Description
Delicious and easy-to-make chicken skewers marinated with a blend of spices and cooked to perfection in the oven. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, these skewers feature tender chicken pieces combined with colorful bell peppers and onions, offering a flavorful and healthy meal option.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables
- 1 large bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
Other
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, chili powder (if using), salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade, tossing well to ensure they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Assemble the skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces alternately with chunks of bell pepper and red onion onto the soaked wooden skewers, making sure to leave some space between each piece for even cooking.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Place the assembled skewers on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly so the heat circulates around each skewer.
- Bake the skewers: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, turning the skewers halfway through to ensure even cooking. The chicken should be cooked through and slightly browned at the edges, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and serve: Remove the skewers from the oven and allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them as is or with your favorite sides and dips.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning in the oven.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier skewers or chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables with zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms.
- Marinating the chicken longer enhances flavor but avoid exceeding 4 hours to keep the texture tender.
- Check the internal temperature to ensure chicken is safely cooked.
