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- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - Zest of 1 large lemon - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon dried oregano - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1 red bell pepper, cored and cut into 1-inch pieces - 1 yellow bell pepper, cored and cut into 1-inch pieces - 1 large red onion, cut into wedges - Skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes prior to use) - Additional herbs and spices - Alternative vegetables for skewers - Marinade variations When I plan to make Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Kabobs, I gather my ingredients first. The chicken is the star of the dish. I prefer using boneless, skinless breasts for their ease and tenderness. The olive oil helps the marinade stick to the chicken, while lemon juice adds brightness. I love to enhance the flavor with lemon zest. It gives a fresh kick. Garlic, oregano, and thyme add depth. Salt and pepper are essential for balance. Bell peppers and red onion not only taste great but add color. If you want to mix it up, consider adding other herbs or spices. You might enjoy using rosemary or a touch of cayenne for heat. For veggies, zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes work well too. With these ingredients, you set the stage for a flavorful meal. Each element plays a role, making these kabobs a true delight. To make the marinade, start by whisking together these simple ingredients: - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - Zest of 1 large lemon - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon dried oregano - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Whisk everything well until it blends smoothly. This mixture brings bright, fresh flavors to the chicken. Next, add 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes. Make sure each piece is well-coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. For the best flavor, marinate the chicken in the fridge for at least one hour. If time allows, letting it sit overnight is even better. This way, the flavors soak in deeply. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This step is very important. A hot grill gives the kabobs a nice sear and helps lock in juices. While the grill heats, thread the marinated chicken cubes and assorted veggies onto skewers. Use red and yellow bell peppers and red onion for a colorful mix. Aim for a balanced look with alternating chicken and veggies. Once the grill is ready, place the kabobs on the grates. Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the veggies should be slightly charred. After grilling, let the kabobs rest for about 5 minutes. This resting time keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful. Enjoy your delicious lemon herb grilled chicken kabobs! - Ideal grill temperature: Aim for medium-high heat. This will help cook the chicken evenly and give it a nice char. - How to achieve a good sear and char: Place kabobs on the grill without moving them for a few minutes. This helps form those tasty grill marks. Flip them only when they release easily from the grill. - Best side dishes to pair with kabobs: Serve with fluffy rice or a fresh salad. Grilled corn or pita bread also works well. - Presentation tips for serving: Arrange kabobs on a wooden board or colorful platter. Add fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a lovely look. - Over-marinating concerns: Don't marinate the chicken too long. More than 24 hours can make it mushy. One to four hours is perfect. - Skewering techniques that enhance cooking: Alternate chicken and veggies on the skewers. This helps everything cook evenly and adds color. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water first to prevent burning. {{image_4}} You can swap chicken for shrimp or fish. Both options cook quickly and soak up flavors well. For shrimp, use large ones and marinate them like chicken. For fish, opt for firm types like salmon or swordfish. Simply cut them into chunks and thread onto skewers. If you prefer a vegetarian meal, try tofu or seitan. Tofu absorbs marinade flavors nicely. Use firm tofu, press it, and cut it into cubes. Seitan has a chewy texture and also soaks up the taste. Both options can bring a new twist to your kabobs. You can spice up your kabobs by adding red pepper flakes for heat. Just sprinkle a bit into the marinade. This gives a nice kick without overpowering the lemon flavor. You might also try different citrus fruits. Lime or orange juice can replace lemon juice. Each fruit will add its unique twist. Experiment with zest from these fruits for an extra flavor boost. Seasonal veggies can enhance your kabobs. In summer, use zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers. In fall, try mushrooms, butternut squash, or Brussels sprouts. For a colorful kabob, mix various vegetables. Use red, yellow, and green peppers for a vibrant look. The more colors, the more appealing your kabobs will be. Plus, different veggies add unique flavors and textures that elevate your dish. To keep your Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Kabobs fresh, store them in the fridge. Use an airtight container to seal in the flavor. If you want to keep them even longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in the container. This method keeps moisture in and prevents unwanted odors from other foods. When reheating your kabobs, aim to keep them juicy. The best way to do this is to use the grill or an oven. If using a grill, heat it to medium and place the kabobs on for a few minutes. Turn them to warm them evenly. If using an oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the kabobs on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. This helps keep the moisture in while they warm up. You can freeze kabobs either before or after cooking. If freezing raw, marinate the chicken and vegetables, then place them on skewers. Wrap each kabob in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. If you freeze cooked kabobs, allow them to cool first, then store them in an airtight container. For thawing, move them from the freezer to the fridge overnight. This slow thawing helps maintain texture and flavor. Yes, you can marinate the chicken overnight. This longer marination gives the chicken time to soak up all the flavors. The olive oil helps to tenderize the meat, while the lemon juice adds zest. The garlic, herbs, and spices blend together, making each bite burst with taste. A good marination also makes the chicken juicier when grilled. You can use different proteins based on your needs. If you want to avoid meat, try tofu or seitan. For a lighter option, shrimp works great. Fish like salmon also grills well and tastes amazing with the lemon herb mix. Each choice brings its unique flavor and texture. To check if the chicken is done, look for a few signs. The chicken should be firm and no longer pink inside. The juices should run clear, not red. The best way to ensure safety is to use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Using this method ensures you enjoy safe and tasty kabobs. This article guided you through making delicious chicken kabobs. You learned about key ingredients, from chicken to optional spices. I detailed how to prepare the marinade, marinate the chicken, and grill the kabobs for perfect flavor. We covered tips for grilling and serving, along with common mistakes to avoid. Remember, there are many variations to try, whether you prefer shrimp or veggies. Store leftovers properly and reheating can keep your kabobs tasty. With these steps, you'll master kabobs and impress anyone you serve. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Kabobs

Elevate your summer grilling game with these delicious Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Kabobs! With juicy chicken marinated in a zesty blend of lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs, these kabobs are bursting with flavor. Perfect for a backyard BBQ or a family dinner, they're easy to make and sure to impress. Click through to discover this simple recipe and tips for making your kabobs visually stunning and mouthwatering!
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Ingredients
  

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Zest of 1 large lemon

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 red bell pepper, cored and cut into 1-inch pieces

1 yellow bell pepper, cored and cut into 1-inch pieces

1 large red onion, cut into wedges

Skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes prior to use)

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, chopped thyme, a generous pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This mixture will serve as your flavorful marinade.

    Carefully add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour (for optimal flavor, marinate overnight).

      Prepare your grill by preheating it to medium-high heat, ensuring a perfect sear on the kabobs.

        While the grill is heating, construct your kabobs by threading the marinated chicken cubes and assorted vegetable pieces (red and yellow bell peppers and red onion) onto the skewers, alternating between the chicken and vegetables for a colorful presentation.

          Once the grill is adequately preheated, place the kabobs on the grill grates. Cook for 10-12 minutes, rotating occasionally, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the veggies exhibit a slight char.

            Carefully remove the kabobs from the grill and allow them to rest for about 5 minutes. This resting time is essential as it helps the chicken retain its juices, resulting in a more succulent and flavorful kabob.

              Prep Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Arrange the kabobs on a rustic wooden board or a vibrant serving platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and wedges of lemon to create a visually appealing and inviting dish.