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Grilled Chicken Skewers with Vegetables

These grilled chicken skewers are made by threading marinated, sticky chicken pieces and vibrant vegetables onto bamboo skewers, then grilling until charred and smoky. The marinade's spices and lemon juice tenderize the meat and add flavor, resulting in juicy, flavorful bites with a slightly caramelized exterior. The final dish boasts a colorful, appetizing appearance with a satisfying smoky aroma.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Grilling
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 red or yellow bell peppers cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 medium red onion cut into 1-inch wedges
  • 2 zucchinis zucchini or summer squash cut into 1-inch rounds
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for marinade
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Skewers
  • Grill

Method
 

  1. Mix together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl to create the marinade.
  2. Add the chicken cubes to the bowl and toss thoroughly until all pieces are coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
  3. Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
  4. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, alternating with pieces of bell peppers, red onion, and zucchini for a colorful, balanced look.
  5. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat until it’s hot and slightly smoky, with a gentle sizzle when you hold your hand above the grates.
  6. Place the skewers on the grill, spacing them out evenly. Let cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until the chicken is opaque and has nice char marks, and the vegetables are tender with caramelized edges.
  7. Turn the skewers carefully using tongs to ensure even grilling and prevent burning. You’ll hear a satisfying sizzle and see the marinade caramelize on the surface.
  8. Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s safely cooked through.
  9. Remove the skewers from the grill and let rest for a few minutes. The cooked chicken should be juicy, with a slight char and smoky aroma, ready to serve.
  10. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy the vibrant flavors and smoky textures of these grilled chicken skewers.