Garlic Herb Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with Garlic Herb Chicken Kabobs – the kind of dish that brings a whole lot of sunshine to your table, whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking indoors. Juicy pieces of chicken meet crisp, colorful veggies, all bathed in a zesty, garlicky marinade bursting with Mediterranean herbs. These kabobs are simply perfect for any weeknight dinner, backyard BBQ, or family gathering, and they always leave everyone reaching for “just one more” skewer. Easy, flavorful, and a little bit fancy-looking, Garlic Herb Chicken Kabobs are a go-to when you want to impress without the stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Garlic Herb Chicken Kabobs lies in the everyday ingredients, each chosen for how it amps up the flavor and color of every bite. Simple, yes, but totally essential to that crave-worthy result.
- Chicken breast or thighs: Go with whichever you love more – thighs bring extra juiciness, while breast keeps things lean.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the herbs and lemon soak beautifully into the chicken.
- Lemon juice: A squeeze of brightness that tenderizes the meat and lifts the whole dish.
- Garlic: Four cloves for unbeatable fragrance and rich, savory warmth in every bite.
- Dried Italian herbs: A blend of oregano, thyme, and basil gives a true Mediterranean vibe.
- Salt: Just enough to bring all those flavors forward so nothing gets lost in the mix.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and depth to balance the herbs.
- Red bell pepper: Sweet, colorful, and roasted to perfection right alongside the chicken.
- Zucchini: Mild, buttery rounds that soak up marinade and grill up tender.
- Red onion: For a little sharpness and a pop of purple on your skewers.
- Wooden or metal skewers: The backbone of any kabob – soak wooden ones to keep them from burning up!
How to Make Garlic Herb Chicken Kabobs
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Let’s kick things off with a seriously tasty marinade. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Toss those chicken cubes in until everything’s shiny and well coated. Cover and let the chicken chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor). If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water at this stage – it saves them from any grill fires!
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables and Skewers
While that marinade works its magic, chop the red bell pepper, slice the zucchini into hearty rounds, and cut the red onion into generous chunks. When you’re ready, thread the marinated chicken, bell pepper, zucchini, and onion onto your skewers, mixing up the order for the ultimate colorful kabob effect.
Step 3: Fire Up the Grill
Heat up your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Place the assembled Garlic Herb Chicken Kabobs onto the hot grate. Let them cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through (no pink inside!) and you see those irresistible grill marks on the veggies. The char adds so much flavor.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Slide the hot kabobs onto a platter and serve right away. They’re fantastic with a squeeze of extra lemon or a tangy yogurt-herb dip on the side. Watch how fast they disappear!
How to Serve Garlic Herb Chicken Kabobs
Garnishes
After grilling, a final drizzle of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, makes your Garlic Herb Chicken Kabobs look as great as they taste. If you’re feeling fancy, a dash of flaky sea salt or a swirl of olive oil gives every bite a special finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Pair these kabobs with warm pita bread, fluffy couscous, or a heap of herby rice for a meal that really feels like summer. A crisp Greek salad or a creamy yogurt dip really takes it over the top. For low-carb days, serve with cauliflower rice or a mountain of grilled veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile your Garlic Herb Chicken Kabobs onto a big platter with wedges of lemon and a scattering of fresh herbs for a “help yourself” vibe. Or, for parties, remove the chicken and veggies from the skewers and tuck them into mini pitas with a smear of tzatziki – DIY kabob wraps are always a hit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftover Garlic Herb Chicken Kabobs into an airtight container in the fridge; they’ll stay fresh for up to three days. Just be sure to let them cool to room temperature first so you keep everything tender, not soggy.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the grilled kabobs. Slide the chicken and veggies off the skewers and pack them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll be good for up to two months – perfect for quick meal prep later!
Reheating
To reheat, pop the kabob mixture into a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or briefly zap in the microwave. Add a splash of water or lemon juice to keep things moist, and the flavors will be just as tasty as day one.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic choice for Garlic Herb Chicken Kabobs. They’re a bit richer and extra juicy, which makes each skewer even more flavorful and satisfying.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No worries at all! You can bake these kabobs on a foil-lined baking sheet in a 425°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the veggies are tender. You’ll still get beautiful results.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Add mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or even chunks of yellow squash if you want more variety. Just cut all the veggies into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly alongside the chicken.
How do I keep wooden skewers from burning?
Soak wooden skewers in cold water for at least 30 minutes before threading the meat and veggies on. This little trick will help them survive the grill without catching fire.
Can I prepare Garlic Herb Chicken Kabobs ahead of time?
Yes – you can marinate the chicken and chop the veggies in advance. When it’s almost mealtime, all you have to do is assemble and grill the kabobs, making this a perfect recipe for entertaining or for busy nights.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something bright, herby, and just plain fun to eat, give these Garlic Herb Chicken Kabobs a try. They look beautiful, taste amazing, and couldn’t be easier to throw together. Fire up the grill and let these kabobs bring a spark of Mediterranean joy to your next meal!
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Garlic Herb Chicken Kabobs Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes (plus marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and flavorful Garlic Herb Chicken Kabobs that are perfect for summer grilling. These kabobs are marinated in a zesty herb and garlic mixture, then grilled to juicy perfection alongside colorful veggies. A Mediterranean-inspired dish that is gluten-free and low carb.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, thyme, basil)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Kabobs:
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Add chicken cubes, toss to coat, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Assemble Kabobs: Thread marinated chicken, bell pepper, zucchini, and onion onto skewers alternately.
- Grill the Kabobs: Grill for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender with a light char.
- Serve: Serve hot with lemon wedges or a yogurt-herb dip.
Notes
- These kabobs can also be baked at 425°F for 20–25 minutes if you don’t have a grill.
- For added variety, consider adding mushrooms or cherry tomatoes to the skewers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
