We love to grill at our house almost all year round thanks to the mild California weather. And shish kabobs are a staple for us, whether we are having guests over or it’s just our family. You can marinate and even assemble everything ahead of time and then they cook quickly on the grilled so you end up with chunks of juicy meat and tender-crisp veggies. What’s not to love?! This chicken kabob recipe is a complete meal on a stick, featuring chunks of marinated chicken and fresh vegetables. The homemade marinade, made with soy sauce, lemon juice, and garlic, adds an extra layer of flavor that’s easy to pull together and hard to resist. Another great thing about this recipe is its versatility. You can use either boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, and the vegetables can be mixed and matched based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Zucchini, sliced onions, red bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and pineapple, are all popular options at our house, but these kabobs are customizable to suit your taste. For more of the best kabobs and recipes for grilling season, check out my Marinated Steak Kabobs, Grilled Chicken Shawarma Wraps, Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Skewers, Sriracha Mayo Marinated Grilled Lamb Chops, and Easy Grilled Shrimp Skewers!
Why We Love This Recipe
Grilling the kabobs ensures beautiful grill marks and a smoky taste that everyone will love! Packed with protein from the chicken and vitamins from the colorful vegetables, it’s a nutritious option that fits into a balanced diet. For first-time grillers, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow!
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Vegetable Oil or Olive Oil – Adds moisture and helps prevent sticking on the grill. Soy Sauce – Adds a savory umami flavor. Brown Sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the soy sauce. Worcestershire Sauce – Enhances the savory flavor with a slight tang. Lemon Juice – Adds brightness and tenderizes the chicken. Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Adds a hint of spice. Dried Basil – Adds a subtle herb flavor. Minced Garlic Cloves – Adds a robust and aromatic flavor. Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – The main protein, can be substituted with chicken thighs for a juicier option. Zucchini – Adds a mild, fresh flavor and vibrant color. Grape Tomatoes – Adds sweetness and juiciness. Bell Peppers – Adds a variety of flavors and colors. Red Onion – Adds a mild, sweet flavor. Cremini Mushrooms – Adds an earthy, meaty flavor.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Skewers
Tips for Success
For the best flavor, use fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken. Fresh produce enhances the overall taste and texture of the kabobs. If using bamboo skewers, soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling prevents them from burning and ensures even cooking. Leave some space between the pieces on the skewer to ensure even cooking. Overcrowding can lead to unevenly cooked chicken and vegetables. Keep an eye on the grill temperature to avoid burning the kabobs. Medium heat is ideal for cooking chicken kabobs evenly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Substitutions and Variations
Tamari or coconut aminos can be used as a gluten-free option for soy sauce. Honey or maple syrup can be used as a natural sweetener instead of brown sugar. Lime juice can be used instead of lemon juice for a different citrus flavor. Fresh basil or other herbs like oregano or thyme can be used as a substitute for dried basil. For juicier kabobs, try using boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Other vegetables like yellow squash or eggplant can be used in place of zucchini. Cherry tomatoes or any small, firm tomato variety can be substituted for grape tomatoes. Button mushrooms or portobello mushrooms can be used instead of cremini mushrooms.
More Summer Grilling Recipes You’ll Love
Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs BBQ Tri Tip (Grill Recipe) Grilled Flank Steak with Mushrooms Juicy Grilled Turkey Burgers Grilled Garlic Bread Perfect Grilled Pork Chops with Sweet BBQ Pork Rub Grilled Ribeye Steak Burgers 101: How to Grill Burgers
Rice pilaf, quinoa, or couscous make excellent accompaniments to chicken kabobs. These grains can be seasoned with herbs and spices to enhance the flavors of the kabobs. Tzatziki sauce, hummus, or a simple yogurt dip can add extra flavor to your kabobs. These dips are easy to prepare and pair wonderfully with both the chicken and vegetables. Serve the kabobs with warm pita bread or naan for a complete meal. The bread can be used to make sandwiches with the grilled chicken and vegetables.
