When it comes to grilling, nothing quite matches the charm of kabobs. These skewered delights bring together a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making them a favorite at any cookout.
Whether you’re a fan of juicy meats, colorful veggies, or a mix of both, there’s a kabob recipe out there that will surely satisfy your cravings.
Kabobs are not only versatile but also incredibly easy to prepare. From quick weeknight dinners to impressive party platters, these skewers can be customized to suit any taste.
Plus, they’re a fantastic way to bring a bit of excitement to your usual grilling routine, adding a touch of creativity to your meals.
This collection of the best kabob recipes will inspire you to fire up the grill and enjoy the flavors of the season. From classic combinations to unique twists, these recipes are sure to elevate your grilling game and bring a burst of flavor to your table.
1. Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers
Give each piece of meat and vegetable some breathing room on the skewer. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and steaming rather than grilling.
2. Layer Ingredients Strategically
Alternate between meat and vegetables on the skewers, placing items that cook faster (like vegetables) next to those that take longer (like meats). This way, juices from the meat can enhance the flavor of the vegetables.
3. Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh vegetables and high-quality cuts of meat make all the difference in the final taste. Avoid pre-marinated meats and opt for fresh herbs and spices for your marinade.
Best Kabob Recipes
15. Hawaiian Chicken Skewers from Foodie Crush
These Hawaiian chicken skewers feature tender chicken pieces marinated in a blend of soy sauce, orange marmalade, ginger, and garlic powder, creating a sweet and savory flavor profile.
The skewers are grilled alongside colorful vegetables and pineapple chunks, adding a fresh, tropical touch to the dish.
The recipe encourages easy preparation with simple ingredients and a quick marinating process, making it ideal for summertime grilling. The finished skewers are perfect for serving with rice or noodles, offering a balanced and flavorful meal with minimal fuss.
14. Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Kabob from Spend with Pennies
These Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs feature tender chicken pieces marinated in a tangy pineapple-soy glaze, threaded alongside colorful bell peppers, red onions, and pineapple chunks. Grilling them creates a caramelized, sweet-savory flavor with a smoky char that makes for a vibrant and satisfying meal.
Preparation involves marinating the chicken, tossing the vegetables in marinade, and skewering everything for quick cooking on the grill or in the oven. Soaking wooden skewers prevents burning, while even-sized pieces ensure uniform cooking, resulting in juicy kabobs ready to serve over rice or with a fresh side.
13. Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs from Cooking Classy
These Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs combine marinated chicken with fresh pineapple, red onion, and bell pepper for a vibrant and flavorful meal. The chicken soaks up a sweet and tangy marinade before being grilled to achieve a light char and tender texture.
The skewers offer a perfect balance of savory and fruity flavors, making them ideal for summer dinners or gatherings. They can be grilled or baked and pair well with rice, coleslaw, or grilled corn for a complete meal.
12. BBQ Chicken Bacon Pineapple Kabobs from Butter With A Side of Bread
11. Bacon, Pineapple, Chicken Kabobs from Recipe Diaries
These kabobs combine bite-sized pieces of chicken, fresh pineapple, onions, and bell peppers wrapped in thin slices of bacon. They can be cooked on a grill or in an air fryer, offering a smoky, sweet, and savory flavor profile.
The recipe includes a homemade Hawaiian sauce made from pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, and cornstarch to glaze the kabobs. Cooking times are short, making it easy to prepare a juicy, flavorful meal perfect for summer or quick indoor cooking.
10. Pineapple Chicken Kabobs from Julie’s Eats and Treats
These Chicken Pineapple Kebabs combine tender marinated chicken with sweet pineapple and savory onions, all grilled to perfection on skewers. The marinade blends garlic, brown sugar, ginger, soy sauce, and spices to create a flavorful balance of sweet and tangy that enhances every bite.
Grilling the pineapple caramelizes its natural sugars, adding a rich sweetness that complements the juicy chicken. This dish offers a simple way to elevate your barbecue with a colorful, tasty meal that pairs well with classic summer sides.
9. Best BBQ Chicken Kebabs from Fabulessly Frugal
8. Honey-Garlic Chicken & Veggies Skewer from Buzzfeed
These Honey-Garlic Chicken & Veggie Skewers combine marinated chicken breast pieces with colorful bell peppers and red onion on wooden skewers. The chicken is soaked in a sweet and savory honey-soy-garlic marinade that infuses flavor before baking or grilling.
The preparation involves soaking skewers, marinating the chicken, and assembling the ingredients in a repeating pattern for even cooking. Once cooked, the skewers are garnished with fresh parsley for a bright finish and ready to serve as a flavorful, balanced meal.
7. Bacon Bourbon BBQ Chicken Kebabs from Host the Toast
These Bacon Bourbon BBQ Chicken Kebabs combine smoky bacon paste with tender chicken thighs for a flavorful grilling experience. The chicken is coated in a rich blend of spices and bacon, then basted with a bourbon-infused barbecue sauce that adds a sweet, tangy finish.
Preparing these kebabs involves marinating the chicken in the bacon paste before threading onto skewers and grilling until juicy and caramelized. The recipe yields plenty of sauce for serving, making it perfect for summer cookouts or casual gatherings.
6. Sweet Maple Barbecue Chicken from Dash of Sanity
These Sweet Maple Barbecue Chicken Kabobs feature tender chicken marinated in a rich, caramelized sauce made with pure maple syrup, brown sugar, and spices. The kabobs are grilled to juicy perfection, offering a sweet and tangy flavor that elevates traditional barbecue chicken.
The recipe includes soaking wooden skewers to prevent burning and suggests marinating the chicken for several hours to deepen the taste. Leftovers can be repurposed easily for sandwiches or salads, making this a versatile dish for both fresh and next-day meals.
5. Roasted Garlic Ranch Chicken Kebabs with Avocado Ranch Dip from Layers of Happiness
This recipe features grilled chicken marinated in a simple blend of ranch dressing, ranch seasoning, and garlic, creating a juicy and flavorful dish. The chicken is threaded onto skewers and cooked either on the grill or under the broiler, making it adaptable for different cooking environments.
An optional tomatillo avocado ranch sauce adds a fresh, creamy element that complements the grilled chicken perfectly. The sauce is made by blending avocado, tomatillo, poblano pepper, cilantro, lime juice, and ranch dressing for a smooth and tangy finish.
4. 2 Ingredient Grilled Chicken Kabob from Eating on a Dime
Juicy, flavorful chicken pieces are threaded onto skewers alongside fresh vegetables, creating a colorful and customizable meal perfect for grilling. The marinade blends olive oil, vinegar, honey, garlic, and seasonings, enhancing the taste and tenderness of the chicken with a simple soak before cooking.
These kabobs cook quickly on a hot grill, with easy turning to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. They can be paired with a variety of sides and adapted with additions like mushrooms, bell peppers, or pineapple for a sweet and savory twist.
3. Beer, Ranch Chicken & Potato Kabobs from Frugal Foodie Mama
These kabobs feature juicy chicken chunks and hearty potatoes marinated in a simple blend of beer, ranch dressing mix, and garlic. After marinating, the ingredients are skewered and grilled, creating a flavorful and easy-to-make meal perfect for outdoor gatherings.
The recipe allows for preparing the kabobs ahead of time, making it convenient to chill them before grilling. The combination of ingredients delivers a taste that appeals even to picky eaters, making it a great choice for family barbecues and celebrations.
2. Honey Chipotle BBQ Chicken Skewers from Cooking Classy
1. Ranch Chicken Bacon Kabobs from Butter With A Side of Bread
What are the best cuts of meat for kabobs?
The quality of your kabob largely depends on the meat you choose. For beef kabobs, tender cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin are excellent because they remain juicy when grilled.
For chicken, opt for breast or thigh meat. Thighs are particularly good for staying moist. For lamb, leg or shoulder cuts work well, offering a good balance of flavor and tenderness.
How do I prevent vegetables from overcooking on kabobs?
Vegetables tend to cook faster than meat, so it’s important to choose sturdier vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or zucchini that can handle longer grilling times.
To avoid overcooking, cut your vegetables into larger pieces or pre-cook the meat slightly before skewering to ensure everything cooks evenly.
How do I keep kabobs from sticking to the grill?
To prevent kabobs from sticking, make sure your grill is clean and well-oiled before cooking. Lightly brush the kabobs with oil as well. It also helps to let the kabobs sear for a few minutes before attempting to turn them.
This will give the meat a chance to develop a crust, making it easier to release from the grill.
What is the best way to skewer ingredients for kabobs?
For the best results, skewer ingredients with similar cooking times together. This means either using separate skewers for meat and vegetables or ensuring that all ingredients are cut into uniform sizes.
Wooden skewers should be soaked in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning, while metal skewers are a great reusable option that heats up and helps cook the kabobs from the inside out.