These oven-baked chicken kabobs are full of flavor and super easy to make! Just marinate some chicken with your favorite spices, toss in colorful veggies, and bake.
It’s a fun meal that feels like a party on a stick! I love serving them with rice or a fresh salad. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a bit of color on their plate? 🌈
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe as they cook evenly and stay moist. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs are a great substitute for a richer flavor.
Olive Oil: This adds healthy fats and helps the marinade stick. If you’d like, you can swap it with avocado oil for a different flavor profile.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice works too, just use a bit less since it can be more concentrated.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a strong flavor. However, garlic powder is a good substitute if you’re short on fresh garlic—1/4 tsp equals one clove!
Spices: Oregano, cumin, and paprika work perfectly together. If you want to kick up the heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or swapping paprika for smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken Kabobs Stay Juicy and Flavorful?
Marinating the chicken is essential for juicy kabobs! It allows the flavors to penetrate and keeps the meat tender. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices in a bowl.
- Add cubed chicken and toss until well-coated. The longer you marinate (30 mins to 2 hours), the better the flavor.
- If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water to avoid burning when baked.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers! Leaving slight gaps between chicken pieces helps them cook evenly.
How to Make Oven-Baked Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Additional:
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and at least 30 minutes for marinating. You’ll also need around 25 minutes to bake the kabobs, so plan for a total of about 1 hour to enjoy these delicious oven-baked chicken kabobs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake the kabobs. This step helps to lock in the juices and flavor!
2. Make the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mix will be your marinade that adds fantastic flavor to the chicken.
3. Marinate the Chicken:
Next, add the cubed chicken to the marinade and toss everything together until all the pieces are well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, letting it marinate for up to 2 hours will give even better flavor!
4. Prepare the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes. This helps prevent them from burning in the oven. If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this step!
5. Thread the Chicken onto Skewers:
Once your chicken is marinated, it’s time to thread it onto the skewers. Pack the chicken cubes tightly but leave a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking. This will make sure they bake up perfectly!
6. Arrange the Kabobs for Baking:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it, and then lay your skewers on top. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
7. Bake the Kabobs:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Make sure to turn the skewers halfway through so they cook evenly. You’ll know they’re ready when the chicken is golden brown and cooked through!
8. Let Them Rest:
Once you’re done baking, remove the kabobs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy! Before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a nice pop of color and flavor.
Enjoy your delicious oven-baked chicken kabobs!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more flavor and moisture. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized cubes as the breasts so they cook evenly. The marinade will work just as well with thighs!
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil, you can use vegetable oil, avocado oil, or even melted butter. Each will add a slightly different flavor, but they will all work perfectly in the marinade.
How to Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or simply heat in the microwave.
Can I Grill These Kabobs Instead?
Definitely! If you prefer a grill, preheat it to medium-high and grill the skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning frequently, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. Just be sure to soak wooden skewers first to prevent burning!
