There’s something about the sizzle and aroma of grilled kabobs that just pulls you in — especially my favorite Grilled Chicken Vegetable Skewers Recipe. The sweet scent of pineapple mingling with tender chicken and veggies on a skewer makes any meal feel like a celebration. Let me share how you can nail this simple, flavorful dish right at home.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Grilled Chicken Vegetable Skewers Recipe is one I come back to time and again, especially when the weather’s warm and I crave something fresh yet satisfying. The balance between juicy chicken, caramelized veggies, and a hint of pineapple sweetness is just irresistible. And don’t worry — it’s straightforward enough whether you’re grilling outside or using a skillet.
- Fast Marinating: A quick 15-minute marinade makes prep a breeze without sacrificing flavor.
- Colorful & Healthy: Bell peppers, zucchini, and pineapple bring vibrant colors and loads of nutrients.
- Versatile Cooking: Perfect for outdoor grills or stovetop grill pans — you choose what works for you.
- Great for Sharing: These skewers make a fun, interactive meal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this recipe brings its own mojo, and together, they create a flavor party on your plate. Plus, they’re easy to find at your local market, which I always appreciate when I’m short on time.
- Chicken breast: Lean and quick-cooking, chicken breast soaks up marinades well and grills beautifully.
- Red bell pepper: Adds sweet crunch and vibrant color — plus, it grills into tender, smoky bites.
- Onion (white or red): Builds savory depth and caramelizes nicely alongside the chicken.
- Zucchini: Gives a tender, mild contrast that doesn’t overpower — slice it evenly for quick grilling.
- Pineapple: My secret weapon! It brings juicy sweetness and caramelizes to enhance the chicken’s flavor.
- Garlic cloves: Crushed garlic amps up the savory notes without being overpowering.
- Sea salt & black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring everything together beautifully.
- Honey: Provides just enough sweetness to balance smoky and savory flavors.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Helps things cook evenly and adds a touch of richness.
Make It Your Way
I love mixing things up with this grilled chicken vegetable skewers recipe because it’s so flexible. You can easily swap veggies or experiment with different marinades to keep it fresh.
- Variation: Once, I swapped pineapple for mango at a summer BBQ, and it delivered a unique tropical twist that guests couldn’t stop raving about.
- Dietary modification: For a lower-carb option, I sometimes use mushrooms and cherry tomatoes instead of pineapple.
- Spice it up: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder to the marinade gives a subtle smoky heat that’s wonderful if you like a little kick.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Chicken Vegetable Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Marinate
Start by washing and patting the chicken dry—this helps it hold onto the marinade better. Cut the chicken and veggies into uniform 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking. Toss everything in a large bowl with crushed garlic, salt, pepper, honey, and olive oil. Let this mingle for 15 minutes—a quick time frame that still infuses flavor without leaving you waiting.
Step 2: Skewer and Grill
Thread the chicken and veggies alternately onto skewers. I like to soak wooden or bamboo skewers in water for at least an hour beforehand to avoid burning. Heat your grill skillet to medium-high, brush it lightly with oil, then place the skewers on the pan. Grill each side for about 1 minute until you get yummy grill marks and the chicken is cooked through—a quick, high-heat method that keeps everything juicy.
Step 3: Rest and Serve
Once grilled, transfer skewers to a plate lined with kitchen paper to soak up excess oil. Serve them hot and fresh — trust me, timing is everything to enjoy that perfect juicy bite.
Top Tip
I’ve grilled these skewers countless times, and these tips have truly saved me from dry chicken or unevenly cooked veggies. They’ll help you achieve perfect skewers that wow every time.
- Uniform Pieces: Make sure all chicken and vegetables are cut to the same size so they cook evenly and finish at the same time.
- Oil the Grill: Brush your grill pan or grates with olive oil before placing the skewers to prevent sticking and tearing.
- Don’t Overcrowd Skewers: Leave just a little space between pieces so heat circulates and everything cooks nicely.
- Marinade Timing: Stick to about 15 minutes — longer can overpower and toughen chicken, shorter won’t impart enough flavor.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Vegetable Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or cilantro on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving takes the skewers to the next level with bright citrus notes.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides are fluffy couscous or garlic buttered rice, paired with a crisp green salad or grilled corn on the cob. These balance the smoky-sweet flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, I like to serve the skewers on a long wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces like tzatziki, spicy sriracha mayo, or tangy yogurt sauce alongside — it turns a simple dish into a fun interactive feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover skewers keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cool them completely before storing to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
I’ve frozen skewers after cooking by wrapping each individually and placing them in freezer bags. They stay good for about a month. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
Reheating
To keep the chicken juicy, I usually reheat leftovers in a microwave on medium power or briefly in a hot skillet with a splash of water or oil to refresh the flavors and moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Just soak wooden or bamboo skewers in cold water for at least an hour before threading to prevent burning on the grill or skillet.
Cut into the thickest piece to check that it’s white all the way through and juices run clear. It should be juicy but not pink in the middle. A meat thermometer reading of 165°F (75°C) is perfect.
Definitely! You can swap the chicken for firm tofu cubes or even portobello mushrooms, and use maple syrup instead of honey in the marinade for a vegan-friendly version.
I recommend fresh salads like cucumber-tomato or leafy greens, fluffy couscous or rice, and grilled or roasted potatoes. These complement the sweet and smoky flavors perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Chicken Vegetable Skewers Recipe has been a go-to for me when I want something tasty, colorful, and fuss-free. It brings a little sunshine to the table, whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight meal or a backyard party. Give it a try — I bet it’ll become one of your favorites too!
Print
Grilled Chicken Vegetable Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 7 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Grilled Chicken Kabobs feature juicy chicken breast pieces marinated with a colorful mix of bell pepper, onion, zucchini, pineapple, and garlic, then quickly grilled for a flavorful and healthy meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 pound chicken breast boneless, skinless, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 6 garlic cloves peeled and crushed
- Sea salt to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Vegetables and Fruit
- 1 large red bell pepper cut into 1 inch pieces (5.29 oz | 150 g)
- 1 large white onion cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 cup zucchini sliced (4.37 oz | 124 g)
- 1 small pineapple cut into 1 inch pieces (14.10 oz | 400 g)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Wash and pat dry the chicken breast with kitchen paper. Cut into 1 inch cubes ensuring uniform sizes for even cooking.
- Marinate Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine chicken, red bell pepper, white onion, zucchini, pineapple, crushed garlic, sea salt, ground black pepper, and honey. Toss the mixture thoroughly and let it marinate for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Assemble Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken and vegetables alternately onto skewers, making 7-8 skewers in total for even portions.
- Heat Grill Skillet: Place a non-stick grill skillet on medium-high heat and brush with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill Kabobs: Cook the skewers on the grill skillet, turning each side and cooking for about 1 minute per side until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
- Drain Excess Oil: Transfer cooked skewers onto a plate lined with kitchen paper to remove any excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the grilled chicken kabobs immediately while hot and flavorful.
Notes
- To Store: Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To Freeze: Allow the chicken and veggies to cool completely before placing in an airtight container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 1 month.
- To Reheat: Defrost completely and reheat in the microwave until heated through.
- Use wooden or bamboo skewers soaked in cold water for at least 1 hour prior to grilling to prevent burning.
- Cut meat and vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- If grilling outdoors, baste the kabobs while cooking to keep them moist and add extra flavor.
- Brush grill skillet with oil before cooking to avoid sticking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Leave a Reply