Grilled Chicken Kabobs With Vegetables Recipe
There is something irresistibly joyful about Grilled Chicken Kabobs With Vegetables that brings people together, whether for a casual backyard barbecue or a weeknight dinner with loved ones. The vibrant colors of tender chicken thighs, sweet corn, spicy jalapenos, and crisp red onion all come alive on the grill, creating a smoky, juicy bite every time. Each element shines through with its unique flavor and texture, elevated even more by a zesty cilantro lime sauce that adds freshness and a tangy kick. This dish is a true celebration of simple ingredients coming together for a meal that’s both satisfying and memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but powerful, each playing a crucial role in flavor, texture, or color. From the richness of chicken thighs to the bright bursts from fresh cilantro and lime, every component helps build a perfect balance in Grilled Chicken Kabobs With Vegetables.
- 4 chicken thighs (boneless and skinless, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces): Thighs stay juicy and tender on the grill, making each kabob bite succulent.
- 2 corn on the cob (cleaned and cut into 1-inch pieces): Adds a sweet crunch that pairs beautifully with the smoky grill flavor.
- 4 jalapeno peppers (cut into 1-inch pieces and seeded): Bring a mild heat that enlivens the kabobs without overwhelming.
- ½ small red onion (cut into 2-inch pieces): Provides a slightly sweet and sharp contrast that caramelizes nicely when grilled.
- 5 tbsp avocado oil (or other high heat oil): Perfect for grilling, it ensures even cooking and a subtle buttery flavor.
- 1 ½ tbsp taco seasoning: Infuses the chicken with classic Mexican-inspired spices for a flavorful punch.
- ½ tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the dish perfectly.
- ¼ cup sour cream: Creamy base for the cilantro lime sauce that cools and complements the heat.
- 2 tbsp cilantro (finely chopped, plus 2 tbsp more for garnish): Adds freshness and vibrant green color that brightens every bite.
- ½ small lime (juiced and zested): Provides essential acidity to awaken the palate and tie everything together.
- 1 tbsp Tajin seasoning: A tangy, slightly spicy Mexican seasoning that lends a unique twist.
- ¼ cup cotija cheese (crumbled): Adds a salty, crumbly texture that finishes the kabobs with a burst of savory goodness.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Kabobs With Vegetables
Step 1: Preheat the grill
Fire up your grill to a steady 400ºF, creating the perfect hot surface for achieving those lovely grill marks and a smoky char, while locking in the juices of the chicken and vegetables.
Step 2: Marinate the chicken
In a bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of avocado oil and taco seasoning, then toss the chicken pieces until they’re well coated. Letting the chicken marinate briefly in the fridge allows the spices to penetrate, creating deep flavor with every bite.
Step 3: Thread the skewers
Grab your skewer sticks and alternate threading the chicken, corn pieces, red onion chunks, and jalapeno peppers. This layering ensures the flavors meld as they cook, and you get a vibrant mix of colors and textures on each skewer. Brush the veggies lightly with remaining avocado oil and sprinkle salt over everything for balanced seasoning.
Step 4: Grill to perfection
Place the kabobs on the grill and cook over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through to brown all sides evenly. Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165ºF, making sure it’s perfectly cooked and safe to enjoy.
Step 5: Prepare the cilantro lime sauce
While the kabobs cook, whisk together the sour cream, Tajin seasoning, lime juice and zest, and finely chopped cilantro. This sauce is where the fresh and zesty elements come alive, providing a cooling counterpoint to the smoky, spicy kabobs.
Step 6: Assemble and garnish
Transfer the hot kabobs to a serving plate, then generously drizzle the cilantro lime sauce over the top. Sprinkle with extra Tajin, fresh cilantro, and crumbled cotija cheese to add layers of flavor and that irresistible finishing touch that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Kabobs With Vegetables
Garnishes
Simply topping the kabobs with fresh cilantro, a sprinkle of cotija cheese, and a dash of Tajin seasoning elevates the dish visually and enhances the layers of flavor. These simple garnishes bring brightness and texture that brighten each bite.
Side Dishes
Grilled Chicken Kabobs With Vegetables pair wonderfully with several sides such as fluffy Mexican rice, warm tortillas for wrapping, or a crisp mixed green salad. These choices round out the meal, balancing hearty protein with fresh and comforting accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
For a vibrant party platter, serve the kabobs over a bed of cilantro lime rice and surround with small bowls of extra sauce, lime wedges, and pickled onions. You can even skewer mini tortillas alongside to create little handheld tacos right off the grill—such a fun and interactive way to enjoy the meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover kabobs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keeping the cilantro lime sauce separate will preserve its freshness until you’re ready to enjoy again.
Freezing
While freshly grilled kabobs are best enjoyed immediately, you can freeze individual skewers in a sealed container or zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the grill or in the oven.
Reheating
Reheat kabobs by placing them on a warm grill or in a preheated oven at 350ºF until heated through, around 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to preserve the texture and avoid drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breast if you prefer a leaner option. Keep in mind that chicken breast tends to dry out more easily, so monitor your grill time closely and use a marinade to keep it juicy.
How spicy are these kabobs with jalapeno peppers?
The jalapenos add a mild to moderate heat, especially when seeded as described in the recipe. If you want less spice, you can reduce the jalapeno quantity or remove the seeds entirely.
Is it necessary to soak wooden skewers before grilling?
To prevent wooden skewers from burning on the grill, it’s a good idea to soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand. This simple step keeps them intact throughout cooking.
Can I make the cilantro lime sauce dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the sour cream with a plant-based yogurt or cashew cream to maintain creaminess without dairy. The flavor will still be fresh and tangy.
What can I serve alongside these kabobs for a complete meal?
Grilled Chicken Kabobs With Vegetables go great with rice, warm tortillas, guacamole, or even a fresh corn salad. These sides add texture and variety to the meal, making it wholesome and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
Grilled Chicken Kabobs With Vegetables are truly one of those feel-good, crowd-pleasing dishes that are as fun to make as they are delicious to eat. The combination of smoky grilled chicken, sweet and spicy vegetables, and a zesty, creamy sauce is a guaranteed winner. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and discover how wonderfully simple ingredients can transform into an unforgettable meal that brings joy to your table.
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Grilled Chicken Kabobs With Vegetables Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious and vibrant grilled chicken kabobs featuring tender marinated chicken thighs and a colorful medley of vegetables, served with a zesty cilantro lime sour cream sauce and topped with cotija cheese and Tajin seasoning for a perfect smoky, tangy flavor.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 chicken thighs (boneless and skinless, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces)
- 5 tbsp avocado oil (divided, or use any other high heat oil)
- 1 ½ tbsp taco seasoning
- ½ tsp kosher salt
Vegetables
- 2 ears corn on the cob (cleaned and cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 4 jalapeno peppers (cut into 1-inch pieces and seeded)
- ½ small red onion (cut into 2-inch pieces)
Sauce and Garnish
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp cilantro (finely chopped, plus 2 tbsp more for garnish)
- ½ small lime (juiced and zested)
- 1 tbsp Tajin seasoning (divided)
- ¼ cup cotija cheese (crumbled)
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to 400ºF to prepare for cooking the kabobs at medium heat.
- Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of avocado oil with 1 ½ tablespoons of taco seasoning. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss thoroughly to coat them. Refrigerate the marinated chicken while preparing the vegetables to allow flavors to meld.
- Assemble Kabobs: Thread the chicken pieces, corn chunks, red onion pieces, and jalapeno pieces alternately onto skewers. In the same bowl used for chicken marinade, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of avocado oil and lightly brush it over the vegetables on the skewers. Sprinkle kosher salt evenly on all sides of the kabobs.
- Grill Kabobs: Place the kabobs on the grill and cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF for safe consumption.
- Prepare Cilantro Lime Sauce: While the kabobs grill, mix together the sour cream, 1 tablespoon of Tajin seasoning, lime zest and juice, and 2 tablespoons of finely chopped cilantro in a small bowl until well combined.
- Serve: Remove the kabobs from the grill and arrange them on a serving plate. Drizzle the cilantro lime sauce over the top, sprinkle an additional ½ teaspoon of Tajin seasoning, garnish with extra cilantro leaves and crumbled cotija cheese for a vibrant and flavorful finish.
Notes
- The chicken thighs are preferred for juiciness, but chicken breasts can be used if you prefer leaner meat.
- Adjust the amount of jalapenos based on your heat tolerance; removing seeds will reduce spiciness.
- If wooden skewers are used, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Tajin seasoning adds a tart and spicy kick, but you can substitute with a chili-lime seasoning if unavailable.
- Serve with warm tortillas or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1 kabob with sauce)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: grilled chicken kabobs, chicken skewers, Mexican grilled vegetables, cilantro lime sauce, taco seasoned chicken, summer grilling recipe, cotija cheese kabobs
