Looking for a quick, healthy, and absolutely delicious dinner that the whole family will love? These Garlic Herb Chicken Kabobs are your answer! Bursting with aromatic garlic, fragrant Italian herbs, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes, these tender and juicy chicken skewers are ready in just 20 minutes of active cooking time. Whether you’re firing up the grill on a summer evening or using a stovetop grill pan during colder months, this simple chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.
Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or entertaining guests, these kabobs are versatile, healthy, and incredibly satisfying. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the best Garlic Herb Chicken Kabobs!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Herb Chicken Kabobs Recipe
This recipe checks all the boxes for a winning dinner:
- Quick and Easy: With just 1 hour of marinating time and 20 minutes of cooking, you can have dinner on the table in no time
- Healthy and Nutritious: Made with lean chicken thighs, healthy oils, and herbs, this dish is packed with protein and flavor without excess calories
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve as-is with sides, wrap in tortillas, or add to salads
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy throughout the week
- Kid-Friendly: The savory garlic-herb flavor appeals to all ages
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients you likely already have
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to create these mouthwatering kabobs:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless) | 1 kg (2.2 lbs) | Thighs are juicier than breasts |
| Canola/vegetable/olive oil | ¼ cup | Use your preferred cooking oil |
| White wine vinegar | 1 tbsp | Can substitute with distilled vinegar |
| Grated garlic | 2 tbsp | Fresh garlic is best |
| Italian seasoning | 2 tbsp | Store-bought or homemade blend |
| Red pepper flakes | 1 tsp | Adjust to your spice preference |
| Salt | To taste | Start with 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | To taste | Freshly ground is best |
Ingredient Tips
Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breasts: While this recipe calls for chicken thighs, you can absolutely use chicken breasts if you prefer. However, thighs remain juicier and more forgiving during grilling, making them ideal for kabobs.
Oil Selection: Olive oil adds extra flavor, while canola or vegetable oil have a more neutral taste. Choose based on your preference.
Italian Seasoning: This typically includes basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram. You can make your own blend or use a quality store-bought version.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut each chicken thigh into 4 to 6 pieces, depending on size. Aim for 1-inch cubes for even cooking. Wash the chicken thoroughly under cold water and pat completely dry with paper towels. The drier the chicken, the better the marinade will adhere.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a large mixing bowl, pour in the oil. Add white wine vinegar, grated garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are well combined and emulsified. The marinade should have a fragrant, herb-forward aroma.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade. Using your hands or a large spoon, massage the marinade into the chicken, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For maximum flavor, marinate for up to 4 hours (but no longer, as the acid can start to break down the meat texture).
Step 4: Skewer the Chicken
Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Thread 6 to 7 pieces onto each bamboo skewer, leaving small spaces between pieces for even heat distribution. If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Heat your grill pan over medium-high heat until smoking hot. Brush lightly with oil to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill (work in batches if necessary).
Cook for 5 minutes on the first side without moving them. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes. Rotate to grill the sideways for 5 minutes, then flip to the opposite side for a final 5 minutes. This four-sided grilling method ensures beautiful char marks and even cooking throughout.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the kabobs from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Serve hot with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce. Alternatively, remove the chicken from skewers and wrap in warm tortillas with fresh salad, salsa, guacamole, or mayo for a delicious handheld meal.
Pro Tips for Perfect Kabobs
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers: Leave small gaps between chicken pieces for better heat circulation
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)
- Don’t Flip Too Early: Let each side develop a nice char before turning
- Rest Before Serving: Allowing the chicken to rest keeps the juices inside
- Double the Marinade: Make extra for basting during grilling for even more flavor
Serving Suggestions
These Garlic Herb Chicken Kabobs pair beautifully with:
- Fluffy white or brown rice
- Mediterranean quinoa salad
- Grilled vegetables
- Greek tzatziki sauce
- Creamy hummus
- Fresh garden salad
- Roasted potatoes
- Garlic bread
- Coleslaw
Storage and Meal Prep
Refrigerator: Store cooked kabobs in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
Freezer: Freeze cooked kabobs for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Meal Prep Tip: Prepare several batches on Sunday and portion into containers with rice and vegetables for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
A: Yes! Chicken breasts work well, though they may be slightly less juicy. Cut into similar-sized pieces and watch cooking time carefully to avoid overcooking.
Q: Can I cook these on an outdoor grill?
A: Absolutely! Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat and follow the same cooking times. The smoky flavor will be even more pronounced.
Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?
A: Minimum 1 hour, maximum 4 hours. Longer marinating times can make the chicken mushy due to the vinegar.
Q: Can I make these without skewers?
A: Yes! Simply grill the marinated chicken pieces directly on the grill pan, turning occasionally until cooked through.
Q: What can I substitute for Italian seasoning?
A: Make your own blend with equal parts dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Add a pinch of garlic powder if desired.
Q: Are these kabobs spicy?
A: The red pepper flakes add a mild heat. Reduce or omit them for a milder version, or increase for more kick.
Why This Recipe Works
The secret to these incredibly flavorful kabobs lies in three key factors:
- Chicken Thighs: Higher fat content means more flavor and moisture
- Acid + Oil Marinade: The vinegar tenderizes while the oil carries fat-soluble flavors deep into the meat
- High-Heat Grilling: Creates delicious caramelization and char while keeping the inside juicy
Final Thoughts
These Garlic Herb Chicken Kabobs are a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. Whether you’re looking for healthy dinner recipes, quick and easy meals, or impressive dishes for entertaining, this recipe delivers every time. The combination of aromatic garlic, fragrant herbs, and perfectly grilled chicken creates a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
Ready to make dinner amazing? Gather your ingredients, fire up that grill pan, and prepare for compliments! Don’t forget to serve with plenty of fresh lemon wedges and your favorite sides. This recipe is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Pin this recipe for later and let us know in the comments how your Garlic Herb Chicken Kabobs turned out!