These Easy Balsamic Chicken Vegetable Kabobs are a tasty treat! Juicy chicken is paired with colorful veggies, all drizzled in a yummy balsamic glaze. Perfect for grilling!
Making kabobs is so fun! You can mix and match your favorite vegetables. Plus, they cook up quickly, making it a speedy dinner fix after a long day. Who doesn’t love a meal on a stick? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Chicken breasts are a great choice for kabobs, being lean and tender. If you’re looking for a different option, you can also use chicken thighs for extra moisture or even cubed firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
Balsamic Vinegar: Balsamic vinegar gives a sweet and tangy flavor to the marinade. If you don’t have it, try red wine vinegar mixed with a touch of sugar for a similar sweetness.
Bell Peppers: These add a pop of color and sweetness. You can substitute with any color of bell pepper or even use mushrooms, eggplant, or broccoli for a different taste profile.
Zucchini: Zucchini is perfect when grilled. If you’re out of zucchini, try summer squash or even asparagus as a substitute.
Honey or Maple Syrup: These sweeteners help balance out the vinegar. If you’re looking for a sugar-free option, you could use a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or agave syrup.
How Do You Ensure Your Kabobs Cook Evenly?
To make sure your kabobs are perfectly cooked, it’s important to keep everything uniform! Follow these basic steps:
- Cut all chicken and veggies into similar-sized pieces, around 1-inch cubes or thick rounds, so they cook at the same rate.
- Soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning on the grill.
- Leave a little space between pieces on the skewers for heat circulation, which helps them cook evenly.
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer, aiming for 165°F to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Taking these few extra steps will help you achieve perfectly balanced kabobs every time!
Easy Balsamic Chicken Vegetable Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 small red onion, cut into wedges
- 1 zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
Other:
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before using)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for prep, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating. Grilling takes around 10-12 minutes, making the total time around 1 hour for a delightful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
Start by whisking together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, honey, oregano, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. This hearty marinade will ensure your chicken is juicy and packed with flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Next, add the cubed chicken to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for richer flavors.
3. Prepare the Vegetables:
While the chicken is marinating, cut your vegetables into even-sized pieces. This will help them cook evenly on the grill, ensuring a perfect texture!
4. Preheat the Grill:
Once your chicken has marinated long enough, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. A hot grill will give that irresistible char and flavor.
5. Assemble the Kabobs:
Take your skewers and thread the marinated chicken and vegetables onto them. Alternate the pieces as you go, leaving a little space between each for even cooking. Have fun with the arrangement!
6. Grill the Kabobs:
Lay the kabobs on the hot grill. Cook for about 10-12 minutes total, turning every 3-4 minutes. Look for the chicken to be fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F) and the vegetables slightly charred and tender.
7. Let Them Rest:
Once ready, remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This step is important as it helps the juices redistribute in the chicken, making it juicier and more flavorful!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your kabobs warm, and if you like, garnish them with freshly chopped parsley or basil for an extra pop of color and flavor. Enjoy this delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion!
Happy grilling! 🍗🥗
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or pork. Just adjust the marinating time accordingly—shrimp needs only about 15-20 minutes, while beef and pork should marinate for a similar time as chicken.
What Vegetables Can I Include?
You can mix and match your favorite vegetables! Bell peppers, onions, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and asparagus all work wonderfully. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
Can I Prepare the Kabobs in Advance?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the vegetable skewers in advance. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Wait to grill right before serving for the best flavor and texture!
How Do I Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or on a grill pan until heated through. However, freshly grilled kabobs are always best!