Grilled chicken kabobs are a delightful treat that combines tender, flavorful chicken with a medley of vegetables, all skewered and cooked to perfection over an open flame.
This cooking method not only infuses the ingredients with a smoky flavor but also offers a visually appealing and healthy meal option.


The simplicity of preparation is one of the key advantages of chicken kabobs. The basic steps involve marinating the chicken to enhance its flavor and tenderness, threading the chicken and your choice of vegetables onto skewers, and then grilling them to achieve a charred and succulent finish.
Whether you prefer the bold spices of Middle Eastern cuisine or the vibrant zest of Mediterranean flavors, chicken kabobs can be tailored to suit any palate, making them a universally loved dish that’s perfect for any gathering or family meal.
1. Choose the Right Cut of Chicken
Using the correct cut of chicken can make a significant difference. Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful under high heat, reducing the risk of drying out during grilling.
2. Marinate for Maximum Flavor
Marinating is crucial for tender, flavorful chicken kabobs. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2-4 hours, but overnight is ideal. Ensure your marinade includes a balance of acid (like lemon juice or vinegar), oil, and seasonings to penetrate the meat deeply.
3. Use Uniform Pieces
Cutting chicken into uniform pieces ensures even cooking. Aim for chunks around 1 to 1.5 inches. This size is optimal for grilling as it cooks through without burning the exterior.
Chicken Kabobs On The Grill
17. Chicken Kabobs
These chicken kabobs feature tender, marinated chicken pieces threaded with fresh vegetables like zucchini, peppers, and red onion. The marinade combines olive oil, lemon juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and black pepper to create a flavorful and juicy result after grilling.
Grilling takes just 10 to 12 minutes, with the kabobs flipped halfway through to ensure even cooking. Using metal skewers makes the process easier and safer, while an instant-read thermometer helps confirm the chicken reaches the perfect internal temperature for serving.
16. Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Kabobs
These chicken kabobs feature juicy, marinated chicken pieces infused with a bold Mediterranean garlic and spice blend. The marinade combines fresh garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and warming spices like paprika, nutmeg, cardamom, and thyme to create a vibrant, savory flavor.
Skewered alongside colorful vegetables such as bell peppers and red onions, the kabobs cook quickly over a hot grill for a tender, charred finish. They pair well with sides like tahini sauce, pita bread, or fresh salads, making for a light and flavorful meal perfect for warm weather.
15. Southwest Chicken Kabobs
These Southwest Chicken Shish Kabobs feature juicy chicken pieces marinated in a flavorful blend with a touch of spice and sweetness. The skewers are loaded with colorful bell peppers and onions, adding crunch and vibrant color to each bite.
The recipe encourages prepping vegetables ahead of time and offers tips for grilling to ensure everything cooks evenly. It also suggests soaking wooden skewers and managing cooking times for different veggies, making it easy to create a delicious and visually appealing grilled meal.
14. Grilled Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
These grilled Hawaiian teriyaki chicken skewers feature tender chicken marinated in a flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce. The skewers are threaded with colorful bell peppers, red onions, and fresh pineapple, creating a vibrant and tasty combination perfect for grilling.
Cooking the skewers on the grill allows the sauce to caramelize slightly while the pineapple and vegetables soften, adding a sweet and smoky flavor. Once grilled, the skewers are basted with extra sauce for a glossy finish, making them an appealing and delicious meal for outdoor gatherings.
13. Tandoori Grilled Chicken Kabobs
These Tandoori-Inspired Grilled Chicken Kabobs feature tender chicken thighs marinated in a yogurt and curry paste blend that adds tang and spice without artificial coloring. The kabobs are threaded with red onion and bell pepper, then grilled to create a lightly charred, flavorful meal perfect for summer cookouts or quick weeknight dinners.
The recipe offers flexibility by allowing the kabobs to be cooked on a grill or in the oven with a broiler step to mimic char. Serving suggestions include pairing the kabobs with grilled naan bread and yogurt for a balanced and satisfying dish.
12. Grilled Chicken Kabobs
These grilled chicken kabobs feature tender pieces of chicken paired with colorful bell peppers and red onions, all coated in a simple BBQ sauce and olive oil marinade.
The skewers cook quickly on the grill, developing a smoky char while staying juicy and flavorful.
Preparation involves marinating the chicken for just 30 minutes before threading it with vegetables onto skewers and grilling for about 12 minutes. This recipe offers a straightforward way to enjoy a classic BBQ favorite that pairs well with a variety of summer side dishes.
11. Grilled Chicken Kabobs + Mushrooms, Zucchini & Peppers
These grilled chicken kabobs combine tender, marinated chicken pieces with fresh mushrooms, zucchini, and colorful peppers threaded onto skewers. The marinade infuses the meat with a spicy, tangy flavor while keeping it juicy and soft during the quick grilling process.
A creamy, spicy dipping sauce made from mayo, yogurt, Sriracha, and lime juice complements the smoky kabobs perfectly. This dish offers a balanced mix of protein and vegetables, making it ideal for a flavorful summer meal cooked outdoors.
10. Grilled Greek Chicken Kabobs + Tzatziki
These grilled Greek chicken kabobs feature tender chicken marinated in a flavorful blend of olive oil, yogurt, garlic, oregano, and red wine vinegar. The chicken is skewered and grilled until golden, then served with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce made from cucumber, yogurt, lemon juice, and dill.
The kabobs can be enjoyed stuffed inside pita bread along with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and kalamata olives for a light and healthy meal. Preparing the marinade and tzatziki in advance helps make this dish quick and convenient for summer grilling or meal prep.
9. Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs
These grilled teriyaki chicken kabobs combine tender chicken pieces with fresh pineapple, colorful bell peppers, and red onion, all marinated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce.
The ingredients are threaded onto skewers and grilled, resulting in a flavorful and juicy meal perfect for outdoor gatherings.
The recipe includes a homemade teriyaki sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and honey, which is used both for marinating and basting the kabobs.
Serving the kabobs over white or brown rice creates a complete and satisfying dinner option that’s simple to prepare.
8. Greek Chicken Kabobs
These Greek Chicken Kabobs feature tender, marinated chicken pieces threaded onto skewers and grilled to a perfect char. The marinade combines herbs like thyme and oregano with lemon juice, garlic, and a touch of cayenne pepper for a bright, savory flavor.
Served traditionally with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, and creamy Tzatziki sauce, these kabobs offer a flavorful, low-carb meal option. They can be customized by swapping chicken for other meats such as lamb or beef, making them versatile for different tastes.
7. Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs
These grilled teriyaki chicken kabobs combine tender chicken chunks marinated in savory teriyaki sauce with fresh pineapple and colorful bell peppers. The ingredients are skewered and cooked over medium heat until the chicken is juicy and the vegetables are slightly charred, creating a balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors.
The kabobs are perfect for backyard barbecues or quick family dinners, offering a simple yet flavorful meal option. Preparing them involves soaking wooden skewers, marinating the chicken, assembling the skewers, and grilling until cooked through, making the process straightforward and accessible.
6. Chicken Bacon Ranch Kabobs
These Chicken Bacon Ranch Kabobs combine tender chicken chunks coated in dry ranch seasoning with partially cooked bacon, threaded alternately onto skewers. Grilling them until the chicken reaches the proper temperature creates a crispy, flavorful dish that highlights the classic ranch taste.
The recipe emphasizes spacing the pieces on the skewer to ensure even cooking and recommends using stainless steel skewers or soaked wooden ones to avoid burning.
Letting the kabobs rest briefly after grilling helps the juices redistribute for a juicy, satisfying bite.
5. Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
These Pineapple Chicken Kabobs combine juicy chicken breast chunks with fresh pineapple, red bell peppers, and red onions, all threaded onto skewers for a colorful and flavorful meal.
The kabobs are baked in the oven and finished under the broiler with a tangy Asian-inspired glaze made from soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, brown sugar, and chili sauce.
This dish offers a convenient way to enjoy the taste of grilled kabobs without needing an outdoor grill, making it ideal for weeknight dinners. The recipe also suggests pairing the kabobs with sides like rice, quinoa, or pasta to create a complete, satisfying meal.
4. Sticky Chicken on a Stick
This item features a recipe for sticky chicken skewers grilled to perfection with a tangy, sweet, and savory sauce. The chicken is marinated to enhance tenderness and flavor, then cooked until caramelized with a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
The recipe is designed for quick preparation using simple ingredients and can be customized with different cuts of chicken or added vegetables. It offers practical tips for grilling and storing leftovers, making it suitable for casual meals, parties, or quick weeknight dinners.
3. The Best BBQ Chicken Skewers
These BBQ chicken skewers feature a juicy, flavorful twist by incorporating a unique bacon paste into the seasoning mix. The chicken is dry-brined with salt to lock in moisture, then coated with a blend of smoky paprika, sugar, and the bacon paste before grilling to perfection.
Grilling the skewers with a basting of BBQ sauce creates a caramelized glaze without burning, enhancing the rich flavors. Variations include adding spices, herbs, or citrus zest, and the skewers can be served with a variety of sides or adapted for oven cooking if a grill isn’t available.
2. Greek Chicken Kabobs
These Greek chicken kabobs feature tender, juicy chicken pieces marinated in a flavorful blend of Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. The kabobs can be cooked on a grill or baked in the oven, offering flexibility for any season or occasion.
Vegetables like bell pepper, zucchini, and onion can be added to the skewers for extra color and taste. Leftovers store well in the fridge or freezer, making this a convenient option for meal prep or entertaining.
1. Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

What ingredients are good for marinating chicken kabobs?
Common marinade ingredients include olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs (like rosemary or thyme), salt, pepper, and various spices. Soy sauce, yogurt, and vinegar are also popular additions.
What vegetables work well with chicken kabobs?
Bell peppers, onions, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and mushrooms are great choices. Cut them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
How do I prevent chicken kabobs from sticking to the grill?
Preheat the grill and brush the grates with oil before placing the kabobs. You can also lightly oil the chicken and vegetables to prevent sticking.
How long should I grill chicken kabobs?
Grill the kabobs for about 10-15 minutes, turning every few minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
How do I know when the chicken kabobs are done?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is no longer pink inside. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.