If you are longing for a dish that bursts with vibrant colors and mouthwatering flavors, the Garlic Herb Chicken Kabobs Recipe is your go-to meal. These kabobs bring together tender, juicy chicken and fresh garden vegetables, all infused with a fragrant blend of garlic, herbs, and spices. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a casual family dinner or impressing friends at a weekend barbecue, this recipe delivers an easy, wholesome, and utterly delicious experience that will make you want to savor every single bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients are the key to great flavor in this dish. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of taste and texture, from the fragrant herbs to the fresh, crisp vegetables, creating a perfectly balanced and colorful kabob.
- 1 ½ lbs chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and tender bites.
- 1 red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and a pop of vibrant color.
- 1 yellow bell pepper: Brings a touch of brightness and crunchy texture.
- 1 red onion: Offers a savory, slightly sweet contrast when grilled.
- 1 zucchini: Sliced into thick rounds for a juicy, fresh vegetable element.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist and helps the marinade cling beautifully.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Imparts a rich, aromatic depth that’s absolutely essential.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Adds brightness and helps tenderize the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped: Offers piney, earthy notes that pair perfectly with chicken.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves: Adds subtle herbal freshness.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings classic Mediterranean flavor to the mix.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Gives a smoky sweetness and beautiful color.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all the natural flavors.
How to Make Garlic Herb Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, rosemary, thyme, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This vibrant marinade is where all the flavor magic begins, creating a luscious coating that will soak into the chicken pieces with time.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the bite-sized chicken pieces into a resealable plastic bag or a large bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is generously coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours if you have the time, so the flavors can penetrate deeply.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375°F (190°C). Perfect grill temperature is vital to achieve that delightful sear and light char without drying out the chicken.
Step 4: Assemble the Kabobs
Thread the marinated chicken pieces alternately with chunks of red and yellow bell peppers, wedges of red onion, and zucchini rounds onto skewers. This not only makes the kabobs stunning to look at but also ensures you get a harmonious bite of savory chicken paired with fresh, crunchy veggies every time.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Place the assembled skewers on the grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes total, turning them occasionally to achieve even cooking and those irresistible grill marks. The chicken should be fully cooked, juicy, and tender while the vegetables turn slightly charred and caramelized.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once off the grill, serve the kabobs immediately while they’re still hot and juicy. The blend of garlic, herbs, and smoky grilled vegetables will have you coming back for seconds, guaranteed!
How to Serve Garlic Herb Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Garlic Herb Chicken Kabobs Recipe by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese. A wedge of lemon on the side adds a fresh citrus finish, inviting you to squeeze extra brightness over the warm kabobs.
Side Dishes
Serve these kabobs alongside fluffy rice, a crisp green salad, or even warm flatbreads to round out the meal. Creamy hummus or tzatziki sauce also pairs beautifully, providing a cooling contrast to the smoky, herbal flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your dinner guests, try serving these kabobs on a wooden board accompanied by colorful bowls of dipping sauces, or build a vibrant grain bowl featuring quinoa, roasted veggies, and a drizzle of garlicky yogurt dressing. The options are endless and always delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Garlic Herb Chicken Kabobs Recipe (though that’s rare), store the kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will remain tasty and fresh for up to 3 days, making a great quick lunch or dinner option.
Freezing
For longer storage, remove the chicken and vegetables from the skewers and freeze them separately in freezer-safe bags or containers. They’ll be best used within 2 months to enjoy maximum flavor and texture when reheated.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving directly on the skewers to prevent uneven heating; removing the chicken and veggies from the sticks before reheating will give the best results.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken breast works wonderfully, you can substitute with thighs for a juicier result, or even try shrimp or beef cubes depending on your preference.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers before grilling?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling prevents them from burning excessively and helps keep your kabobs intact on the grill.
Can I prepare this recipe indoors using an oven or grill pan?
You sure can! If outdoor grilling isn’t an option, broiling in the oven or using a grill pan on the stovetop can impart similar flavors and lovely char marks.
How long can I marinate the chicken for best results?
While 30 minutes is enough to infuse flavor, marinating the chicken for up to 4 hours deepens the taste and tenderizes the meat wonderfully—avoiding marinating much longer to prevent a mushy texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Garlic Herb Chicken Kabobs Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and tasty choice for those with gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Herb Chicken Kabobs Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself returning to again and again, whether for a simple weeknight dinner or a festive gathering. Its fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and colorful presentation make it a true crowd-pleaser. So grab those skewers and give this recipe a try—you’re going to love every juicy, herb-infused bite!
Print
Garlic Herb Chicken Kabobs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Herb Chicken Kabobs recipe features tender, marinated chicken breast pieces skewered with colorful bell peppers, red onion, and zucchini, all grilled to perfection with a flavorful blend of garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs. Perfect for a quick, healthy, and vibrant meal that’s ideal for summer grilling.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 ½ lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 1 zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
Marinade
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, rosemary, thyme, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined and aromatic.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a resealable bag or large bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Preheat the grill: Set your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 375°F (190°C), and allow it to reach temperature to ensure even cooking and nice grill marks.
- Assemble the kabobs: Thread the marinated chicken pieces and vegetables—red and yellow bell peppers, red onion, and zucchini—onto skewers, alternating ingredients for a balanced and colorful presentation.
- Grill the kabobs: Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally to evenly cook the chicken through and to develop slight charring on the vegetables.
- Serve: Remove the kabobs from the grill and serve immediately. These kabobs pair wonderfully with sides like rice, fresh salad, or a creamy dipping sauce for a complete meal.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling prevents them from burning.
- Marinating longer (up to 4 hours) intensifies the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
- For a smokier flavor, use a charcoal grill instead of a gas grill.
- Vegetables can be substituted or added according to personal preference, such as mushrooms or cherry tomatoes.
- For even cooking, cut all chicken and vegetable pieces to similar sizes.
