Best Juicy Grilled Chicken Kabobs

Dive into summer flavors with the Best Juicy Grilled Chicken Kabobs! Tender, marinated chicken pieces are threaded with colorful vegetables and grilled to perfection.

This recipe is all about juicy chicken – simple marinades and grilling techniques ensure your kabobs stay flavorful and moist. It’s a quick and easy weeknight meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd, and you can customize the vegetables to your liking.

Fire up the grill and get ready for a delicious and satisfying barbecue!

Why These are the Best Juicy Grilled Chicken Kabobs

• Bursting with Flavor: The recipe focuses on creating juicy, flavorful chicken through marinades and grilling techniques. Say goodbye to dry chicken kabobs!
• Easy Weeknight Meal: This recipe is designed to be quick and simple to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Kabobs are a crowd-friendly dish, great for feeding a family or gathering with friends.
• Customizable: Don’t like peppers? No problem! The beauty of kabobs is you can choose the vegetables and other additions you love. (see my list below)
• Summery and Vibrant: Grilled chicken and colorful vegetables scream summer barbecue! This dish is sure to bring a light and fresh feel to your meal.

These really are the best in flavor, juiciest and most tender Grilled Chicken Kabobs. You will be able to customize them, retain moisture while grilling and make this your favorite go to grilling recipe.

However, as is typical over here at Daily Dish Recipes, we like to help you make these entirely your own, starting with our basic recipe. So let’s talk additions.

What Can I Add to these Chicken Kabobs?

Here are some ideas for add-ons to take your grilled chicken kabobs to the next level:

Veggies:

• Classic favorites: Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and zucchini are all tried-and-true options that pair well with chicken.
• More adventurous options: Asparagus, cherry tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, and pineapple chunks add exciting flavors and textures.
• Heartier vegetables: For a more substantial kabob, consider adding cubed eggplant, sweet potato, or butternut squash.

Meat and Seafood:

• Shrimp or scallops: Thread grilled shrimp or scallops alongside the chicken for a delightful surf and turf kabob.
• Steak or sausage: For meat lovers, cubed steak or sausage can be added for a heartier kabob.

Fruits:

• Tropical twist: Pineapple chunks, mango slices, or kiwi wedges add a touch of sweetness and tropical flair.
• Stone fruits: Peaches, plums, or nectarines add a juicy and caramelized element when grilled.

Cheeses:

• Creamy crumbles: Feta cheese, goat cheese, or mozzarella crumbles add a creamy richness and salty tang.
• Halloumi cheese: This brined cheese holds up well on the grill and doesn’t melt away, adding a salty and chewy contrast.

Other Fun Ideas:

• Olives: Kalamata olives add a salty and briny pop of flavor.
• Dried fruits: Dried cranberries, apricots, or raisins add a touch of sweetness and chewy texture.
• Fresh herbs: Rosemary sprigs or thyme sprigs add a wonderful aromatic flavor to the kabobs as they grill.

Additionally, you can use salad dressings to marinate, experiment with multiple meats, use sauces and dips for serving. Create your favorite meal combination.

Tips for making the Best Grilled Kabobs

Here are some tips for the making the absolute best kabobs, ensuring juicy and flavorful skewers every time:

Prepping for Perfection:

• Marinate Wisely: Marinades add tons of flavor, but choose wisely. Sugar-heavy marinades can burn easily. Opt for yogurt or citrus-based marinades for chicken and fish, and acidic marinades like vinegar for tougher meats like beef.
• Soak Your Skewers: Wooden skewers can burn easily. Soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading to prevent them from catching fire on the grill.
• Even-Sized Pieces: Cut your ingredients into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Bite-sized pieces are ideal for even cooking through.

Grilling for Greatness:

• Hot and Ready Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat for even searing and prevent sticking.
• Oil Up: Brush the grill grates with a high smoke point oil to prevent sticking. Such as: Avocado oil, Safflower oil, Canola oil, Soybean oil, Sunflower oil, Peanut oil, Coconut oil.
• Don’t Crowd the Kabobs: Give your kabobs space on the grill for proper airflow and even cooking.
• The Sear and Flip: Sear the kabobs for a few minutes per side to get a nice char, then flip for even cooking.
• Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your meat reaches a safe internal temperature. 165°F for chicken, 145°F for steak, and 140°F for fish are common safe temperatures.
• Rest and Serve: Let the kabobs rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum flavor.

Bonus Tips:

• Metal or Bamboo Skewers: Consider using metal skewers for multiple uses, or bamboo skewers for easy disposal.
• Double Skewering: For delicate items like shrimp or scallops, use two parallel skewers for stability when turning.
• Brush and Baste: Baste your kabobs with leftover marinade while grilling to add extra moisture and flavor.
• Get Creative!: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations and ingredients. The world of kabobs is your oyster (or should we say, scallop?)!

Leftovers and Storage Tips

There are two main options for storing leftover kabobs, depending on whether you’ve cooked them already or they’re still uncooked but prepped:

Storing Cooked Kabobs:

• Refrigerator: This is the best method for short-term storage. Cooked kabobs can last in the refrigerator for 2-3 days when stored properly.
• Airtight container: Transfer leftover kabobs to an airtight container to prevent drying out and absorbing fridge odors.
• Separate components: Consider storing the cooked chicken and vegetables separately from the remaining marinade to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy.

Storing Uncooked Kabobs (Marinated or Not):

• Refrigerator: Marinating kabobs in the fridge is perfectly safe. You can store them in a marinade for up to 24 hours for chicken and fish, or 48 hours for tougher meats like beef.
• Airtight container or sealed bag: Use an airtight container or resealable bag to prevent marinade from leaking and contaminating other foods in the fridge.
• Freezing: Technically possible, but not ideal. Freezing can alter the texture of the chicken and vegetables, potentially making them tougher or mushier upon thawing. If you do freeze, use freezer-safe bags and thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

General Tips:

• Label It: Label your container with the date to ensure you know how long it’s been stored.
• Reheating: Reheat cooked kabobs gently over medium heat on the grill or in a skillet until warmed through. Avoid overcooking to prevent dryness.

Tip: Sometimes we whip a couple of plain ones for my son, and then store them to air fry the leftovers throughout the week. Place leftover kabobs in the air fryer basket, and air fry for 2 minutes at 400 degrees F. Careful not to over crowd, and if you have an air fryer that preheats don’t place them in the basket until it’s preheated.

What to Serve with Chicken Kabobs

Chicken kabobs are a versatile main course that can be complemented by a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas to consider, depending on what you’re looking for:

Light and Refreshing Sides:

• Salads: A classic Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta cheese drizzled with a simple vinaigrette is a perfect way to add another layer of Mediterranean flavor to your meal. Other options include orzo pasta salad with chopped vegetables, herbs, and a lemon dressing, or marinated vegetable skewers with cherry tomatoes, red onion, zucchini, and bell peppers grilled or roasted with olive oil and herbs.

Heartier Options:

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness and pairs well with the savory chicken kabobs. For a heartier option, consider lentil soup or a lighter potato salad made with Greek yogurt or mayonnaise and seasoned with herbs.

Dipping and Spreads:

• Hummus with pita bread or crudités adds a creamy and flavorful element to the meal. Tzatziki sauce, a cool and refreshing yogurt-based sauce with cucumber and garlic, is another delicious dip for the chicken or vegetables.

Something to Sip:

• Homemade lemonade is a refreshing drink that complements the Mediterranean flavors of the kabobs. Iced herbal tea, like mint or hibiscus, is another light and flavorful beverage option.

Additional Ideas:

• Couscous salad with fresh vegetables adds a light and fluffy grain element.
• Grilled flatbreads or pita bread are perfect for scooping up leftover chicken and vegetables.
• A side of fruit like watermelon slices or a fruit salad adds a touch of sweetness and freshness to the meal.

Ultimately, the best side dishes for your chicken kabobs depend on your preferences and the overall feel you’re going for. Consider the flavors of your kabobs and choose accompaniments that complement or enhance them.

Making the Recipe

Enjoy the taste of summer grilling in these absolutely easy and incredibly Juicy Grilled Chicken Kabobs. Great for summer barbecues, pool parties and much more!

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