These oven-baked chicken kabobs are a total game-changer for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers any time of the year. Tender, marinated chicken cubes are paired with a variety of colorful veggies to make a delicious, healthy, and balanced meal that's ready in no time. In fact, just 5 simple steps are all you have to follow to make these kabobs. No grill? No problem! This method for making chicken kabobs in the oven is foolproof, fast, and delivers juicy, perfectly cooked skewers every single time.
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Why I Love This Chicken Kabobs Recipe
This chicken kabobs recipe was inspired by my friend Matt, who's famous for his oven-baked kabobs. After going over to his house a few months ago and tasting his version, I knew I had to put my own spin on them and make 'em for the blog.
After several rounds of testing and tweaking, I finally nailed down the perfect method—the chicken turns out incredibly juicy, the veggies roast up tender and crisp, and the marinade is absolutely perfect. In fact, these oven baked kabobs are so good they're now a staple recipe in our house...epecially on nights when I'm too tired to fire up the grill or when I run out of propane (which happens more often than I'd like to admit).
Ingredients You'll Need
Here's everything you'll need to make these oven baked chicken kabobs:
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 small zucchini, sliced into rounds
How to Make Chicken Kabobs in the Oven (Just 5 Easy Steps!)
Just a handful of steps are all you have to follow to make these delicious kabobs in the oven.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Kabob Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Add the cubed chicken breasts, tossing to coat each piece evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or, for the most flavorful kabobs, marinate overnight.
Step 2: Assemble the Kabobs
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Thread the marinated chicken cubes, red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini rounds, and red onion pieces onto skewers. Alternate ingredients for balanced color and flavor distribution.
Step 3: Bake the Chicken Kabobs
Arrange the assembled chicken kabobs in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each skewer to ensure even cooking. Place in the oven and bake for about 20–25 minutes, flipping the kabobs halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Once cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the kabobs to rest for about 3 minutes. This ensures the chicken stays juicy and tender. Transfer to a serving platter.
Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy!
Serve these oven-baked chicken kabobs warm with your favorite sides, such as rice, salad, or warm pita bread. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for an extra pop of freshness and flavor. Enjoy immediately!
Expert Tips for Making Perfect Kabobs in the Oven
- Uniform Pieces: Ensure chicken and veggies are cut uniformly (about 1-inch pieces) for even cooking.
- Soak Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning in the oven.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Leave space between kabobs on the baking sheet to help them roast evenly rather than steam.
- Check Internal Temperature: Always use a food thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe, perfectly juicy meat.
- Broil for Extra Color: Want extra char? Place kabobs under the broiler for 1–2 minutes after baking.
FAQ's About This Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Can I make chicken kabobs ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the kabobs fully assembled and refrigerate up to 24 hours ahead. When ready to serve, just pop them into the oven.
How do I store leftover chicken kabobs?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or until heated through.
Can I freeze chicken kabobs?
Yes, you can freeze them raw or cooked. Raw kabobs (marinated and assembled) freeze best. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake according to the original instructions. Cooked kabobs can also be frozen, thawed, and reheated gently in the oven.
Can I use other veggies in this recipe?
Absolutely! Try mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, asparagus, or eggplant. Just make sure they're cut to a similar size as your chicken pieces for even cooking.
What sides go best with chicken kabobs?
Kabobs pair wonderfully with rice pilaf, garlic butter potatoes, fresh salads, grilled vegetables, or warm pita bread.
My Final Thoughts
These easy oven-baked chicken kabobs have been a consistent crowd-pleaser in my home. They've been perfect for both casual dinners and special gatherings.
Not only are they incredibly flavorful and juicy, but they're also simple enough that you end up with perfect results every single time.
If you’re looking for a stress-free yet impressive meal, this chicken kabobs recipe is sure to become one of your go-to dishes! They've definitely become one of mine.
As always, if you give the recipe a shot, let me know how it goes for you in the comments below.
More Oven Baked Chicken Recipes to Try Next
- Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
- Oven Baked Jerk Chicken Wings
- Oven Baked Mississippi Chicken
- Hasselback Chicken
- Harissa honey chicken thighs
Easy Chicken Kabobs in the Oven Recipe
These oven-baked chicken kabobs are a total game-changer for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers any time of the year. Tender, marinated chicken cubes are paired with a variety of colorful veggies to make a delicious, healthy, and balanced meal that's ready in no time. In fact, just 5 simple steps are all you have to follow to make these kabobs. No grill? No problem! This method for making chicken kabobs in the oven is foolproof, fast, and delivers juicy, perfectly cooked skewers every single time.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 small zucchini, sliced into rounds
Instructions
1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to make the marinade. Add the cubed chicken and stir to coat, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor.
2. When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 375°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess liquid.
3. Thread the marinated chicken, bell peppers, zucchini, and onions onto skewers, alternating the ingredients for even color and flavor.
4. Arrange the kabobs on the baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
5, Take the kabobs out of the oven and serve with your favorite sides.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 185Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 64mgSodium: 447mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 24g
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