Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Kebabs

$- Chicken and Marinade Components - 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes - 3 tablespoons olive oil - Zest and juice of 2 lemons - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 teaspoons dried oregano - 2 teaspoons dried thyme - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Vegetables for Kebabs - 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces - 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces - 1 red onion, cut into quarters - Herbs and Spices - Dried oregano and thyme add depth - Smoked paprika gives a nice smoky flavor - Fresh herbs work too, if you prefer Gather these ingredients before you start. They make a big difference in flavor. The chicken, marinated well with lemon and spices, will be juicy and tender. The veggies add color and crunch to your kebabs. You can use fresh herbs for more taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, I gather my ingredients. I need olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. I place these in a large bowl. Then, I whisk them together until they blend well. This mix becomes my marinade. Next, I add the chicken breast cubes to the bowl. I make sure every piece is coated in the marinade. It’s fun to mix them up! After that, I cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. I let the chicken marinate for at least one hour. For even more flavor, I sometimes marinate it overnight. While my chicken marinates, I prepare the skewers. I choose either metal or wooden skewers. If I use wooden ones, I soak them in water for about 30 minutes. This step keeps them from burning on the grill. Now it’s time to assemble! I take the marinated chicken, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and red onion. I thread them onto the skewers, alternating the ingredients. This not only looks great but also adds flavor in every bite. When I'm ready to grill, I preheat my grill to medium-high heat. It’s important to get it hot. I place the skewers on the grill carefully. I cook them for about 10 to 15 minutes. I turn them often to ensure they cook evenly. To check for doneness, I use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Once done, I remove them from the grill. I let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep them juicy and flavorful. Marinade Variations You can change the marinade for new flavors. Try using lime juice instead of lemon. Add fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a twist. For a spicy kick, mix in some chili powder or red pepper flakes. This makes each meal fun and unique. Cooking Temperature Advice Grill the kebabs over medium-high heat for the best result. This helps the chicken cook evenly and get nice grill marks. Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken's internal temperature. It should reach 165°F for safety. If the heat is too low, the chicken may dry out. If too high, it could burn outside before cooking inside. Complementary Sides Serve these kebabs with refreshing sides. A simple green salad with tomatoes and cucumbers works well. You can also pair them with rice or quinoa for a filling meal. Hummus or tzatziki sauce makes a great dip, adding creamy flavor. Presentation Ideas for Serving Make your dish visually appealing! Place the kebabs on a large platter. Add fresh herbs and lemon wedges around them for color. This not only looks nice but adds a burst of flavor when served. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Flavor: For the best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate overnight. This lets the herbs and lemon penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This prevents undercooking and ensures food safety. Alternate Ingredients Smartly: When threading the kebabs, alternate between chicken, bell peppers, and onion. This not only enhances the presentation but also allows the flavors to meld together during grilling. Rest Before Serving: After grilling, let the kebabs rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, keeping it moist and tender when served. {{image_2}} Substitutes for Chicken You can swap chicken with turkey or pork. Both work well with the marinade. You should cut the meat into cubes like the chicken. Turkey is leaner, while pork adds a different taste. You can follow the same grilling steps for these meats. Vegetarian Alternatives For a veggie-friendly option, use tofu or tempeh. Cut them into cubes and marinate just like chicken. You can also use mushrooms or zucchini for a nice texture. These options grill well and soak up the lemon flavor. Alternative Herbs and Spices If you want to change the taste, try different herbs. Basil, cilantro, or rosemary can all add a twist. Each herb gives a unique flavor to the dish. You can mix and match to find your favorite. Adding Heat: Spicy Variants To make it spicy, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade. Start with a little and taste it. You can always add more heat. This makes the dish exciting and delicious for those who like fire in their food. After enjoying your Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Kebabs, you might have some left. To store them, let the kebabs cool down first. Once cool, place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. You can freeze your kebabs successfully. First, wrap each kebab individually in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This prevents freezer burn. You can freeze the kebabs for up to three months. Thawing Tips To thaw your frozen kebabs, move them to the fridge overnight. This slow thaw keeps them safe and tasty. If you need them quicker, you can use the microwave. Just remember to cook them right after thawing to keep them safe. Enjoy your meal even after storing! You should marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour. For even more taste, let it sit overnight. This allows the chicken to soak up all the lemon and herb flavors. The longer you marinate, the more tender and flavorful your chicken will be. Yes, you can prepare these kebabs ahead of time. You can marinate the chicken the night before and assemble the skewers in advance. Just keep them in the fridge until you are ready to grill. This saves time on busy days and makes it easy to serve a quick meal. To reheat grilled kebabs, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. You can also use a microwave, but this may make them less crispy. If you have time, reheating on the grill for a few minutes adds a nice char and keeps the flavors fresh. - Additional Common Questions on Grilling and Ingredients - Always check your chicken's internal temperature. It should reach 165°F for safe eating. - If you want to add veggies, zucchini or mushrooms work great too. - Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning during grilling. You learned how to make tasty chicken kebabs from scratch. We covered the key ingredients and easy steps, from marinating to grilling. I shared tips for perfect results and fun ways to serve. You can also try different proteins and flavors or store leftovers properly. Remember, kebabs are versatile and fun. With practice, you will impress friends and family with your grilling skills. Enjoy experimenting and creating your own unique kebabs!$

Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Kebabs

Delicious grilled chicken kebabs marinated in a zesty lemon herb mixture.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 1 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 whole lemons, zest and juice
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt
to taste pepper
1 whole red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 whole green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 whole red onion, cut into quarters

Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This will be your marinade.
Add the chicken breast cubes to the marinade, mixing until fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for more flavor.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Thread the marinated chicken, bell peppers, and onion onto the skewers, alternating ingredients for a colorful presentation.
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve the kebabs on a platter with tzatziki sauce or a fresh salad. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.

Keyword chicken, grilled, herbs, kebabs, lemon