If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors and is perfect for any time you want to impress with minimal fuss, this Lemon Grilled Chicken Kabobs Recipe is an absolute winner. Juicy chicken chunks marinated in zesty lemon juice, fresh dill, and garlic are grilled alongside colorful veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes, creating a beautiful combination of tangy, savory, and smoky notes. It’s fresh, light, and packed with flavors that will have you coming back for more, whether it’s weeknight dinner or weekend barbecue.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture that are both delicious and visually appealing. From the bright lemon zest that wakes up your taste buds to the fresh dill that adds a herbaceous touch, everything combines beautifully.
- Chicken breast (2 pieces, cut into chunks): Provides tender and juicy protein that soaks up the marinade perfectly.
- Zucchini (1, sliced into half coins): Adds a fresh, slightly crunchy texture and vibrant green color.
- Mushrooms (8, halved): Absorb the marinade for an earthy flavor and juicy bite.
- Cherry tomatoes (10): Burst with sweetness and add a pop of red to your skewers.
- Lemon (1, zested and juiced): The star of the marinade, offering bright acidity and zestiness.
- Olive oil (4 tablespoons): Helps marry all the flavors while keeping everything moist on the grill.
- Garlic (2 teaspoons, minced): Brings in a warm, savory depth to the marinade.
- Fresh dill (1 tablespoon): Adds a fresh, slightly tangy herbal note to the chicken and veggies.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors naturally.
- Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a mild kick that ties it all together.
How to Make Lemon Grilled Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, salt, and pepper. This bright and flavorful marinade will infuse the chicken and veggies with a beautiful citrus-herbal aroma that’s hard to resist.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Season your chicken chunks lightly with salt and pepper to bring out their natural flavor. Add half of the lemon marinade to the chicken and toss gently until each piece is well coated. Set aside and let those flavors mingle while you prep the veggies.
Step 3: Toss the Vegetables
Place the zucchini slices, halved mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes into a separate bowl. Pour the remaining lemon marinade over the vegetables and gently mix to coat. This ensures every bite is zesty and juicy, making your kabobs even more delightful.
Step 4: Assemble the Kabobs
Start threading your skewers by alternating approximately two pieces of zucchini, one cherry tomato, one mushroom, and two pieces of marinated chicken. This combination balances colors and textures beautifully on the skewer, and it brings a lovely harmony of flavors with every bite. If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them for 30 minutes beforehand to keep them from burning.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to around 350 degrees. Place the assembled kabobs on the grill and cook for about 4 minutes on each side until the chicken is fully cooked and has those gorgeous char marks. Remove from the grill and let the kabobs rest for 2 to 3 minutes—this step keeps the chicken juicy and tender.
How to Serve Lemon Grilled Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes elevates this dish to a whole new level. Sprinkle chopped fresh dill or parsley over the kabobs for an additional pop of color and flavor. A light squeeze of extra lemon juice just before serving can brighten the dish even further, making each bite burst with freshness.
Side Dishes
These kabobs pair wonderfully with simple sides like fluffy couscous, a crisp green salad, or grilled pita bread for soaking up any leftover juices. Roasted potatoes or a quinoa salad with herbs and lemon also complement the smoky flavors perfectly, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests at your next gathering, arrange the kabobs on a wooden board lined with fresh greens and lemon wedges. You can also serve them over a bed of rice or a light tzatziki sauce drizzle for a Mediterranean-inspired twist. Serve them family-style so everyone can dig in and share the joy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Lemon Grilled Chicken Kabobs Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the kabobs separate from any fresh garnishes to maintain their texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the skewers before grilling by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and grill as usual for best results.
Reheating
For reheating, pop the kabobs under a broiler or back on the grill for a few minutes to regain their smoky texture and warmth. Avoid microwaving, which can make the chicken dry and the veggies soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables for the kabobs?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in bell peppers, red onion, or asparagus—just keep veggies that grill quickly and hold their shape well to maintain the balance of textures.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! The marinade can be prepped in advance, and chicken or veggies can be chopped and assembled beforehand, saving you time on busy days.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The pieces should be opaque and firm, and the juices should run clear when cut.
Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Yes! You can use a grill pan on the stove or bake the kabobs in a hot oven on a broiler setting to get similar delicious results.
What can I use instead of fresh dill?
If fresh dill isn’t available, dried dill works in a pinch, or try substituting with fresh parsley or basil for different but tasty herb notes.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Grilled Chicken Kabobs Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and straightforward steps can come together to create something truly special. The balance of citrusy brightness, savory garlic, and fresh herbs makes it a standout dish that’s perfect for sharing. I hope you try it soon and enjoy every flavorful bite as much as I do!
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Lemon Grilled Chicken Kabobs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Delicious and healthy Lemon Grilled Chicken Kabobs featuring tender marinated chicken breast chunks, fresh zucchini, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes, all infused with a zesty lemon and dill marinade, perfect for a quick and flavorful grilled meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into approximately 16 small chunks
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 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
Additional
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes before cooking, if using)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, fresh dill, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create the lemon marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Season the chicken chunks with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add half of the lemon marinade to the chicken, coating the pieces well. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Marinate the Vegetables: In a separate bowl, combine the zucchini slices, mushroom halves, and cherry tomatoes. Pour the remaining half of the lemon marinade over the vegetables and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Assemble the Kabobs: Thread the ingredients onto skewers in this order: approximately 2 pieces of zucchini, 1 cherry tomato, 1 mushroom half, and 2 pieces of chicken. Continue layering until all ingredients are used, maintaining the ratio of two chicken pieces per skewer.
- Grill the Kabobs: Preheat the grill to around 350°F (175°C). Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 4 minutes on each side until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute and flavors to settle.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Ensure chicken pieces are cut evenly for uniform cooking.
- You can substitute fresh dill with dried dill, but reduce the amount to 1 teaspoon.
- Serve with a side of rice or salad for a complete meal.
- Cooking time may vary depending on grill heat and size of food pieces; always check that chicken is cooked through.
