If you are looking for a refreshingly vibrant and healthy meal that bursts with bright flavors, this Lemon Grilled Chicken Kabobs Recipe will instantly become your new favorite. Juicy chicken pieces marinated in zesty lemon, fresh dill, and garlic, combined with colorful veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes, come together on skewers and get perfectly charred on the grill. It is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a stunning plate full of textures and colors that’s quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients make this Lemon Grilled Chicken Kabobs Recipe a winner every time. Each component plays a vital role: the lemon brightens and tenderizes, olive oil adds moisture and richness, and fresh dill gives an herby note that elevates the dish beyond everyday grilled chicken.
- 2 chicken breasts: Cut into small chunks for even cooking and easy skewer threading.
- 1 zucchini: Sliced into half coins to add mild sweetness and a tender-crisp bite.
- 8 mushrooms: Cleaned and halved to soak in the marinade and provide earthy depth.
- 10 cherry tomatoes: Whole, these burst with tangy juice and vibrant color.
- 1 lemon: Zested and juiced to infuse the marinade with bright citrus notes and tenderize the chicken.
- 4 tablespoons olive oil: Essential to keep the chicken moist and help the marinade coat every bit of the kabobs.
- 2 teaspoons garlic: Minced fresh garlic delivers a pungent kick that balances the citrus.
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill: Offers a fragrant and slightly sweet herbaceous flavor that lifts the entire kabob.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances every ingredient’s natural flavor without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the seasoning.
How to Make Lemon Grilled Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, fresh dill, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This vibrant marinade will be the flavor powerhouse, tenderizing the chicken and seasoning the vegetables in one go.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Season the chicken chunks lightly with salt and pepper. Then add half of the prepared lemon marinade to the chicken, tossing well to coat each piece thoroughly. Let it rest and soak in the flavor while you prep the veggies, so the chicken becomes juicy and infused with those bright, herby notes.
Step 3: Marinate the Vegetables
Take the zucchini half coins, halved mushrooms, and whole cherry tomatoes, placing them into another bowl. Pour the remaining half of the lemon marinade over the veggies and toss to ensure every piece is lightly coated. This step helps the vegetables caramelize beautifully on the grill while carrying the signature lemon-dill flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Kabobs
Grab your pre-soaked wooden skewers or metal ones. Carefully thread the ingredients onto each skewer in a pattern: approximately 2 pieces of zucchini, 1 cherry tomato, 1 mushroom, and 2 chunks of marinated chicken. Adjust quantities slightly as needed, aiming for balanced kabobs that cook evenly and look visually appealing.
Step 5: Grill the Kabobs
Preheat your grill to medium heat, around 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lay the skewers across the grill grates and cook for about 4 minutes per side. Keep an eye on them so they develop a nice golden char without burning. Once cooked through and gloriously fragrant, remove the kabobs and allow them to rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Lemon Grilled Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs like parsley or extra dill adds a fresh green pop. A few lemon wedges on the side encourage everyone to add an extra squeeze of brightness just before eating, enhancing those citrusy highlights.
Side Dishes
This Lemon Grilled Chicken Kabobs Recipe pairs beautifully with fluffy rice pilaf, herby couscous, or a crisp green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette. Roasted potatoes or grilled flatbread also make excellent tour companions for a well-rounded meal that covers textures and flavors delightfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, serve the kabobs on a rustic wooden board with bowls of tzatziki or garlic yogurt sauce for dipping. You could also thread kabob ingredients separately onto small skewers for a fun appetizer platter at gatherings where guests can sample bursts of lemony goodness throughout the meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover kabobs should be cooled to room temperature and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days and retain much of their vibrant flavor and texture.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the kabobs, it’s best to remove the veggies from the skewers first and store chicken and vegetables separately in freezer-safe bags. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to avoid mushy veggies.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on a grill pan or in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the chicken and soften the charred edges that give this dish its irresistible texture contrast.
FAQs
Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap zucchini and mushrooms with bell peppers, red onions, or even pineapple chunks for a sweet twist. Just remember to cut them into sizes that cook evenly alongside the chicken.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 20 minutes. If you have more time, up to 2 hours in the refrigerator will deepen the lemony, herby taste beautifully.
Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Yes, you can cook the kabobs under a broiler or on a grill pan stovetop. Just watch them closely and turn frequently to get those lovely grill marks and prevent burning.
What if I don’t have fresh dill?
Fresh dill is integral to this Lemon Grilled Chicken Kabobs Recipe’s signature flavor. However, if unavailable, dried dill can work in a pinch—use about 1 teaspoon dried and increase slightly to compensate for flavor loss.
Are wooden skewers necessary?
Wooden skewers are traditional and easy to use, but metal skewers heat up and cook food faster, so adjust grilling time accordingly. If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Grilled Chicken Kabobs Recipe is a vibrant, flavorful way to enjoy grilled chicken and fresh veggies with every bite packed full of sunshine and herbaceous charm. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer weekend cookout, these kabobs bring joy to the table easily and deliciously. I can’t wait for you to try them and add a little lemony magic to your meal rotation!
Print
Lemon Grilled Chicken Kabobs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Lemon Grilled Chicken Kabobs offer a fresh and vibrant combination of tender chicken breast and assorted vegetables marinated in a zesty lemon, garlic, and dill dressing. Perfectly grilled to achieve a smoky char, these kabobs are a light and healthy meal option ideal for outdoor barbecues or quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into approximately 16 small chunks
Vegetables
- 1 zucchini, cut into half coins
- 8 mushrooms, cleaned and cut in half
- 10 cherry tomatoes
Marinade
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, fresh dill, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful lemon marinade.
- Marinate the chicken. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper to taste. Add half of the lemon marinade to the chicken and mix thoroughly to coat all pieces well. Set aside to let the flavors infuse.
- Marinate the vegetables. In a separate bowl, add the zucchini, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes. Pour the remaining half of the lemon marinade over the vegetables and toss to coat evenly.
- Assemble the kabobs. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling. Thread each skewer with approximately 2 pieces of zucchini, 1 cherry tomato, 1 mushroom half, and 2 pieces of chicken, adjusting amounts based on the size of your cuts.
- Grill the kabobs. Preheat the grill to around 350°F (175°C). Place the assembled kabobs on the grill and cook for about 4 minutes on each side until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender with lightly charred grill marks.
- Rest and serve. Remove the kabobs from the grill and allow them to rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and enhances the flavors.
Notes
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Cut the chicken and vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- You may substitute fresh dill with other herbs like parsley or oregano for a different flavor profile.
- Serve with a side of rice, salad, or pita bread for a complete meal.
