These Easy Grilled Garlic Balsamic Chicken Kabobs are juicy and full of flavor! Chicken is marinated in garlic and balsamic vinegar, then grilled to perfection. Yum!
Skewering the chicken makes it fun to eat, and they cook quickly on the grill. I love serving them with fresh veggies for a tasty meal that feels like a summer party!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for these kabobs. If you need a substitute, try boneless thighs for more flavor, or even tofu for a vegetarian option!
Zucchini and Yellow Squash: These summer veggies add freshness. You can swap them for bell peppers, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes if you prefer something different or need variety.
Balsamic Vinegar: This gives a tangy kick. If you don’t have balsamic, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can work in a pinch, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Fresh Basil: Fresh basil is fragrant and lovely. If it’s out of season, you can use dried basil, but reduce the amount since it’s more concentrated. Oregano also works well!
How Do I Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating is essential! It allows the chicken to soak up those delicious garlic and balsamic flavors. Here’s how to do it right:
- Combine garlic, vinegar, olive oil, basil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This mixture should be well-whisked to blend the flavors.
- Add the chicken cubes and make sure they are coated evenly. A resealable bag can work well for this!
- Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for even more flavor, aim for 2 hours in the fridge.
A well-marinated chicken will be juicy and full of flavor, making your kabobs a hit!
Easy Grilled Garlic Balsamic Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
- 1 medium yellow summer squash, sliced into thick rounds
- 1 medium onion, cut into chunks
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: skewers (metal or soaked wooden)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes of prep time, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating. Overall, plan for about an hour to an hour and a half, including cooking time. You’ll be enjoying your delicious kabobs in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything well until it’s nicely blended.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the cubed chicken breast to the marinade, making sure every piece is coated evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the mixture to a resealable bag. Place it in the refrigerator and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours if you have the time for extra flavor).
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure the kabobs cook quickly and evenly.
4. Assemble the Kabobs:
Once marinated, take the chicken out of the fridge. Thread the chicken cubes, zucchini slices, yellow squash rounds, and onion chunks onto the skewers, alternating the ingredients for a colorful presentation.
5. Prepare the Grill:
Lightly oil the grill grates or use a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. This is an important step for perfect kabobs!
6. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the kabobs on the hot grill. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning them every 3-4 minutes so they cook evenly. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the vegetables are tender with nice, crisp edges.
7. Rest and Garnish:
Once cooked, remove the kabobs from the grill. Let them rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. If you want, sprinkle a little extra fresh basil on top for garnish!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the kabobs warm with your favorite side dishes like rice, salad, or grilled bread. They’re perfect for a summer meal or a family BBQ!
This kabob recipe is a great way to enjoy juicy chicken and fresh veggies, all infused with delightful garlic and balsamic flavors. Enjoy your delicious, healthy meal!
FAQ for Easy Grilled Garlic Balsamic Chicken Kabobs
Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your kabobs with other veggies like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or even mushrooms. Just make sure the pieces are similar in size for even cooking!
What If I Don’t Have Balsamic Vinegar?
No worries! You can substitute balsamic vinegar with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still add a nice tang to the chicken.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for a minimum of 30 minutes for a bit of flavor, but for the best taste, aim for 2 hours in the refrigerator. Just don’t marinate for more than 24 hours, as the acidity can start to break down the chicken too much.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and veggies on the skewers ahead of time! Just store them covered in the refrigerator for up to one day before grilling. When you’re ready to cook, take them out and grill as directed!