whisk well.
Toss the cut vegetables with half of the prepared marinade. Add the remaining marinade to the cubed chicken and mix until thoroughly coated.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 375F (190C).
Thread the marinated chicken and vegetables onto skewers. Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning them halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Be careful not to overcook.
For oven baking preheat your oven to 450F (230C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
Notes
Cutting the chicken into even 1-inch cubes is crucial for ensuring they all cook at the same rate, preventing some from being undercooked while others are overcooked.
Don’t crowd the grill: Give your kebabs enough space on the grill grates. If they are too close together, they will steam rather than grill, and you won’t get those desirable char marks.
Marinade Safety: Always discard any marinade that has come into contact with raw chicken. Never reuse it as a sauce unless it has been brought to a rolling boil for several minutes.
Check for Doneness: The best way to ensure your chicken is safely cooked is to use an instant-read thermometer. Look for an internal temperature of 165F (74C) in the thickest part of the chicken.
Watch the Flames: If flare-ups occur on the grill, move the kebabs to a cooler part of the grill temporarily until the flames subside. This prevents the chicken from burning.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American