For anyone passionate about cooking, recipes, and bon apetit-worthy meals, juicy marinated grilled chicken kabobs are an absolute summer essential. This delightful recipe combines simple ingredients with a secret marinade that transforms ordinary chicken into tender, flavorful kebabs perfect for BBQs, weeknight dinners, or even meal prep. Let’s dive into how to create these mouthwatering kabobs that promise juicy, moist chicken every time, with the option to add vibrant veggies for color and texture.
Preparing the Chicken: Perfect Cubes for Kabobs
The journey to juicy kabobs starts with selecting nice thick boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Thick breasts allow for beautiful, uniform cubes that cook evenly on the grill. While it’s ideal to have even-sized pieces, chicken breasts naturally vary in shape, so the trick is to first cut off the thinner end pieces. Then, slice the breasts into thirds or halves depending on their size. Cutting the chicken into strips first makes it easier to dice into roughly equal cubes of about 1 1/2 inches.
The Secret Sauce: A Soda-Based Marinade for Ultimate Tenderness
What makes these grilled chicken kabobs stand out is the marinade. The secret ingredient? Soda. Using grapefruit soda or lemon-lime soda like Sprite or 7-Up adds a combination of sugars and carbonation that works wonders to tenderize the chicken, ensuring it stays juicy and moist.
Here’s the full marinade lineup:
- 1 cup grapefruit soda (or lemon-lime soda)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger (tube ginger works great)
All these ingredients come together in a resealable plastic bag with the chicken cubes. After sealing, give the bag a good squish to combine everything evenly. Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for about four hours to soak up all those amazing flavors.
Veggies That Complement: Colorful, Seasoned, and Bite-Sized
While the chicken is marinating, it’s time to prepare the veggies. Classic bell peppers—both red and green—add vibrant color and sweetness. Cut them into bite-sized chunks about 1 to 1 1/2 inches, perfect for easy eating.
Red onion is also a key player here. After halving and peeling the onion, separate the layers and cut them into similarly sized pieces. Zucchini slices, cut into quarter-inch thick coins, add a fresh, mild flavor and a nice texture contrast. Be careful not to slice them too thin or they might fall apart on the grill.
After chopping, toss all the vegetables in a bowl with a simple seasoning: 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder. This light seasoning helps enhance their natural flavors without overpowering the chicken.
Threading and Grilling: Tips for Perfect Kabobs Every Time
When it’s time to assemble, you can use either metal or wooden skewers. If you choose wooden, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
Start threading by placing a vegetable piece first to help hold everything in place. Alternate chicken and veggies, focusing on color to create visually appealing kabobs. Remember to leave a little space between pieces to allow air circulation, which helps them cook evenly and develop a nice char.
Preheat your grill—whether gas, charcoal, or an indoor infrared grill—to high heat (around 500°F). Grill the kabobs for about 10 minutes total, flipping every few minutes to ensure even cooking and beautiful grill marks. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe, juicy results.
Ready to Serve: Juicy, Flavorful Kabobs That Impress
Once cooked, these kabobs are an absolute feast for the eyes and the palate. The chicken remains juicy and tender from the soda marinade, while the veggies are perfectly charred and seasoned. Serve them hot off the grill for a meal that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
Whether you’re a seasoned griller or just starting your cooking journey, this recipe is a brilliant way to elevate your grilling game. The combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, alongside the juicy texture, makes it a go-to recipe for anyone looking to enjoy cooking, recipes, bon apetit style at home.
For those who want the full printable recipe and step-by-step instructions, it’s available online with all the details to get you grilling right away. Happy cooking and enjoy your delicious grilled chicken kabobs!
This article was created from the video Juicy Marinated Grilled Chicken Kabobs with the help of AI.
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