This recipe for grilled chicken skewers is a weeknight favorite of mine because marinating the chicken in a delicious mix of olive oil, lemon, and a blend of vibrant spices gives it an unbeatable flavor that’s perfect with smoky grilled peppers and onions. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about assembling and enjoying these colorful skewers with friends; they always make for an easy and impressive meal!
Chicken Shish Kebabs offer a delightful combination of flavors, and I love how the fresh vegetables and expertly spiced chicken balance each other in this dish. The marinade is olive oil and lemon juice, which tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor.
The real flavor comes, though, from the spices: paprika, cumin, and turmeric. And the chicken, threaded onto a skewer and grilled, is a wonderful vehicle for the spices and the wonderful flavor that fresh parsley adds.
Ingredients
Chicken breasts:
A low-fat, high-nutrient, essential protein source.
Olive oil:
High in monounsaturated fats, which are healthy, and supports heart health.
Lemon juice:
Contributes a zesty flavor, contributes vitamin C, aids digestion.
Garlic:
Recognized for its immune-enhancing and antioxidant powers.
Turmeric:
Consists of curcumin, a compound that colors as well as adds anti-inflammatory properties.
Red bell pepper:
Vitamins A and C are in abundance here, adding a wealth of sweetness and crunch.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large red onion, cut into chunks
- 1 large red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 large green bell pepper, cut into chunks
- Metal or wooden skewers
Instructions
1. The chicken breasts should be cut into 1-inch cubes and placed in a large mixing bowl.
2. In another bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, and other marinade ingredients. These include minced garlic, paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Whisk together until thoroughly mixed.
3. Place the chicken cubes in a bowl and pour the marinade over them, making certain all pieces are well coated. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. You may marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, though it is best to let it go overnight for maximum flavor.
4. Set the grill to medium-high heat. If you are using wooden skewers for the next step, place them in a container of water to soak for at least 30 minutes before you attempt to put anything on them (otherwise, they will catch fire).
5. Skewers should be threaded with marinated chicken and the following veggies, all of which need to be cut into chunks: red onion, red bell pepper, and both green bell pepper and green bell pepper chunks.
6. Put the skewers on the grill that has been preheated.
7. Skewers should be grilled for approximately 10-15 minutes. They should be turned occasionally, and the chicken should be checked for doneness. The outside should have a nice char.
8. Verify the internal temperature of the chicken to confirm it has attained a safe 165°F (75°C) for eating.
9. Take the skewers off the grill and allow them to rest for a few minutes.
10. Before serving, top the kebabs with minced fresh parsley, and enjoy!
Equipment Needed
1. Sharp knife
2. Cutting board
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Medium mixing bowl
5. Whisk
6. Plastic wrap
7. Grill
8. Metal or wooden skewers
9. Tongs
10. Meat thermometer
FAQ
- Q: Can I use chicken thigh instead of breast for this recipe?A: Yes, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful kebab.
- Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?A: For at least 1 hour, marinating the chicken is best. For optimal flavor, marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
- Q: What can I substitute for olive oil?A: There are substitutes you can use, such as avocado oil or vegetable oil, but olive oil is the best option because its flavor is so much better.
- Q: Can these kebabs be cooked on a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill?A: Yes, the kebabs can be cooked in a grill pan if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill.
- Q: Should I soak wooden skewers before using them?Q: Should I soak wooden skewers in water before using them in a campfire recipe?
A: Yes, if you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using them in a campfire recipe. This will prevent them from burning.
- Q: Is the cayenne pepper necessary for the recipe?A: No, cayenne pepper is optional and can be skipped if you want a less spicy taste.
- Q: Can I add other vegetables to the skewers?Absolutely, you can add mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini for more variety.
Substitutions and Variations
You can substitute avocado oil or sunflower oil for olive oil.
Lime juice can be used as a substitute for lemon juice.
Ground caraway seeds can be used as a substitute for ground cumin.
You can use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder if fresh garlic isn’t available to you.
You can use yellow or orange bell peppers in place of the red and green bell peppers.
Pro Tips
1. Marinade Magic: To enhance the flavor penetration, score the surface of the chicken cubes lightly with a knife before marinating. This allows the marinade to seep deeper into the meat.
2. Optimal Marinating Time: While marinating for at least 1 hour is beneficial, leaving the chicken to marinate overnight in the refrigerator will intensify the flavors and yield juicier, more flavorful results.
3. Uniform Cutting: To ensure even cooking, try to cut the chicken and vegetables into similar-sized chunks. This helps everything cook evenly and prevents any piece from being under or overcooked.
4. Herb Infusion: Add some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the marinade for an added layer of flavor. You can also add a pinch of sugar or honey to the marinade to enhance caramelization during grilling.
5. Heat Distribution: When threading the skewers, leave a small gap between each piece of chicken and vegetables. This allows for better heat circulation and more even cooking. Also, don’t crowd the skewers; use enough skewers to comfortably hold all pieces.
Chicken Shish Kebab Recipe
My favorite Chicken Shish Kebab Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Sharp knife
2. Cutting board
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Medium mixing bowl
5. Whisk
6. Plastic wrap
7. Grill
8. Metal or wooden skewers
9. Tongs
10. Meat thermometer
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large red onion, cut into chunks
- 1 large red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 large green bell pepper, cut into chunks
- Metal or wooden skewers
Instructions:
1. The chicken breasts should be cut into 1-inch cubes and placed in a large mixing bowl.
2. In another bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, and other marinade ingredients. These include minced garlic, paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Whisk together until thoroughly mixed.
3. Place the chicken cubes in a bowl and pour the marinade over them, making certain all pieces are well coated. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. You may marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, though it is best to let it go overnight for maximum flavor.
4. Set the grill to medium-high heat. If you are using wooden skewers for the next step, place them in a container of water to soak for at least 30 minutes before you attempt to put anything on them (otherwise, they will catch fire).
5. Skewers should be threaded with marinated chicken and the following veggies, all of which need to be cut into chunks: red onion, red bell pepper, and both green bell pepper and green bell pepper chunks.
6. Put the skewers on the grill that has been preheated.
7. Skewers should be grilled for approximately 10-15 minutes. They should be turned occasionally, and the chicken should be checked for doneness. The outside should have a nice char.
8. Verify the internal temperature of the chicken to confirm it has attained a safe 165°F (75°C) for eating.
9. Take the skewers off the grill and allow them to rest for a few minutes.
10. Before serving, top the kebabs with minced fresh parsley, and enjoy!
