These Easy Baked Chicken Kabobs are perfect for busy weeknights! Just toss chicken with your favorite veggies and a few spices, and pop them in the oven. Quick and tasty!
What I love most is how simple it is to switch up the veggies. One night I’m all about bell peppers, and the next, it’s zucchini! 🍗🥦 It’s a fun way to eat healthy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for juicy kabobs. You can also use thighs for extra moisture, or even switch to turkey for a lighter option.
Vegetables: Bell peppers add sweetness, but feel free to swap in other veggies like cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or even eggplant. Whatever’s fresh or in your fridge works!
Olive Oil: This is great for flavor, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use avocado oil. It has a high smoke point and adds a nice taste too.
Spices: Garlic powder and paprika give a lovely flavor, but you can experiment! Try cumin or chili powder if you want a bit of kick. Adjust to taste!
How Do You Get Evenly Cooked Chicken Kabobs?
To ensure your kabobs cook evenly, it’s important to cut everything into similar-sized pieces. This helps them cook at the same rate. Here’s a quick method to follow:
- Cut chicken into 1.5-inch cubes to match the size of your veggies.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers. Leave a little space between items for even heat distribution.
- Turn the skewers halfway through baking to get an even cook on all sides.
These tips will help make sure every bite is delicious! Happy cooking!
Easy Baked Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Kabobs:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
- 1 medium red onion, cut into wedges
- 1 zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
For The Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
Extras:
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 25 minutes to cook, totaling roughly 35 minutes from start to finish. In no time, you’ll have delicious chicken kabobs ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, get things started by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Then, line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. This will make cleanup super easy later on!
2. Make the Marinade:
Grab a large bowl and combine the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and the juice of the lemon. Whisk everything together until it’s well mixed and smells amazing!
3. Prepare the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes into the bowl with the marinade. Toss them around until every piece is nicely coated. This step is key for flavor!
4. Assemble the Kabobs:
Now it’s time to have some fun! Thread the marinated chicken onto the soaked wooden skewers, alternating with pieces of red bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, and zucchini. Make sure they’re spaced out but still snug!
5. Bake the Kabobs:
Place the skewers on your prepared baking sheet. Pop them into the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure they cook evenly. They’re done when the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender.
6. Optional Broiling:
If you like a bit of char, turn on the broiler for a few minutes once they’re done baking. Just be sure to watch them closely to prevent burning!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re done, carefully remove the kabobs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm, and you can serve them with rice or a fresh salad!
This Easy Baked Chicken Kabob recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend get-togethers. Enjoy your flavorful and colorful dish!
FAQs for Easy Baked Chicken Kabobs
Can I Use Different Veggies in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in any of your favorite vegetables. Cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, asparagus, or even pineapple can add a fun twist to your kabobs. Just make sure to cut everything into similar sizes for even cooking.
How Can I Make These Kabobs Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the chicken and vegetables, and assemble the kabobs a few hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just remember, it’s best to marinate right before baking to maintain freshness!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but the oven will help keep them crispy!
Can I Grill These Kabobs Instead of Baking?
Yes, grilling is a fantastic option! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the kabobs for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. Enjoy that smoky flavor!
