Grill chicken kabobs for an easy, flavorful meal everyone will enjoy. These delicious chicken kabobs on the grill are made simple with juicy marinated chicken, colorful vegetables, and a few basic ingredients.
Whether you’re grilling for a family dinner or a backyard cookout, this chicken kabob recipe delivers tender, smoky chicken with every bite. Plus, they cook fast, making them a perfect choice for busy weeknights or summer gatherings.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
You only need simple, fresh ingredients to make these juicy chicken kabobs on the grill. This chicken kabob recipe is flexible and packed with flavor, using a quick marinade and colorful veggies.
For the Chicken and Vegetables
• 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 large bell peppers, any color, cut into chunks
• 1 large red onion, peeled and cut into chunks
• Wooden skewers or metal skewers, for threading the chicken and veggies
For the Marinade
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
This easy chicken marinade keeps the chicken juicy, tender, and full of flavor. You can also swap in other chicken kabob ingredients like mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for extra variety.
Note: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak the skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make juicy, flavorful chicken kabobs on the grill. With just a few minutes of prep, you’ll have tender chicken and perfectly grilled vegetables.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables
• Cut the chicken breasts or thighs into 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
• Slice the bell pepper and red onion into chunks that are large enough to stay secure on the skewers.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
• In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
• Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly.
• Cover and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. For the juiciest grilled chicken kabobs, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours in the fridge.
Step 3: Prepare the Skewers
• If using wooden skewers, soak the skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
• Thread the chicken, bell pepper, and red onion onto the skewers, alternating between chicken and vegetables for colorful kabobs.
Step 4: Grill the Kabobs
• Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Clean the grill grates and lightly oil them to prevent sticking.
• Place the kabobs evenly on the grill.
• Grill the kabobs, turning every few minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges. This takes about 10 to 12 minutes.
The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F for safe eating.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
• Carefully remove the chicken and vegetables from the grill.
• Let the kabobs rest for a few minutes before serving for the juiciest grilled chicken kabobs.
These chicken kabobs on the grill pair perfectly with rice, salads, or warm pita bread.
Pro Tips and Variations
Making juicy chicken kabobs on the grill is simple, but these extra tips help you get the best results every time. You can also try a few easy variations to switch up the flavors.
Pro Tips for the Best Grilled Chicken Kabobs
• Cut the chicken evenly
Slice the chicken breasts or thighs into 1-inch pieces so they cook at the same rate. Even pieces prevent overcooking and keep the chicken juicy.
• Marinate the chicken properly
For the best flavor and tenderness, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate the chicken for 2 to 4 hours in the fridge.
• Soak the skewers
Using wooden skewers? Soak them in water for 30 minutes to keep them from burning on the grill.
• Grill to medium-high heat
Preheat your grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grill grates. This helps prevent sticking and gives your kabobs great grill marks.
• Don’t overcook the chicken
Keep an eye on the kabobs while grilling. The chicken is completely cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Tasty Variations to Try
• Mediterranean Chicken Kabobs
Add dried oregano, garlic, and lemon zest for Mediterranean-inspired grilled chicken kabobs. Serve with tzatziki sauce on the side.
• Colorful Chicken and Veggies
Swap in mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for a mix of chicken and colorful vegetables on the skewers.
• Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness
Prefer richer flavor? Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for even juicier grilled chicken kabobs.
• Use a Grill Pan Indoors
If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan on the stove to make these kabobs any time of year.
• Make-Ahead Option
You can marinate the chicken and prep the veggies hours ahead of time, then grill the kabobs when ready to eat.
These variations make it easy to enjoy flavorful chicken kabobs on the grill your way.
Serving Suggestions
These juicy chicken kabobs on the grill pair well with a variety of easy sides and dips. Whether you’re making grilled chicken kabobs for a family dinner or a summer cookout, here are some tasty ways to serve them:
Perfect Pairings
• Grilled Vegetables
Toss some extra bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes on the grill alongside the chicken for a complete, colorful meal.
• Rice or Couscous
Serve with fluffy rice, lemon-herb couscous, or quinoa to soak up the flavorful chicken juices.
• Pita Bread and Dips
For a Mediterranean twist, serve the kabobs with warm pita bread, creamy hummus, or cool tzatziki sauce.
• Fresh Salads
A simple cucumber salad, Greek salad, or tomato and feta salad adds a crisp, refreshing side to balance the grilled chicken kabobs.
• Grilled Potatoes or Corn
Round out your meal with grilled potatoes or corn on the cob for a hearty, satisfying plate.
Great for Meal Prep or Parties
These grilled chicken kabobs are perfect for making ahead. You can prep the chicken and veggies hours ahead of time, then grill when ready to serve. They also work well for BBQ parties or weeknight meals.
Tip: Serve with extra lemon wedges and a drizzle of olive oil to bring out the flavor of the chicken kabobs on the grill.
Conclusion
These delicious chicken kabobs on the grill are simple to make, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion. With juicy marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and a quick cook time, they’re a go-to option for summer cookouts or easy family meals. Whether you’re grilling outside or using a grill pan indoors, this chicken kabob recipe delivers tender, perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Chicken Kabobs On The Grill
Ingredients
Method
- Step 1: Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces. Slice bell pepper and red onion into chunks.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 3: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. Thread the chicken, bell pepper, and onion onto the skewers.
- Step 4: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Clean and lightly oil the grill grates.
- Step 5: Place the kabobs on the grill. Cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
- Step 6: Remove the chicken and vegetables from the grill. Let rest a few minutes before serving.
Notes
FAQs
How long does it take to grill chicken kabobs?
Chicken kabobs on the grill usually take 10 to 12 minutes, turning every few minutes for even cooking. The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Do you grill chicken kabobs with the lid open or closed?
For the best results, grill chicken kabobs with the lid closed. This helps the heat circulate evenly, cooks the chicken thoroughly, and keeps the kabobs juicy.
Should I marinate kabobs before grilling?
Yes, it’s best to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before grilling. A good chicken kabob marinade adds flavor and helps keep the chicken tender while it cooks.
What is the trick to grilling kabobs?
The key to great kabobs is cutting even-sized pieces of chicken, soaking wooden skewers, preheating the grill to medium-high heat, and turning the kabobs regularly to avoid burning.
How to grill skewers without burning?
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning on the grill. You can also use metal skewers, which don’t burn and are reusable.
How to cut onions for kabobs?
To cut red onions for kabobs, peel the onion and slice it into chunks about 1 to 1.5 inches wide. Large pieces stay secure on the skewers and cook evenly with the chicken and vegetables.
