Grilled Chicken Kabobs – An Easy & Healthy Recipe

Now that grilling season is in full swing, it is time to share my favorite Grilled Chicken Kabobs recipe. It is a healthy, delicious and low-carb recipe that is easy to prepare, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights.

However, instead of simply grilling chicken and vegetables on a stick, what makes this recipe so great is the marinade. The easy to make sauce, made up of soy sauce, olive oil, honey, and garlic, ensures that each bite is tender, juicy, and full of flavor.

Marinate the chicken and vegetables in the morning, and when you get home you are ready to assemble the ingredients on a skewer. Then by the time that the grill heats up, they are ready to get cooking.

Not only are these chicken kabobs easy to make, but they’re also a healthy option. Combining lean chicken and nutrient-rich vegetables, this meal is one that you will want to make over and over again.

Additionally, the recipe is versatile, allowing you to swap out or add your favorite vegetables to cater to your personal taste preferences. The possibilities are endless with this dish.

Grilling the kabobs is also super quick. With only 10 minutes of cooking time required you will be ready to enjoy a healthy and delicious dinner in less than 30 minutes after you get home.

The Key To Cooking Chicken & Vegetables Together

To achieve even cooking of both the chicken and vegetables, it’s crucial to cut each piece into uniform sizes. This ensures that every ingredient on the skewer is cooked to perfection without any overdone or undercooked pieces.

Therefore, when cutting the ingredients aim for bite-sized pieces that can be easily skewered and cooked in a similar time frame. However, keep in mind that different vegetables have different cooking times.

To avoid overcooking the more delicate vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, consider cutting them slightly larger than the chicken. This will help them hold their shape and texture while still cooking through completely. 

What Type of Skewers To Use

You can use either wooden or metal skewers for this recipe. However, if using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in cold water for at least an hour to prevent burning.

Metal skewers don’t require soaking and can be reused over and over again. Because I make Chicken Kabobs quite frequently in the summer months I prefer to use the metal skewers so I don’t have to worry about soaking the wood in water before grilling.

The Grilled Chicken Kabobs Marinade

The marinade in this recipe not only imparts incredible flavor to the chicken and vegetables but also plays a crucial role in tenderizing the meat. However the combination of soy sauce, olive oil, honey, garlic, and seasonings also creates a savory and slightly sweet mixture that adds great flavor to the kabobs.

However, when marinating you must allow enough time for the sauce to tenderize the meat for the best results. For this recipe, it is recommended to marinate the chicken and vegetables for at least one hour, but you can marinate them for up to 12 hours for even deeper flavor penetration.

If you’d like to use the marinade as a dipping sauce when serving, be sure to set aside 1/4 cup of the marinade before adding the chicken and vegetables. Then when you are ready to eat pour the reserved amount in a small dish along with the kabobs.

It is important to never use the marinade that the chicken soaked in for dipping.

No Grill, No Problem: Alternative Cooking Methods

If you don’t have access to a grill, you can still make delicious kabobs using your oven’s broiler or a grill pan on the stovetop. Both methods will deliver similar results, ensuring you can enjoy these kabobs all year round.

To broil: Set your oven rack to the highest position and then broil for 4 minutes. Flip and broil for another 4-5 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 160°F.

Stove Top: Set a grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot add the skewers and cook for 4 minutes, then flip and continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 160°F.

In addition, I have also made Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs using smaller wooden skewers. It is a great dinner option for those days when it is unexpectedly raining outside.

Common Recipe Substitutions

Feel free to customize the ingredients in this recipe to your preference. For instance, you can substitute chicken thighs in place of the chicken breast for a juicier result.

You can also add or substitute other vegetables. Some common additions are mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, green peppers, yellow squash and even asparagus!

However, if you are feeling tropical add a few pineapple chunks to the mix. It will add a sweet and tangy twist to your grilled chicken kabobs.

How To Serve Grilled Chicken Kabobs

When it comes to serving these delicious kabobs, the possibilities are endless. I like to serve them with a side of white rice to make it a complete and satisfying meal.

However if you are wanting to keep your dinner a low-carb, Keto friendly meal use a sweetener substitute in the marinade and serve it as is or with a fresh, crisp garden salad.

Or if you are wanting to make your meal entirely on the grill, make Grilled Corn on the Cob or a Potato Pack for easy clean up. Just be sure that if you are making the kabobs for kids to remove the meat and vegetables from the skewer before serving.

Grilled Chicken Kabobs Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 2 1/2 Tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 2 Tablespoons honey
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 red bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1/2 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1 small zucchini cut into 1 inch slices
• 1/2 red onion, cut into 1 inch pieces

INSTRUCTIONS

Place the soy sauce, olive oil, honey, garlic and salt and pepper in a large bowl. Whisk to combine.

Add the cubes of chicken, sliced red and yellow bell peppers, sliced zucchini and red onion to the bowl. Toss to coat in the marinade. Cover the bowl and place in the refrigerator for 1 hour and up to 12 hours.

Place wooden skewers in cold water for an hour.

Preheat grill to medium high heat. Place the chicken and vegetables onto the skewers in an alternating pattern. Suggested pattern: zucchini, chicken, red pepper, yellow pepper, onion, repeat.

Cook Time Required

Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side or until chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F when checked with an instant read digital thermometer. *The actual cook time will depend on the size of the chicken pieces.

Remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

These grilled chicken kabobs are the perfect solution for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with deliciousness. The marinade makes the chicken and vegetables tender and juicy, while the grilling process adds a delightful smoky flavor.

Give this recipe a try and you’ll see why it’s such a hit with both kids and adults. So, fire up the grill, gather your favorite veggies, and create a mouthwatering meal that everyone will love!

Enjoy! Mary

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