These Balsamic Chicken Vegetable Kabobs are fun and colorful! Juicy chicken and fresh veggies come together with a tasty balsamic glaze that brings everything to life.
Perfect for grilling, these kabobs are a hit at summer BBQs. I love mixing my favorite veggies, and the kids can’t resist helping to skewer them. It’s a delicious team effort! 🌽🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breast for its lean texture. If you want a different flavor, you could use chicken thighs, which are juicier and full of deeper flavor.
Balsamic Vinegar: This vinegar adds a rich acidity and sweetness. If you’re out, try red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar mixed with a pinch of sugar for a similar taste.
Vegetables: Zucchini and yellow squash bring a nice crunch. Feel free to swap in other veggies like mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or red onion. They all work well on the grill!
Olive Oil: Olive oil enhances flavor and helps prevent sticking. You can replace it with avocado oil for a lighter taste, or use a flavored oil like garlic for an extra kick.
How Do I Ensure My Kabobs Are Juicy and Flavorful?
Marinating your chicken is crucial for tenderness and flavor. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but if you can manage a few hours, it makes a big difference! Make sure to coat the chicken well with the marinade before refrigerating.
- Mix the marinade ingredients thoroughly and ensure that the chicken is fully submerged.
- When threading the skewers, alternate chicken with a variety of veggies to create a balanced flavor in every bite.
- Turn the kabobs regularly while grilling to get even cooking and achieve those beautiful grill marks.
How to Make Balsamic Chicken Vegetable Kabobs?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Kabobs:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
- 1 zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
- 1 yellow squash, sliced into thick rounds
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 ear of corn, cut into thick rounds (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes for prep, plus another 30 minutes for marinating the chicken (or up to 2 hours if you want more flavor). Grill the kabobs for about 10-15 minutes, so you can have a tasty meal ready in just over an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until it’s well mixed. This will give your chicken a delicious flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the cubed chicken to the bowl with the marinade. Toss it around to make sure every piece is coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for an extra punch of flavor.
3. Prepare the Vegetables:
While the chicken is soaking up the flavors, wash and slice your veggies! Cut the zucchini and yellow squash into thick rounds and chop the bell peppers into chunks. If you’re using corn, slice it into rounds too. This colorful mix will make your kabobs look amazing!
4. Preheat the Grill:
Get your grill or grill pan ready by preheating it over medium-high heat. This will ensure the kabobs cook evenly and get those lovely grill marks.
5. Assemble the Kabobs:
Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge. Now, it’s time to thread the chicken and vegetables onto skewers! Alternate between chicken pieces and vegetable chunks until the skewers are filled. Make them colorful and fun!
6. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook them for about 10-15 minutes. Remember to turn them occasionally so they cook evenly. You’ll know they are done when the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are nice and tender.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the kabobs are done, take them off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep everything juicy. Before serving, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch. Enjoy your delicious Balsamic Chicken Vegetable Kabobs!
Can I Use Different Vegetables for These Kabobs?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in any vegetables you enjoy or have on hand. Good options include mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers of any color, or red onions. Just make sure they are cut into uniform sizes for even cooking.
How Long Should I Marinate the Chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but you can leave it in the fridge for up to 2 hours. Just remember, if you marinate it too long, the acid in the vinegar can start to break down the chicken’s texture, so don’t exceed that time!
Can I Make These Kabobs Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the kabobs and store them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to grill. Just try to keep the marinated chicken separate from the vegetables if prepping too far in advance—this will help keep everything fresh.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, it’s best to use an oven or grill for even heating, but a microwave works in a pinch. Just be careful not to overcook them when reheating!
