Name: Grilled Chicken Kebabs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks; 2 bell peppers (any color), cut into pieces; 1 red onion, cut into chunks; 1 zucchini, sliced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes (optional); Wooden or metal skewers; 1/4 cup olive oil; 3 garlic cloves, minced; Juice and zest of 1 lemon; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp dried oregano or thyme; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Optional: 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Grilled Chicken Kebabs are one of my favorite ways to serve juicy, flavorful chicken with a bit of char and a whole lot of color. I marinate chunks of chicken in a bold, herby mix, thread them onto skewers with fresh vegetables, and grill until golden and perfectly cooked. They’re quick, fun to make, and work great for weeknight dinners or backyard gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple, healthy, and full of flavor. The marinade does all the work—tenderizing the chicken and packing it with herbs, garlic, and citrus. I get to mix and match veggies based on what I have, and the skewers cook fast and evenly. Whether I’m grilling outside or using a grill pan indoors, these kebabs always come out juicy and satisfying. Grilled Chicken Kebabs

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the kebabs:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
Bell peppers (any color), cut into pieces
Red onion, cut into chunks
Zucchini, sliced
Cherry tomatoes (optional)
Wooden or metal skewers

For the marinade:

Olive oil
Garlic, minced
Lemon juice and zest
Paprika
Dried oregano or thyme
Salt and black pepper
Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for heat

Directions

I soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes if using them (to prevent burning).
I mix all the marinade ingredients in a bowl, then add the chicken and toss to coat.
I cover and marinate the chicken in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours.
I thread the marinated chicken and vegetables onto the skewers, alternating pieces for even cooking.
I preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
I grill the kebabs for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and nicely charred.
I let them rest a couple minutes before serving with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings and takes around 45 minutes total—15 minutes prep (plus marinating time) and 10–12 minutes to grill.

Variations

Sometimes I add pineapple chunks for a sweet contrast or use a yogurt-based marinade for a more Mediterranean twist. If I want to go bold, I use a teriyaki or spicy harissa marinade. I’ve also swapped the chicken for shrimp or beef, adjusting the cook time accordingly.

storage/reheating

I store leftover kebabs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I remove the meat and veggies from the skewers and warm them in a skillet or microwave. The chicken stays juicy if I don’t overheat it. Grilled Chicken Kebabs

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes. I actually prefer thighs sometimes because they stay extra juicy and are more forgiving on the grill.

Can I bake these instead of grilling?

Yes. I place the skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet and roast at 425°F for about 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway through.

Do I have to marinate the chicken?

I recommend it. Even just 30 minutes makes a big difference in flavor and tenderness.

What should I serve with these kebabs?

I love them with rice, flatbread, tzatziki, hummus, or a fresh salad. They also go great with grilled corn or couscous.

Can I make them ahead?

Yes. I marinate and assemble the skewers ahead of time, then keep them covered in the fridge until ready to grill.

Conclusion

Grilled Chicken Kebabs are one of my go-to meals for easy, flavorful cooking. I love how the marinade infuses the chicken, how the veggies char just right, and how everything comes together so quickly. Whether I’m grilling for myself or a crowd, these skewers always bring big flavor and a satisfying bite.