Ingredients
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/3 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 teaspoon minced garlic
– Salt and pepper
– 1 red bell pepper
– 1 yellow bell pepper
– 2 small zucchini
– 1 red onion
– 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
– 1 cup plain whole milk Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cumin
– 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
– Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
First Step: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by cutting 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into uniform 1 to 1.5-inch pieces. This ensures even cooking and juicy results. Slice vegetables 1 red bell pepper, 1 yellow bell pepper, 2 small zucchinis, and 1 red onion into 1-inch pieces or rounds to complement the chicken size. Uniform pieces help everything cook at the same pace, avoiding overcooked veggies or underdone chicken.
Second Step: Make the Marinade
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/3 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup honey, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, and salt and pepper (approximately 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper). For a flavorful alternative, try the yogurt-based marinade by blending 1 cup plain whole milk Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 teaspoons paprika, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, and zest and juice of 1 lemon. This variation imparts creaminess and vibrant Middle Eastern flavors.
Third Step: Marinate Chicken and Vegetables
Add the chicken pieces and prepared vegetables to the marinade. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For richer flavor and tenderization, especially with the yogurt marinade, marinate for up to 8 hours or overnight. Avoid marinating chicken pieces too long to prevent mushy texture.
Fourth Step: Prepare Skewers
If you are using wooden skewers, soak them for at least 30 minutes in cold water to keep them from burning on the grill. Metal skewers are a great alternative for ease and durability. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C). Grease grill grates with a high smoke point oil like avocado or grapeseed oil to prevent sticking.
Fifth Step: Thread the Kabobs
Thread the marinated chicken and vegetables onto skewers alternately, creating a colorful pattern. Be sure to leave a little space between pieces for heat circulation and even cooking. Avoid overcrowding to ensure kabobs cook properly on all sides.
Sixth Step: Grill the Kabobs
Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for approximately 5 to 7 minutes per side, turning occasionally to achieve uniform grill marks and avoid burning. Total grill time is generally 10 to 15 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Chicken thighs may require an extra couple of minutes.
Seventh Step: For Indoor Cooking Options
Grilled chicken kabobs can also be cooked indoors on a grill pan or under a preheated broiler. Cook on medium-high heat, turning cabobs every 5 minutes, or broil on a greased baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes total until fully cooked.
Final Step: Rest and Serve
Remove kabobs from the grill and allow them to rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken tender and juicy. Garnish with 1 tablespoon chopped parsley and optionally serve with fresh lemon wedges for added brightness. For safer eating, especially with kids, slide food off the skewers onto plates before serving.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🌿 Brine chicken breasts in salted water for 15 minutes up to 6 hours to enhance juiciness.
🍗 Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier, more tender kabobs, especially if using acidic marinades like yogurt and lemon.
🍅 Vegetables can be substituted or added with mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, asparagus, or potatoes.
- Prep Time: 20–35 minutes
- Marinating time: 1 hour (up to 8 hours or overnight)
- Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Low Sugar
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
