How to Cook Chicken Skewers Under Grill?

Looking to impress your family and friends with a delicious and easy-to-make dish?

This article will guide you through the process of cooking chicken skewers under the grill.

From the essential ingredients and tools needed to the step-by-step instructions on marinating, preparing, and cooking the skewers, we’ve got you covered.

Stay tuned for tips on how to know when the chicken skewers are perfectly done, serving suggestions, and expert advice from our award-winning author, Chris Poormet.

Let’s get grilling!

What You’ll Need for the Recipe

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Creating delicious chicken skewers involves a blend of carefully selected ingredients and the right tools and equipment.

For a flavorful and tender chicken skewer recipe, start with high-quality boneless chicken breasts or thighs, fresh vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes. You’ll also need a marinade made with soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and a touch of honey for sweetness.

As for tools, make sure to have skewers for assembling the ingredients, a sharp knife for cutting the chicken into evenly sized pieces, and a grill or grill pan for cooking. Properly marinating the chicken is key to infusing it with flavor and ensuring juicy, succulent skewers.

Ingredients

To prepare mouthwatering chicken skewers, gather fresh chicken breasts, a flavorful marinade, assorted vegetables, and wooden skewers.

The fresh chicken breasts serve as the main protein source for the skewers, providing a juicy and tender base to build flavors upon. The flavorful marinade adds depth and complexity, infusing the chicken with savory, sweet, or tangy notes, depending on the ingredients used. The assorted vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes, not only contribute vibrant colors but also offer contrasting textures and flavors that complement the chicken. The wooden skewers are essential for assembling and grilling the skewers, allowing for easy cooking and serving.

Tools and Equipment

For successful chicken skewers, you’ll need a grill for that perfect char, a BBQ set for outdoor cooking, and a trusty grill pan for indoor grilling.

Additional tools and equipment necessary for preparing and cooking chicken skewers include:

• Sharp knife for cutting the chicken into evenly sized pieces
• Cutting board to ensure a clean and safe food preparation area
• Skewers or metal rods for threading the marinated chicken pieces
• Basting brush to apply marinade or oil while grilling for added flavor and moisture
• Tongs for flipping the skewers and handling hot grill items safely
• Instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken for doneness

Preparing the Chicken Skewers

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Before grilling your chicken skewers, the key steps involve marinating the chicken to infuse flavors and preparing the skewers for assembly.

Marinating the chicken is a crucial step as it helps tenderize the meat and imparts rich flavors. A popular marinade includes a mixture of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and a blend of spices such as paprika, cumin, and oregano. It is recommended to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat thoroughly.

Meanwhile, soak the wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes before assembling to prevent them from burning on the grill.

Marinating the Chicken

Marinating the chicken is a crucial step that ensures the meat is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavors.

When marinating chicken skewers, it is essential to choose a flavorful marinade to impart depth and complexity to the dish. A marinade typically consists of a mixture of oil, acid (like vinegar or citrus juice), and various seasonings like garlic, pepper, and fresh herbs. The combination of these ingredients not only enhances the taste of the chicken but also helps break down the proteins, resulting in a more tender and succulent texture.

Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 1-2 hours, or ideally overnight, in the refrigerator. This extended marinating time allows the flavors to penetrate the meat thoroughly, ensuring each bite is infused with deliciousness. For optimum flavor infusion, rotate the skewers periodically to ensure even coverage of the marinade.

Preparing the Skewers

Assembling the skewers with marinated chicken and assorted vegetables is a creative and essential part of the chicken skewer preparation process.

To begin, start by threading the marinated chunks of chicken onto the skewer, ensuring they are evenly spaced along the length. Next, alternate with vibrant bell peppers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and chunks of red onion to add color and flavor diversity.

Layering the ingredients thoughtfully not only creates a visually appealing kabob but also ensures each bite is bursting with a harmonious blend of flavors. Remember to leave a little space between each component to allow for even cooking and caramelization.

Cooking the Chicken Skewers

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Cooking the chicken skewers to perfection requires attention to detail on the grill, whether using an outdoor BBQ or a convenient grill pan.

When grilling chicken skewers, it’s crucial to properly prepare the meat by marinating it in a flavorful blend of herbs, spices, and oils for at least an hour beforehand. This step not only adds depth of flavor but also helps tenderize the chicken, making it juicier when cooked.

Ensuring that the grill is preheated to the right temperature is another key aspect of achieving perfectly cooked chicken skewers. Whether you’re using charcoal or gas, allowing the grill to heat up properly will help prevent sticking and promote those coveted grill marks.

Setting Up the Grill

Before cooking your chicken skewers, ensure the grill or BBQ is preheated to the right temperature for that perfect sear and flavor infusion.

To properly preheat your grill, start by cleaning the grates with a grill brush to remove any residue from previous use, ensuring a clean cooking surface and optimal heat distribution. Once cleaned, ignite the grill and set it to the desired temperature; for chicken skewers, medium-high heat ranging between 375-400°F works best. Allow the grill to preheat with the lid closed for around 10-15 minutes to ensure even heat distribution, resulting in beautifully grilled skewers.

Cooking Time and Temperature

Determining the ideal cooking time and temperature is crucial for ensuring that the chicken skewers are cooked through while retaining their juiciness and flavors.

When grilling chicken skewers, the key is to strike a delicate balance between achieving that perfectly charred exterior and ensuring the meat is thoroughly cooked to a safe and appetizing level. To achieve this, start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F.

Once the grill is hot, place your skewers on the grates, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow for even cooking. Close the lid and cook for around 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally to promote even browning.

Temperature control is vital; if the grill is too hot, the outside may burn before the inside is cooked. Conversely, cooking at too low a temperature can result in dry and rubbery chicken. Utilize a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F.

Flipping and Basting the Skewers

During the cooking process, periodically flipping and basting the skewers with olive oil or a flavorful sauce enhances the caramelization and juiciness of the marinated chicken.

Flipping the skewers helps each side of the chicken cook evenly by allowing it to have direct contact with the heat source. This technique ensures that the chicken gets that perfect char without burning. Basting with olive oil or a tasty sauce not only adds moisture to the meat, preventing it from drying out but also imparts additional layers of flavor and richness. As the oil or sauce drips down, it carries the seasonings and marinade, creating a more complex taste profile.

How to Know When the Chicken Skewers are Done

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Determining the doneness of chicken skewers involves checking for key indicators such as grill marks, internal temperature, and the caramelization of honey and lemon seasonings.

Grill marks play a crucial role in providing that smoky, charred flavor synonymous with barbecue dishes. You should see distinct char lines on the chicken skewers, indicating they have spent enough time on the grill. Observing the color changes in the meat is essential; properly cooked chicken will turn white, and the juices should run clear when pierced.

In terms of internal temperature, using a meat thermometer is highly recommended. For chicken, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.

The honey and lemon seasonings not only add a sweet and tangy flavor but also help create a beautiful caramelization on the skewers. This caramelization adds depth and richness to the overall taste of the dish.

Serving and Enjoying the Chicken Skewers

Serving up the freshly grilled chicken skewers transforms a simple meal into a delicious and enjoyable dining experience, ready in just minutes.

The sizzle of the grill, the tantalizing aroma wafting through the air, and the vibrant colors of the vegetables interspersed between the succulent pieces of chicken create a feast for the senses. As you carefully arrange the skewers on a platter, the vibrant hues of the charred grill marks and fresh vegetables provide an appealing visual contrast, inviting you and your guests to dig in. Sprinkle some fresh herbs for that extra burst of flavor, making each bite a savory delight.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate the taste of your chicken skewers with serving suggestions that include a drizzle of olive oil, a side of soy and honey sauce, and perfectly grilled chicken breast pieces.

To further enhance the flavors of your chicken skewers, consider marinating the chicken pieces in a blend of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger for a few hours before grilling. This will infuse the meat with a delicious umami taste and caramelized sweetness.

For presentation, skewer the grilled chicken with colorful bell peppers, onions, and pineapple for a vibrant and appetizing look. Pair the skewers with a tangy honey-soy dipping sauce on the side to add an extra layer of flavor. Serve the skewers on a bed of coconut rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Tips for Perfectly Grilled Chicken Skewers

To achieve juicy and flavorful grilled chicken skewers, follow expert tips such as proper marination, using vinegar for tenderization, and seasoning thighs with aromatic spices.

When marinating the chicken, ensure you let it sit for at least one hour to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat fully. A common technique for tenderizing chicken is to include apple cider vinegar in the marinade, as the acidity helps break down the meat fibers. Consider experimenting with spice blends like a combination of paprika, cumin, and garlic powder to add depth to the flavor profile of your skewers.

In terms of grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Rotate the skewers frequently while cooking to ensure even charring and doneness. For a touch of freshness, serve your grilled chicken skewers with a side of tzatziki sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice for a zesty finish.

Conclusion

Creating delectable chicken skewers is a delightful and straightforward culinary endeavor perfect for enjoying the flavors of summer in a simple yet satisfying meal.

Start by marinating bite-sized pieces of chicken in a blend of fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon juice for a zesty kick.

Skewer the marinated chicken with colorful chunks of bell peppers, onions, and juicy cherry tomatoes to create a vibrant display of flavors.

Whether grilling outdoors or using an indoor grill pan, cooking the skewers until they are juicy and slightly charred will enhance the overall taste experience.

Serve these mouthwatering skewers alongside a refreshing salad or some fluffy rice for a complete and satisfying meal that captures the essence of summer dining.

About the Author

Chris Poormet, the renowned culinary expert behind Poormet.com and the recipient of the prestigious Culinary Blogger of the Year award, brings a wealth of culinary experience as a former chef with a passion for food photography.

His journey in the culinary world started as a line cook in a Michelin-starred restaurant, honing his skills and palate under acclaimed chefs. With a deep-rooted love for flavors and textures, Chris transitioned into recipe development, captivating audiences with his innovative dishes and unique presentation style. Beyond his online presence, Chris has conducted cooking classes, food tastings, and collaborative pop-up events, solidifying his reputation as a culinary influencer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the ingredients needed to cook chicken skewers under the grill?

To cook chicken skewers under the grill, you will need chicken breast, skewers, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and any desired seasoning.

How long should I marinate the chicken before grilling it on skewers?

For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours before grilling. This will allow the flavors to absorb into the meat and make it more tender.

Can I use wooden skewers for grilling chicken skewers?

Yes, you can use wooden skewers, but make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using them. This will prevent them from burning on the grill.

How long should I grill chicken skewers on each side?

On average, chicken skewers should be grilled for about 5-6 minutes on each side. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken and the temperature of your grill.

Can I add vegetables to my chicken skewers?

Yes, you can add vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms to your chicken skewers for added flavor and nutrition.

What is the best way to check if the chicken skewers are fully cooked?

The best way to check if the chicken skewers are fully cooked is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach at least 165°F (74°C) before removing them from the grill.