Name: Grilled Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breast (boneless & skinless); ½ red bell pepper; ½ green bell pepper; 1 red onion; 6 ounces portobello mushrooms; 3 garlic cloves (minced); 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 ½ teaspoons ground paprika; Salt and pepper (to taste)

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There is something undeniably joyful about a platter of juicy, colorful Grilled Chicken Kabobs. This vibrant dish isn’t just a feast for the eyes; every bite bursts with smoky, sweet, and savory flavors that transform the simplest ingredients into something truly special. Whether you’re planning a laid-back summer cookout or want to add some excitement to weeknight dinners, Grilled Chicken Kabobs are a go-to recipe you’ll crave again and again.

Grilled Chicken Kabobs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What really makes these Grilled Chicken Kabobs shine is the quality and balance of a handful of humble ingredients. Each element contributes something unique—whether it’s tenderness, a pop of color, or a punch of flavor—that makes every skewer irresistible.

Chicken breast: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breast for lean, juicy bites that absorb the marinade beautifully.
Red bell pepper: Adds a vibrant sweetness and gorgeous color to every skewer.
Green bell pepper: Brings a subtle earthy flavor and crisp crunch to balance the dish.
Red onion: Offers mild sharpness and caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
Portobello mushrooms: Give a meaty texture and soak up the marinade, making every bite extra flavorful.
Garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the marinade with that unmistakable savory depth.
Olive oil: Helps tenderize the chicken and keeps everything succulent.
Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps the kabobs get that irresistible caramelized char.
Ground paprika: Lends warm, smoky notes and a lovely pop of color.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors into perfect harmony.

How to Make Grilled Chicken Kabobs

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by cutting the chicken breast into even, bite-sized cubes—aim for about 1 to 1½ inches so that everything cooks uniformly. Chop your red and green bell peppers, as well as the red onion, into similar chunks. If your portobello mushrooms are on the larger side, simply halve them; otherwise, keep them whole for those satisfying, juicy bites.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together your minced garlic, olive oil, honey, paprika, salt, and pepper. This bold, aromatic mixture does double duty: not only does it amp up the chicken’s flavor, but it also works wonders on the veggies, making the entire kabob taste cohesive and crave-worthy.

Step 3: Toss and Marinate

Place your chicken, peppers, onions, and mushrooms into a large mixing bowl. Pour the marinade over the top and toss everything together until well coated. Make sure each piece is glistening with that savory-sweet mixture—it’s going to pay off big time once the kabobs hit the grill!

Step 4: Refrigerate for Flavor

Cover your bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (though up to 4 hours is even better if you have the time). This marinating time lets all those big flavors soak deep into the chicken and vegetables, ensuring every bite of your Grilled Chicken Kabobs is layered with sweet, smoky goodness.

Step 5: Prepare the Grill

Get started about 20 minutes before you’re ready to cook. For a charcoal grill, arrange your hot coals to one side for indirect heat. If you have a gas grill, preheat on high until you hit around 400°F. These steps create the ideal cooking environment for your kabobs—hot enough to sear, gentle enough to keep things juicy.

Step 6: Thread the Kabobs

Now the fun part: thread chunks of chicken, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms onto your skewers. Alternate the colors and textures as you go for maximum visual appeal and even grilling. Not only does this make them look stunning, but it helps each ingredient cook perfectly.

Step 7: Grill to Perfection

Arrange your kabobs over medium heat and grill for 12 to 15 minutes. Turn them every few minutes so each side gets gorgeous grill marks and everything cooks evenly. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is completely opaque and there’s a little bit of char on the edges.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once your Grilled Chicken Kabobs are sizzling and beautifully golden, serve them up fresh off the grill. For a complete meal, pair them with fluffy rice, tangy tzatziki, or grilled flatbread that soaks up all those luscious juices.

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Kabobs

Garnishes

A big handful of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro adds a gorgeous burst of color and herby aroma to your kabobs. For a fresh, zesty finish, squeeze lemon wedges over the skewers right before serving—your guests will notice the difference!

Side Dishes

Grilled Chicken Kabobs are wonderfully versatile. They shine when served over steaming rice or a bed of couscous, or alongside creamy tzatziki for dipping. Grilled veggies, crisp salads, or warm pita bread also make fantastic partners, rounding out your meal in the most satisfying way.

Creative Ways to Present

If you really want to wow your guests, arrange your kabobs in a rainbow on a big platter, sprinkle with extra herbs, and nestle a bowl of dipping sauce in the center. For kids (or party goers!), remove the kabob contents into lettuce cups, or wrap everything up in flatbread with a dollop of your favorite sauce for a hands-on meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Grilled Chicken Kabobs (lucky you!), simply remove them from the skewers and transfer to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for up to three days, making them perfect for busy weeknight lunches.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the fully cooked chicken and veggies (off the skewers) in a well-sealed freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor retention.

Reheating

To bring your kabobs back to life, lay the chicken and veggies out on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. Alternatively, a quick stint in a hot skillet works wonders. For the best taste, avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Just trim excess fat and proceed with the recipe as written for delicious, succulent Grilled Chicken Kabobs.

What type of skewers should I use?

Both metal and wooden skewers work beautifully. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before assembling the kabobs to prevent burning on the grill.

Can I make Grilled Chicken Kabobs in the oven?

You sure can. Arrange the threaded kabobs on a baking sheet lined with foil and roast at 425°F, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through (about 15 to 20 minutes). You can even broil them briefly for gorgeous char marks.

How do I know when the kabobs are done?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Look for opaque, firm meat with golden, slightly charred edges—a good sign that your Grilled Chicken Kabobs are perfectly cooked.

Can I customize the veggies?

Definitely! Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or even pineapple chunks can be threaded onto your skewers to add extra color and sweetness. Just keep all pieces roughly the same size for even cooking.

Final Thoughts

There’s a certain magic that happens when you fire up the grill and watch these skewers transform into a rainbow of flavor-packed bites. Grilled Chicken Kabobs are a crowd-pleasing favorite that always bring people together. Give them a try—you’ll be amazed at how simple, satisfying, and downright delicious homemade kabobs can be!

Grilled Chicken Kabobs Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 24 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

These Grilled Chicken Kabobs are a perfect summer meal with tender marinated chicken, colorful vegetables, and savory mushrooms grilled to perfection.

Instructions

Cut the Ingredients: Cut chicken, bell peppers, red onion, and mushrooms into similar-sized pieces.
Prepare Marinade: Whisk together garlic, olive oil, honey, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Marinate: Combine chicken, vegetables, and mushrooms in a bowl. Pour marinade over and toss well to coat.
Chill: Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
Preheat Grill: Set up the grill for medium heat (400°F/200°C).
Skewer: Thread chicken and vegetables onto skewers.
Grill: Grill kabobs for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally.
Serve: Enjoy with rice, tzatziki, or grilled flatbread!

Notes

Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning.
Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or pineapple.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Mediterranean