These BBQ Chicken Kabobs are a tasty treat! With juicy chicken pieces and colorful veggies, they’re perfect for grilling in the backyard. The sweet and tangy BBQ sauce adds a yummy flavor!
Making these kabobs is easy—I just marinate the chicken, load up the skewers, and grill them to a golden perfection. I love serving them with rice or a fresh salad for a fun summer meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is ideal here because it cooks quickly and evenly. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for a richer flavor, or even tofu for a vegetarian option!
Cherry Tomatoes: These add freshness and juiciness. If you’re out of cherry tomatoes, feel free to substitute with bell peppers, zucchini, or any other veggies you enjoy grilling.
Mini Mozzarella Balls: The creamy texture of mozzarella complements the chicken perfectly. If you’re looking for a vegan alternative, try using marinated tofu cubes instead of cheese for that added flavor.
Basil: Fresh basil makes a big difference in the flavor! If you don’t have fresh basil, you can use dried basil, but reduce the amount since it’s more concentrated. Oregano is also a good substitute.
Marinade Ingredients: Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and garlic create a tasty marinade. If you need a sugar-free option, use agave syrup or maple syrup instead of honey.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Kabobs are Juicy and Tender?
Marinating your chicken is key to achieving juicy kabobs. The longer you marinate (up to 2 hours), the more flavorful and tender they become. Don’t skip this step!
- Mix your marinade well to combine the flavors before adding chicken.
- Make sure to coat all the chicken pieces completely for even flavoring.
- Soak wooden skewers to prevent burning. Metal skewers don’t need this step!
Grilling should be done over medium-high heat to achieve great grill marks without drying out the chicken. Always check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Kabobs?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 8 ounces mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
Other Supplies:
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, along with 30 minutes to 2 hours for marinating the chicken. The grilling will take another 10-15 minutes. So, you’ll be enjoying your delicious BBQ chicken kabobs in about 1 hour to 2 hours and 15 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, chopped basil, salt, black pepper, and optional Italian seasoning until everything is nicely mixed. This marinade is what will give your chicken great flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade. Make sure 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 more time, letting it marinate for 2 hours will make it even tastier!
3. Prepare the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before grilling. This step helps prevent them from burning. Metal skewers don’t need to be soaked, so you can skip this step if you’re using those.
4. Assemble the Kabobs:
Bring out the marinated chicken from the fridge. Take the soaked skewers and start threading the chicken, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls onto them. Try to alternate between the chicken, tomatoes, and cheese for a pretty color and variety on each skewer!
5. Preheat the Grill:
Get your grill going by preheating it to medium-high heat (around 400°F or 200°C). This will help get those nice grill marks on your kabobs!
6. Grill the Kabobs:
Place your skewers on the grill. Cook them for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and has beautiful grill marks. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). It’ll be juicy and delicious!
7. Serve:
Once grilled, take the kabobs off the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. You can drizzle them with any leftover marinade or a little olive oil if you’d like. Serve these tasty kabobs hot and enjoy your BBQ feast!
These BBQ chicken kabobs are a fantastic choice for a summer barbecue or a family gathering, blending the flavors of marinated chicken with fresh vegetables and cheese. Enjoy!
Can I Use Different Vegetables or Proteins in These Kabobs?
Absolutely! You can customize the kabobs with other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or red onions. For proteins, shrimp or beef work well too. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly—shrimp will cook faster while beef may need a bit more time depending on how you like it done.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for anywhere from 30 minutes to up to 8 hours. Just be careful not to exceed that time, as the acidity in the marinade can make the chicken mushy. If you’re prepping ahead, it’s best to stick to the shorter marinating times if you plan to do it overnight.
How Do I Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on a skillet over low heat until warmed through. They also taste great cold as a salad topping!
Can I Make These Kabobs in the Oven?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange the skewers on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through. You won’t get grill marks, but they’ll still be delicious!
