Last weekend we celebrated Father’s Day and despite the heat , quarantine and all the social & political unrest that is currently going on we managed to have a great day. I felt a little guilty for not cooking but Kenton my husband insisted he wanted grilled chicken kabob and he had his own recipe planned.
I was really impressed by Kenton’s grilled Chicken Kabob which came out really tasty and juicy yet well cooked- he even added pineapple to it ! Kabobs are a great option if you have guests and want a visually impressive meat dish that is simple to make. It can be the main course served with rice like we did, or you can serve it with Pita bread . You can also serve it as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce like peanut sauce-yum!
Another reason grilled Chicken Kabobs are so awesome is the fact that you can season them according to your taste. They can be savory, hot and spicy or sweet. They can be marinated overnight or prepped a few minutes before cooking. It is all up to you. Traditionally they are cooked outside on a charcoal grill for a nice smoky caramelized flavor but if you don’t have a grill or don’t want to cook outside then feel free to use your broiler or oven. I have also seen them panfried on a stove top using a skillet in a small layer of oil.
Below is a list of ingredients some of which are optional so don’t be intimidated. Keep in mind your goal is not only to have great tasting tender Kabob but also visually appealing. I suggest having a variety of vegetables but a Kabob can also be made with just the meat. I promise you even the worst cook can pull this off and look like you spent hours in the kitchen!
Ingredients:
The Meat
One boneless Chicken breast may be sufficient for up to 3 people. For a family of 5 we used two large boneless Chicken breasts .
The Spice
Salt
Pepper
Paprika
Fresh garlic or powdered garlic
Pepper flakes or ground hot pepper
Ginger ( fresh grated or powdered ginger )
Soya sauce ( optional )
Olive oil
Honey ( optional if you want it sweet )
One fresh Lime
Vegetables
Scallions and or Onions
Green, red and yellow bell peppers
Zucchini or squash
Pineapple pieces ( if you are feeling a little adventurous)
You will also need : several bamboo skewers available in most super markets.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10-15 minutes
Steps for the Traditionalist:
The night before or at least 2 hours before soak your bamboo skewers in water.
Also ideally the night before or at least 2 hours before slice and cut your chicken breast into about 1inch cubes. To the chicken cubes add in your spice as desired, the juice from half a lime and about a quarter cup of olive oil. How much of each spice you add is based on your taste. I usually add about a teaspoon or less of each- except the salt I tend to use much less. If you want it hot and spicy add more pepper, if you want a more asian flavor add more ginger, garlic and soya sauce. If you want it sweet add about 1-2 tablespoons of honey.
Mix your chicken cubes well with all the spice, cover and let sit in the fridge to marinate.
While your chicken is marinating or the following day cut squares of your favorite vegetables above. The more contrasting colors you have the more appetizing the kabob will look and taste.
Once your Kabob meat has finished marinating and you are ready to cook it, assemble the Kabob. Carefully push a piece of chicken down the bamboo skewer and alternate with the different vegetables. Plan to place about 5-6 pieces of chicken on each skewer.
Once your skewers are assembled place them on the pre heated charcoal grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side – medium to high heat. While grilling feel free to baste them with the extra sauce.
Tips: Try to make sure the cut chicken cubes are about the same size so that they can finish cooking at the same time.
Push the skewer into the center or each piece of meat and vegetable piece so that the kabobs all look even and balanced.
Make sure when the skewers are on the grill that you leave a space between each one so that they cook evenly.
Steps for the non traditionalist or lazy cook in a hurry
Ingredients: Salt (optional)
Pepper
* * Your favorite store bought marinade like spicy teriyaki glaze
or sweet chilli sauce.
Juice of half a lime
Your choice of vegetables as above
Chicken breast
Combine your ingredients with cut cubes of chicken breast. No need to marinate overnight. The lime juice will make the chicken tender. ( The longer the chicken sits in the marinate the more flavor you will have).
Assembly your chicken and cut vegetables onto a skewer and grill. You may choose to bake it in the oven or pan fry for 5 minutes on each side.
Once done stack your Kabobs neatly on a plate or tray. If you are feeling fancy go ahead and place them on lettuce leaves and garnish with your favorite vegetables . Serve hot, eat and enjoy !
I hope you try this grilled chicken kabob recipe for your next get together or special occasion. Let me know if you do and how it turned out . Don’t forget to Share xoxo – Habiba
Here is a link to the LIVE VIDEO of Father’s day and a look at Kenton’s Kabob https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeY2Y36rzus&t=3s
Here is a link to a recipe here on the Blog that you may like: JAMAICAN CHICKEN SOUP https://www.habibatunaumd.com/healthfoodinspiration/jamaican-chicken-soup-the-best-cure-for-everything/