These BBQ Chicken Kabobs are a fun and tasty way to enjoy chicken. Juicy pieces of chicken are marinated in a sweet BBQ sauce and grilled to perfection with colorful veggies!
They’re not just delicious; they look great on a plate too! I love making them for summer picnics or family dinners. Plus, they’re easy to customize with your favorite veggies—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless chicken breast is great for kabobs because it cooks quickly. You can use thigh meat for more flavor, or even shrimp or tofu for a different twist.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add a pop of color and sweetness. If you don’t have cherry tomatoes, cubed bell peppers or zucchini work well too.
Mozzarella Balls: I love using bocconcini for its creamy texture! If you can’t find them, cubed mozzarella or even feta cheese could be a nice substitute.
Basil Pesto: This brings in a ton of flavor! You can use store-bought or homemade pesto. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try hummus or a yogurt-based sauce.
Skewers: If using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them first to prevent burning. Metal skewers are reusable and don’t need soaking, making them a convenient option.
How Do You Grill Kabobs Without Drying Out the Chicken?
Grilling chicken kabobs can be tricky, but with a few techniques, you’ll have juicy results every time! Here’s how to keep your chicken tender:
- Marinate the chicken long enough! Aim for at least 30 minutes but up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
- Soak wooden skewers before grilling to avoid burning and to keep everything intact.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat for even cooking. Too hot can char the outside while leaving the inside raw.
- Turn your kabobs frequently for even cooking and to prevent sticking. Look for nice grill marks, that’s a good sign!
- Brush more pesto during the last few minutes for extra flavor without drying out the meat.
Following these tips will help ensure your kabobs are not only flavorful but also perfectly juicy! Enjoy your grilling!
How to Make BBQ Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 8 ounces mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken. Cooking on the grill will take about 10-15 minutes. So, you’re looking at roughly 1 hour total to get these delicious kabobs ready to serve and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Soak the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, start by soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent them from burning on the grill.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and half of the basil pesto. Stir well until everything is combined.
3. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss them until every piece is nicely coated. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours if you want even more flavor.
4. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, turn on your grill and preheat it to medium-high heat. This will help get those kabobs nicely grilled.
5. Assemble the Kabobs:
Once the chicken is marinated, it’s time to assemble. Thread the marinated chicken cubes, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls onto the skewers. Alternate the ingredients for a colorful and tasty presentation.
6. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes. Turn them occasionally to ensure even cooking and to get those lovely grill marks on the chicken.
7. Add Extra Flavor:
During the last few minutes of cooking, brush the remaining basil pesto over the kabobs. This adds a delicious layer of flavor that you don’t want to miss!
8. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle in the chicken. Serve them warm, and feel free to drizzle more pesto on top if you’d like. Enjoy your BBQ Chicken Kabobs!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in These Kabobs?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out cherry tomatoes for bell peppers, zucchini, or red onion. Just make sure to cut the veggies into similar-sized pieces as the chicken for even cooking. If you’re using firmer vegetables like carrots, consider par-cooking them for a few minutes before skewering to help them cook through more quickly on the grill.
What Can I Substitute for Basil Pesto?
If you don’t have basil pesto, you can use store-bought or homemade sun-dried tomato pesto, or even a olive tapenade for a unique twist. Alternatively, a mix of fresh chopped basil, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese can create a simple homemade pesto if you’re in the mood!
How to Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for a quick warm-up or reheating them on a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes is recommended to maintain the grill marks and texture.
Can I Prepare These Kabobs in Advance?
Yes, you can! Marinate the chicken in advance and assemble the kabobs up to a day ahead. Just cover and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to grill. This makes them perfect for meal prep or a quick dinner option!
