These oven-baked chicken kabobs are juicy, tasty, and super easy to make. You just marinate the chicken, stick them on skewers, and bake them to golden perfection!
Who doesn’t love food on a stick? They’re perfect for dinner or a fun party treat. I like to serve mine with a side of rice and a sprinkle of extra herbs—so good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Chicken breast is the backbone of this recipe, but you can easily swap it for chicken thighs if you prefer more flavor and juiciness. Thighs have a bit more fat, giving you even more juicy kabobs.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my first choice for its fantastic flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use avocado oil or even another neutral oil like canola. Both will work well!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for the best flavor, but if you run out, garlic powder can substitute. Use about 1/2 teaspoon for every clove. Just be careful not to overpower the dish.
Spices: The spices add great character. You can swap oregano or thyme with Italian seasoning for something different! If you want more heat, add chili powder or red pepper flakes.
Skewers: If you don’t have skewers, you can cook the marinated chicken in a baking dish or on a grill pan for a kabob-style meal without the rods.
How Do I Marinate Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating your chicken is an essential step to pack in flavor. It helps tenderize the meat while imparting wonderful tastes. Here’s a straightforward way to do it:
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth.
- Add the chicken cubes, ensuring every piece is coated fully. If you can, let it marinate for at least 30 minutes but aim for 2 hours if you have the time.
- For best results, cover and refrigerate while marinating.
This simple trick makes your chicken bursting with flavor when it comes out of the oven!
How to Make Oven-Baked Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 2 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 30 minutes (or longer, if desired) for marinating the chicken. The cooking time in the oven is around 20-25 minutes. Overall, allow about 1 hour for the complete process, making it great for a quick weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you’re using wooden skewers, it’s a good idea to soak them in water for about 30 minutes. This will help keep them from burning in the oven.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well until combined. This is going to give your chicken a lot of flavor!
3. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the cubed chicken breast into the marinade. Toss the chicken pieces around until they’re all well coated. For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, you can let it sit in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Now it’s time to get those skewers ready! Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece so they cook evenly.
5. Prepare for Baking:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease a baking rack. Arrange the skewers on the sheet or rack, making sure they’re not touching each other.
6. Bake the Kabobs:
Place the kabobs in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Be sure to turn the skewers halfway through the cooking to help them brown nicely. They’re done when the chicken is fully cooked and has a lovely golden-brown color.
7. Rest and Garnish:
Once the kabobs are out of the oven, let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy! Before serving, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the chicken kabobs hot on their own or with your favorite dipping sauces and sides. Enjoy your delicious oven-baked chicken kabobs!
Can I Use Thigh Meat Instead of Chicken Breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more flavor and juiciness to your kabobs. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized cubes to ensure even cooking time as chicken breast.
How Can I Make These Kabobs Spicy?
If you like a little heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to your marinade. You can also marinate with spicy sauce or add sliced jalapeños to the skewers for an extra kick!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts for quick reheating. Just be careful not to overcook them!
Can I Prepare These Kabobs Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken the night before and keep it in the fridge. Just thread the chicken onto the skewers and bake when you’re ready to enjoy them, which makes for a quick and easy meal.
