How Long To Marinate Chicken For Kabobs
One of the biggest challenges I run into when making kabobs is building in time for the meat to marinate.
These grilled chicken kabobs need just 30 minutes! This amount of time is easy to accomplish while you are prepping other elements of the meal.
- Start with the chicken marinade, then set it aside to let it do its tasty thang.
- Move on to chopping the vegetables.
- Tidy up your kitchen and check Instagram. Before you know it, the chicken and vegetable kabobs are ready to grill.
The chicken can rest in the marinade for as little as 30 minutes and for a maximum of three hours. After three hours, the meat will start to break down.
If you are trying to get ahead on the recipe, chop and prep the ingredients but wait to add the marinade to the chicken until closer to the time when you plan to grill.
How To Make The Greek Chicken Marinade
This greek chicken marinade is my favorite go-to recipe for anything and everything chicken and it does double duty as a dressing for salads too.
The chicken is adequately flavored in just 15 minutes, or let it soak in all that Greek flavor for up to three hours in a bowl or a re-sealable gallon storage bag. I generally dont go longer than the 3 hour mark to avoid the chicken becoming mealy.
Heres whats in this Greek marinade:
- Greek yogurt: This is a new addition to my regular Greek marinade. I added the yogurt after making my Easy Chicken Gyros where the yogurt tenderizes the chicken for a very nice, juicy bite.
- Lemon juice + zest: The acid from the lemon also helps break down the tough fibers of the chicken as it adds a flavorful zip to each bite. Adding the zest of one lemon to the marinade amps the flavor up even that much more.
- Garlic: Because hello, garlic.
- Olive oil: Olive oil adds a bit of fat and helps create a barrier while the chicken is on the grill. However, youll still want prepare your grill with additional oil and rotate your skewers so the chicken doesnt become too charred or burn.
- Oregano: Because dried herbs are stronger in flavor than fresh, Ive found that dried oregano works best for this marinade, and a healthy dose of it is definitely required.
How To Cut Chicken For Grilling Kabobs
The key to evenly cooked chicken kabobs is cutting the chicken into even-sized pieces. Cubing boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into 1-inch pieces is recommended for the most delicious and perfectly cooked results.
Its important to cut the chicken into even-sized pieces, so each skewer cooks simultaneously with the others.
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Traeger Grilled Chicken Kabobs
These kabobs are one of the best chicken dishes Ive ever had, hands down. Like no question.
So tender, and juicy, and all the things you wish your chicken was all the time, but never actually is.
Thats partly due to this amazing marinade that Jeremiah threw together the other day, and also partly due to the magic that somehow works in the Traeger Grill. You can see our other Traeger recipes here in our Traeger Grilled Chicken post, and also this Traeger Grilled Chicken Sandwich recipe.
You can add any kind of veggies you want onto these. I, personally, think zucchini would be amazing, and some big chunks of onion. Jeremiah thinks that these are perfect as is, and I cant really argue with him.
Theres something about the combination of the warm, toasty pita bread, those peppers, mushrooms, and chicken, and the dressing that just makes these sing.
Check out all of my Traeger Recipes!
How To Brine Chicken Breast Prior To Cooking
Brining the chicken prior to grilling, roasting, and smoking helps the chicken keep its moisture. It takes just 15 minutes of your time for such small pieces of chicken, and although its optional, its totally worth it in my opinion.
You CAN buy brined chicken at the grocery store, so make sure to check the label. But if not, you can totally do this yourself.
To brine the chicken, you will need to dissolve ¼ cup of salt in 4 cups of room temp water. That is enough for 4 chicken breasts. Brine for at least 15 minutes , then rinse the chicken with fresh water and pat dry with paper towels.
To learn more about brining, check out my chicken brine recipe post. Its a basic skill that every home cook needs to know about and take advantage of!
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How Long To Grill Chicken Kabobs
Grill! Place the skewers on your preheated grill, the grilling will take around 10-15 minutes turning halfway through . Make sure that the chicken is cooked through and is golden brown, but avoid overcooking the chicken as it can dry out and become tough. So keep a close eye on the chicken.
Serve serve the chicken kabobs warm while theyre still tender and juicy.
I usually serve grilled chicken kabobs with turmeric rice for its vibrant color and summer taste with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice.
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What Are The Best Skewers For Kebabs
When it comes to skewering chicken for kebabs, I always reach for 9- to 12-inch metal skewers. Heres why.
- Unlike bamboo or wooden skewers, which need a 30-minute soak before hitting the grill, metal skewers are ready at a moments notice.
- They can be used again and again, making them a great no-waste option.
- Their pointy tip can easily pierce chicken . Just be sure to use tongs or an oven mitt when turning metal skewers, because they will get hot over the flames.
If you choose to use bamboo or wooden skewers, remember that they dont conduct heat as effectively as metal, so the chicken may take an extra minute or two to cook. I recommend soaking an entire package of at the start of the summer, then wrapping the bundle in plastic wrap and freezing. The moisture stays in the skewers and you can use them straight from the freezer.
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How To Grill Pork Kabobs:
- Prepare the Marinade Ingredients Whisk together the marinade ingredients in a medium size bowl.
- Cut Pork Tenderloin Then cut the pork into approximately 2 inch size pieces and place it in the bowl with the marinade.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours to let the pork marinate.
- Cut Vegetables While the pork is marinading, cut the red onion and bell peppers into 2 inch pieces and slice the zucchinis into 1 inch slices. Also, soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning while grilling.
- Thread Pork and Vegetables on Skewers Skewer the marinaded pork and vegetables onto the wooden skewers. Place on a baking sheet until all kabobs are prepared.
- Prepare the Grill Then preheat a grill over medium high heat .
- Begin grilling the Kabobs Place the kabobs on the hot grill and cook for approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Cook pork and vegetables Cook until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F and the vegetables are tender.
- Watch Kabobs closely Make sure to keep turning the kabobs approximately every 2 minutes to prevent them from burning.
- Serve and Enjoy Carefully remove from the grill and serve immediately.
Assemble & Cook The Kabobs
Arrange the Chicken and Vegetables: Place a piece of chicken on the skewer and alternate with vegetables until all the skewers are full.
Preheat the Grill to 350°F and Cook: Set on medium heat. Place the skewers on the grill and grill each side for 4 to 5 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Serve immediately!
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Yogurt Is The Secret To Super
Plain, whole-milk yogurt works its magic in multiple ways here. First, it evenly distributes the spices and seasonings in the marinade. Second, the lactic acid that gives yogurt its signature tang breaks down the protein in the chicken, making it juicy and ultra-tender. Sugars like lactose naturally present in yogurt also caramelize and brown on the hot grill grates, giving these kebabs beautiful grill marks.
If possible, skip thick Greek yogurt its concentrated consistency can cause the kebabs to stick to the grill grates. But If Greek is all youve got, stir in a splash of milk to loosen it up.
Make This Recipe In Advance
Make ahead: You can soak the skewers beforehand and chop the meat and veggies. Marinate the chicken overnight so all you need to do is skewer and grill your kabobs when youre ready to serve them.
Storing: Store any leftover Grilled Chicken Kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also leave the uncooked marinating chicken stored in a cover container or bag for 1-2 days before cooking.
Freeze: Frozen kabobs can be stored in the freezer in a freezer ziplock bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat on the grill, or in the oven.
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Chicken Skewers Are The Best
It doesnt have to take a ton of time to make something delicious. These simple chicken skewers are fantastic and only take a few minutes to prepare.
They are also inexpensive to make and can be made to please everyone. I have a few family members that only want chicken on their skewers. Some want extra vegetables.
This is the perfect recipe to please everyone and is sure to be a hit!
What To Serve With Chicken Kabobs
These grilled chicken kabobs have your protein and veggies covered! Theres no specific side that you should serve with kabobs, but here are a few of my favorite ideas:
- Grains. A bed of Lemon Rice is a delicious complement to this dish. White, brown, or cauliflower rice would also work well.
- Bread + Hummus. Serve the kabobs with some warm pita bread and hummus for dipping. YUM!
- Salad. Top a bed of chopped romaine, arugula, or spinach, with a drizzle of a creamy dressing or vinaigrette and the kabobs. < This is my favorite way to eat the leftovers! I like ranch or a simple vinaigrette like the one in my Italian Farro Salad.
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Vegetables As Toppings For Chicken Kabobs
Moreover, you can add vegetables of your choice to the chicken kabob skewer or stick. But you need to select the soft and tender vegetables that can easily be added to the metal skewers. So, add the vegetables, such as bell peppers, cut them into half-inch pieces. Add red onions with equal cuts and zucchini with about half an inch cut. You do not need to peel the zucchini.
Grill The Chicken Kabobs
For grilling the grates of a gas grill with oil before grilling the chicken kabobs. Then, place the chicken kabobs on the grill and cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side at a 375°F temperature. So, cook until all the sides become brown. Then, with the meat thermometer, check the internal temperature. It should be 165 F.
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The Best Chicken Kabobs
Grilled Chicken Kabobs are a fun and delicious way to serve up some chicken for dinner. Incredibly flavorful, super tender and juicy, these chicken kabobs are beautiful on a plate with some Grilled Vegetables and Grilled Potatoes. Bake a quick loaf of Garlic Bread and youve got a complete spring or summer meal thats perfect for weeknights with your family or even a outdoor dinner party.
Older kids can help in the kitchen, too! Just set up the chunks of chicken and skewers and let them get to work threading chicken onto the skewers.
Grilled Pork Kabobs Recipe:
We love entertaining during the summer months. Grilling out and hanging out by the pool is my favorite way to spend time with friends and family. We have started making kabobs as an easy way to grill the meat and vegetables.
Grilled Pork Kabobs are seasoned and cooked tender with vegetables for a crowd pleasing meal idea. These pork kabobs can easily be prepared ahead of time which helps for entertaining our guest.
Simple pantry seasoning marinates the pork and we love to added different types of vegetables. We cook the kabobs for about 8 minutes which makes the perfect meal idea any day of the week.
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Kabob Recipes With Beef
Grilled Beef Kabobs: If you are looking for the kabob recipe with the help of beef, follow the ingredients below:
Ingredients:
dried basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme
freshly ground pepper
teaspoons of sugar or honey
bay leaf
marinated beef cubes
Instructions: Wash and cut your vegetables. Add them to a pot with the oil and cook until theyre tender. Then add the spices. When thats all done, pour in the tomato sauce, adjust the spices to taste, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove the bay leaf, then let it cool before adding it to your meat cubes. Thread your meat onto skewers . Grill over medium-high heat for about 6 minutes per side . Serve with rice pilaf or couscous.
Recommended Tools For Grilling
- Skewers If using wooden skewers like these, I recommend soaking them in water for 20-30 minutes prior to grilling as they can get burnt really easily over a hot grill. If using metal skewers, make sure that you handle them with care using a hot pad or kitchen tongs as they will get pretty hot.
- Grill Use a proper grill, a BBQ, a grill pan, or an oven.
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How To Make Grilled Chicken Kabob
What Level Of Completion Do You Require To Grill Chicken Kabobs On Gas Grill
Another aspect that influences how long you cook kabobs on the grill is how thoroughly you want everything to be cooked. The dryer your meat and veggies are, the longer you cook them. You must avoid overcooking them and causing your meal to dry out. Consider how juicy and tender the kebabs components will be when determining how long to roast chicken kabobs on a gas grill.
While its tempting to cook everything until the chicken is done. Your other components may require a different heat and cooking time than the veggies.
As a result, its best to cook at least the meat separately before adding it to the rest of the kebab and finishing the cooking process together.
When determining how long to cook chicken kabobs on a gas grill, you may need to consider two distinct cook times: one for the initial cooking of the meat and another for grilling the kebabs as a whole.
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What Are Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Kabobs are skewered pieces of meat that can come from a variety of sources, including poultry, seafood, and vegetables.
The skewers themselves are usually made from metal or wood and are typically grilled over an open flame or barbecue pit.
Meaty options for your grilled chicken kabobs include chicken breasts and thighs depending on your preference.
Chicken breasts are leaner and healthier, but they can also be tender and juicy if properly cooked.
Meanwhile, chicken thighs are packed with more flavor and juice, but they are a little higher in fat.
You can also add some vegetable chunks like zucchini, summer squash, and bell peppers to make your skewers look more colorful and nutritious.
This dish is widely eaten in the Middle East, but now it can be found all over the world.
Serving Chicken Kabobs And Vegetables
You can serve these grilled chicken kabobs on their own, but I like to jazz things a little and add things like rice, salad, and dips to create a complete meal. Here are my favorites:
- Turmeric rice a great way to add even more color to the food, and its just like sunshine on a plate!
- Creamy coleslaw! A classic that works great with any type of grilling.
- Hummus serve with garlic hummus, or beet hummus as a dip on the side.
- Salad A potato salad is always on the menu, this tahini salad is great with chicken kabobs, and a simple pasta salad for the little ones!
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How Long Do You Cook Chicken Kabobs On The Grill
The truth? I dont cook them on the grill at all my husband does This is so cliché. But Im terrible at grilling.
He turns them often and cooks them 10-15 minutes, or until I have declared juices run clear enough.
Ill order my steak medium-rare any day, but I want my chicken at 165°F internal temperature.
Grilled Chicken Kabobs With Vegetables
Mushrooms, peppers, onions, tomatoes, and zucchini are perfect veggies to add to your chicken skewers. Or, you can make separate veggie kabobs, and have several options.
The secret to the evenly cooked chicken and veggie kabobs is selecting vegetables that can be cut into similar shapes and sizes. Below are my top choices for grilled veggie kabobs:
- Mushrooms
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