If there was ever a dish that screams summer, it’s gotta be grilled chicken kabobs. The sizzle on the grill, the smoky aroma wafting through the air—it’s pure delight. With a marinade so good it could make even a Brussels sprout taste like a million bucks, these kabobs are a must-try.
Steps
- In a large bowl, mix together olive oil, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. Add chicken pieces, bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion to the marinade, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the marinated mixture for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for more intense flavor. Meanwhile, soak wooden skewers in cold water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Carefully thread the marinated chicken and vegetables onto the soaked skewers, alternating between chicken and vegetables.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked. Once done, sprinkle chopped parsley over the skewers for added flavor and serve.
- For oven broiling, preheat the broiler and lightly coat a sheet pan with cooking spray. Arrange the skewers in a single layer on the pan, broil for 5 minutes, flip, and broil the other side for another 5 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 small zucchinis, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Nutritional Values
Calories: 278kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 420mg | Potassium: 791mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 1145IU | Vitamin C: 106.5mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1.6mg
FAQ
- What ingredients are essential for making grilled chicken kabobs?
- The key ingredients for grilled chicken kabobs include boneless, skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and a variety of vegetables such as red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion. Chopped parsley is often used as a garnish.
- How should wooden skewers be prepared before using them for grilling?
- Wooden skewers should be soaked in cold water for at least 20 minutes before grilling. This helps prevent them from burning or catching fire while cooking, ensuring they remain intact and safe to handle.
- Can chicken kabobs be cooked using methods other than grilling?
- Yes, chicken kabobs can also be baked in the oven. You can use an indoor grill or broil them in the oven. If broiling, place the skewers on a sheet pan coated with cooking spray, and cook for about 5 minutes on each side.
- What is the recommended marinating time for chicken to absorb maximum flavor?
- Chicken should be marinated for at least one hour to absorb the flavors effectively. However, for the best results and deeper infusion of flavors, marinating for up to 8 hours is recommended.
- What is the safest way to consume food on skewers, particularly for children?
- It’s safest to slide the food off the skewer onto a plate before eating, especially for children. While adults often eat directly from the skewer, disassembling it for children reduces the risk of injury.
Tips
- Marinate Thoroughly: For the best flavor, make sure to marinate the chicken and vegetables for at least an hour. If possible, extend this to up to 8 hours for a more intense taste as the marinade penetrates deeper.
- Pre-soak Wooden Skewers: To prevent wooden skewers from burning or breaking, soak them in cold water for at least 20-30 minutes before threading the food onto them.
- Customize Vegetable Choices: Feel free to swap out the vegetables according to your preference. Options like mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, potatoes, and asparagus can provide different flavors and textures.
- Serve Safely: For a safer dining experience, especially for children, slide the grilled ingredients off the skewers onto a plate before serving, rather than eating directly from the stick.
Equipment
- Wooden Skewers: While some people might have these at home, they are a specific item that many might need to purchase for making kabobs.
- Grill Pan: If someone doesn’t have access to an outdoor grill, a grill pan can be a useful purchase for indoor grilling.
- Broiler Pan or Sheet Pan with Rack: For those planning to use the broiler method, having a proper broiler pan or a sheet pan with a rack could be necessary if not already owned.
