Fire up the grill for Chicken Skewers, juicy, tender bites marinated in a sweet-savory Chicken Kabob Marinade and threaded with colorful veggies. Perfect for a Summer Dinner, these skewers are ready in under 30 minutes (plus marinating time) and burst with flavor. Ideal for barbecues, family meals, or casual gatherings, they’re a crowd-pleasing hit.
Why You’ll Love These Chicken Skewers
These Chicken Skewers are a summer must-have. Here’s why they’re irresistible:
- Bursting with Flavor: The Chicken Kabob Marinade infuses every bite with bold taste.
- Quick and Easy: Grill in minutes for a hassle-free Summer Dinner.
- Healthy and Colorful: Packed with veggies for a balanced, vibrant meal.
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite vegetables or fruits like pineapple.
- Perfect for Gatherings: A fun, shareable dish that everyone loves.
Explore more grilling inspiration in our guide: Summer Grilling.
What Makes These Chicken Skewers Special?
These Chicken Skewers elevate grilled chicken with a mouthwatering Chicken Kabob Marinade that combines soy sauce, honey, beer, and spices for tender, flavorful meat. Skewered with bell peppers, zucchini, and onions, they’re a colorful, healthy option for a Summer Dinner. The marinade’s enzymes tenderize the chicken, while grilling adds a smoky char. Easy to prep and endlessly customizable, these skewers are perfect for barbecues, weeknight dinners, or meal prep.
Ingredients for Chicken Skewers
To make these Chicken Skewers (serves 4), gather these ingredients:
For the Chicken Kabob Marinade:
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- ¼ cup beer (Guinness, IPA, or Amber)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried sage
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
For the Skewers:
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into 1½-inch chunks
- 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares
- 1 zucchini, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 8-10 bamboo or metal skewers
Ingredient Tips:
- Chicken: Use breast for lean skewers or thighs for juicier Chicken Skewers.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium keeps the marinade balanced; tamari works for gluten-free.
- Beer: Adds tenderness; substitute with apple juice for non-alcoholic Chicken Kabob Marinade.
- Vegetables: Swap in mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or pineapple for variety.
- Skewers: Soak bamboo skewers for 10 minutes to prevent burning.
How to Make Chicken Skewers
Prepare Marinade
Whisk ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp honey, ¼ cup beer, 2 tbsp olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, sage, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and add a bay leaf in a bowl.
Marinate Chicken
Cut 1 lb chicken into 1½-inch chunks, add to the Chicken Kabob Marinade, and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
Prep Vegetables
Slice red onion, bell pepper, and zucchini into skewer-friendly pieces, ensuring uniform sizes for even cooking.
Assemble Skewers
Thread chicken and vegetables onto soaked bamboo or metal skewers, alternating for color and flavor, securing ends with chicken.
Grill Skewers
Preheat grill to medium (425°F-450°F), clean grates, and grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken reaches 165°F.
Serve Skewers
Remove from grill and serve hot as a vibrant Summer Dinner, sliding off skewers or keeping them intact.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinate Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 37 minutes
Calories: ~250 per serving (based on 4 servings)
Servings: 4
Macros per Serving: 15g carbs, 28g protein, 8g fat, 2g fiber
Tips for Perfect Chicken Skewers
- Marinate Longer: Let chicken soak overnight for deeper Chicken Kabob Marinade flavor.
- Soak Skewers: Prevent burning by soaking bamboo skewers for 10 minutes.
- Cut Evenly: Uniform chicken and veggie pieces ensure even cooking for Chicken Skewers.
- Use a Thermometer: Check for 165°F to avoid under- or overcooking.
- Secure Ends: Place chicken at skewer ends to keep veggies in place.
Creative Variations to Try
Customize these Chicken Skewers with these ideas:
- Fruit Addition: Add pineapple chunks for a sweet-tangy Summer Dinner twist.
- Spicy Kick: Include jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes in the marinade.
- Veggie Swap: Try mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or eggplant for variety.
- Marinade Twist: Swap beer with orange juice for a citrusy Chicken Kabob Marinade.
- Protein Change: Use shrimp or tofu for a different skewer style.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
These Chicken Skewers are a vibrant Summer Dinner perfect for barbecues, picnics, or family meals. Serve over fluffy rice, quinoa, or alongside garlic parmesan smashed potatoes for a hearty plate. For a lighter option, pair with a green salad or grilled corn. Present on a large platter with extra marinade drizzled over for a colorful display, or let guests slide pieces off skewers for a fun, interactive meal. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro to elevate the summer vibe.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; remove from skewers for easier storage.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes to retain juiciness.
- Freeze: Freeze cooked skewers in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
- Prep Ahead: Marinate chicken and chop veggies a day in advance for quick assembly.
- Best Fresh: Enjoy grilled Chicken Skewers fresh off the grill for optimal flavor.
FAQs About Chicken Skewers
Can I use chicken thighs for Chicken Skewers? Yes, thighs are juicier and work great.
How long does the Chicken Kabob Marinade last? Marinated chicken stays fresh in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Can I bake these instead of grilling? Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway, until 165°F.
What pairs with this Summer Dinner? Rice, smashed potatoes, or a fresh salad complement well.
Can I make it non-alcoholic? Swap beer with apple or orange juice in the Chicken Kabob Marinade.
Can I add fruit? Pineapple or mango chunks add a sweet twist to skewers.
More Summer Party Recipes You’ll Love
- Peach Cheesecake
- Best Minestrone Soup Recipe
- Orange Cinnamon Iced Tea
- Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe – A Fresh Summer Delight
Conclusion
Chicken Skewers are a juicy, flavorful addition to any Summer Dinner, with a bold Chicken Kabob Marinade that makes every bite unforgettable. Easy to prep and grill, they’re perfect for barbecues or weeknight meals. Fire up the grill, share your creations on social media, and explore more summer recipes at Food and Tips!
Chicken Skewers (With Chicken Kabob Marinade)
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- ▢1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes
- ▢1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- ▢2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ▢2 tablespoons honey
- ▢1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ▢1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- ▢1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- ▢1/4 teaspoon dried sage
- ▢1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- ▢1 bay leaf
- ▢1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ▢1 can beer Guinness stout or beer of choice
Vegetables
- ▢3 bell peppers trimmed, stems removed, and sliced into squares
- ▢1 zucchini ends trimmed, cut into 1/2 inch slices
- ▢1 head garlic cloves peeled
- ▢1 red onion peeled, sliced into squares
- ▢2 tablespoons olive oil
- ▢1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- ▢1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Clean chicken breast and cut into roughly 1 1/2 inch cube pieces
- In a large bowl add all the ingredients (minus the beer) and whisk together. Once mixed, pour in beer, and stir to combine. Add in chicken, mix, cover with a lid or wrap, and refrigerate for minimum 2 hours or overnight.
- While chicken is marinating, slice up all of your vegetables that are going onto the skewers. Once done, drizzle olive oil, salt and pepper, and mix to coat the vegetables.
- Preheat your grill on high for 10 minutes and use a grill brush to clean any previous remnants. Lower the heat to medium (425-450F).
- Once the chicken is done marinating, place the ingredients on the skewers. Alternate between assorted vegetables in between each chicken piece. Since red onions are thin, I double up on the onion pieces.
- Grill until meat is fully cooked through (165F degrees) and vegetables are charred. Rotating every few minutes so the chicken and vegetables are evenly cooked.
- Serve the skewers on their own or with your favorite side dish!
Notes
- If using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for 10 minutes prior to grilling so they do not burn or catch fire when cooking.
- The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165 degrees.
- If you don't have fresh garlic on hand, you can substitute garlic powder.
- My favorite beer to marinate with is Guinness, but I have also used IPA's and Ambers with this same recipe.
- For a little extra spice, add some jalapeno peppers. You can also add some pineapple for a bit of sweetness.
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