If you’re craving a vibrant, fresh, and utterly delicious grilled meal, this Lemon Grilled Chicken Kabobs Recipe is just the ticket. Juicy chunks of chicken soak up a lively marinade bursting with zesty lemon, fresh dill, and garlic, then meet perfectly grilled vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes threaded on skewers. The result is a colorful, flavorful dish that feels like sunshine on a plate, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests at your next barbecue.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together in a simple yet exciting way, creating layers of flavor and texture that make this dish truly shine. Each element plays an important role, from the zesty lemon juice lifting the chicken to the medley of fresh vegetables adding color and crunch.
- Chicken breasts: Choose fresh chicken breasts, cut into small chunks to ensure quick and even grilling.
- Zucchini: Sliced into half coins, they bring a refreshing mild flavor and soft bite to the kabobs.
- Mushrooms: Cleaned and halved, they add earthiness and soak up the marinade beautifully.
- Cherry tomatoes: Small and juicy, these burst with sweetness after grilling.
- Lemon zest and juice: The heart of the marinade, delivering bright citrus notes that brighten every ingredient.
- Olive oil: A smooth base that helps carry the flavors and keep everything moist on the grill.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds a pungent, aromatic depth.
- Fresh dill: This herb lends a subtle, fresh tang that complements the lemon perfectly.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavors.
- Wooden skewers: Make sure to soak these before grilling so they won’t burn.
How to Make Lemon Grilled Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Marinade
Start by whisking together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dill, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This simple marinade is the secret to infusing the chicken and veggies with that signature bright, savory flavor.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Lightly season the chicken chunks with salt and pepper first, then coat them with half of the lemon marinade. Allow the chicken to soak up those flavors while you prep the vegetables—this step ensures each bite remains tender and zesty.
Step 3: Toss the Vegetables in the Remaining Marinade
Place the zucchini, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes in a separate bowl and toss them with the rest of the lemon marinade. This keeps all the flavors beautifully consistent and gives the vegetables a subtle citrus boost.
Step 4: Assemble the Kabobs
Thread the skewers with a delightful pattern—about two pieces of zucchini, one cherry tomato, one mushroom, and two pieces of marinated chicken per skewer. This balance maintains an appetizing mix of colors, flavors, and textures in every bite.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to around 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lay the kabobs across the grates and cook for roughly 4 minutes per side. The goal is to achieve those wonderful grill marks and ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked while the vegetables become tender but still maintain their bite. Let the kabobs rest for a few minutes once off the grill to lock in the juices.
How to Serve Lemon Grilled Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate your kabobs from tasty to stunning. Sprinkle chopped fresh dill or parsley on top for a burst of herbal freshness. A wedge of lemon on the side invites everyone to add an extra citrus squeeze, brightening up every morsel.
Side Dishes
Pair these kabobs with light and complementary sides. A fluffy couscous salad or herbed quinoa works beautifully to soak up the marinade’s flavors. A crisp garden salad with a lemon vinaigrette keeps the meal fresh. Or perhaps some warm pita bread for a Mediterranean-inspired touch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, place the kabobs over a bed of greens or grain in a colorful platter. You can even slide the grilled chicken and veggies off the skewers and serve as a vibrant take on a chicken salad. Drizzle a light yogurt or tzatziki sauce to add creaminess and a cool contrast to the citrusy grill.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your feast, transfer any leftover kabobs to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making them a perfect next-day meal or a quick grab-and-go option.
Freezing
If you want to save them for longer, assemble the kabobs but don’t grill. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. When you’re ready, thaw thoroughly in the fridge before grilling as per the instructions—fresh and tasty, just like the first time!
Reheating
Reheat your cooked kabobs gently on a grill pan or under the broiler to avoid drying out the chicken. A quick heat-through keeps all those lemony flavors intact and the chicken juicy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat in this Lemon Grilled Chicken Kabobs Recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken breasts work beautifully here, you can swap in chicken thighs, shrimp, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust grilling times accordingly.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers before grilling?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prevents them from burning on the grill and helps keep your kabobs intact while cooking.
Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Definitely! The lemon marinade can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the fridge. This can even enhance the flavors as they meld together over time.
What if I don’t have fresh dill on hand?
Fresh dill is ideal for this Lemon Grilled Chicken Kabobs Recipe, but if you’re out, dried dill can be used in a pinch—just use it sparingly as it’s more concentrated. Fresh parsley also makes a nice substitute.
How do I know when the chicken kabobs are fully cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. When grilled properly, the outside will have nice char marks, and the meat will be opaque and juicy inside.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the simplicity and vibrancy of this Lemon Grilled Chicken Kabobs Recipe. It brings together fresh ingredients and bold flavors in a way that feels like a little celebration every time you dig in. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or trying your hand at kabobs for the first time, this recipe is sure to become a favorite you’ll want to make again and again. So grab your skewers, fire up the grill, and get ready to enjoy a meal that feels like summer no matter the season.
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Lemon Grilled Chicken Kabobs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Lemon Grilled Chicken Kabobs recipe features tender chunks of chicken breast and fresh vegetables marinated in a zesty lemon and dill mixture. Perfectly grilled to juicy perfection, these kabobs are a quick, flavorful meal ideal for a healthy dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into approximately 16 small chunks
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Vegetables
- 1 zucchini, cut into half coins
- 8 mushrooms, cleaned and cut in half
- 10 cherry tomatoes
Marinade
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Other
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes before grilling, if using)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, fresh dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Season the chicken chunks with salt and pepper. Add half of the lemon marinade to the chicken. Toss well to coat all pieces evenly. Set aside to absorb flavors.
- Marinate the Vegetables: In a separate bowl, combine zucchini slices, halved mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes. Pour the remaining half of the lemon marinade over the vegetables and toss to coat thoroughly.
- Assemble the Kabobs: Take a skewer and thread approximately 2 pieces of zucchini, 1 cherry tomato, 1 mushroom half, and 2 pieces of chicken onto it. Repeat this pattern for remaining skewers, adjusting quantity per size of cut ingredients.
- Preheat and Grill: Preheat the grill to 350°F (175°C). Place the assembled skewers on the grill and cook for about 4 minutes per side, turning once to ensure even grilling and beautiful grill marks.
- Rest the Kabobs: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving. This helps retain juices and enhances flavor.
Notes
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Chicken pieces can be cut smaller or larger depending on preference; adjust portion sizes accordingly.
- Use fresh herbs like dill for the best flavor; dried dill can be used but reduce quantity to about 1 teaspoon.
- Grilling time may vary depending on grill type and heat intensity, ensure chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 75°C).
