Description
Tender grilled chicken kabobs bursting with a smoky, well-seasoned marinade paired with colorful patriotic veggies including cherry tomatoes, green bell peppers, and blueberries for a fresh, festive summer meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ pounds (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended for richness)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, whole
- 1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- Optional: 1 small red onion, cut into chunks
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (to squeeze for extra brightness)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
- Wash the cherry tomatoes and blueberries. Cut the green bell pepper into 1-inch squares and slice the red onion into chunks if using.
- Thread the marinated chicken and veggies alternately onto the skewers in a colorful pattern, leaving a small space at each end.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C).
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove kabobs from grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Marinate chicken no longer than 4 hours to avoid mushy texture. Turn kabobs carefully with tongs to retain juices and avoid piercing meat. Watch blueberries closely as they grill quickly and can burst. Let kabobs rest 5 minutes after grilling for juiciness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 2 skewers per
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: grilled chicken kabobs, patriotic veggies, summer recipe, easy kabobs, grilled chicken, healthy grilling, barbecue recipe