Skewerless Chicken Kabobs
These kabobs are packed with flavor and come together easily on a sheet pan, ditching the need for skewers!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
Cooking Guide:
- Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
- Preheat the oven: While the chicken marinates, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Assemble the kabobs: In a separate bowl, toss together the bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion. Spread the vegetables evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the chicken and vegetables: Remove the chicken from the marinade and arrange them over the vegetables in a single layer. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender-crisp. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Broil for optional char (be careful): If you desire a slightly charred look on the chicken and vegetables, turn your oven to broil (high heat). Broil for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Tips:
- Chicken variety: You can use a combination of chicken breasts and thighs for a mix of textures. Thighs tend to be juicier, while breasts cook faster.
- Veggie options: Feel free to add other vegetables you like, such as mushrooms, broccoli florets, cherry tomatoes, or pineapple chunks (add pineapple during the last few minutes of baking to avoid burning).
- Marinating time: While 30 minutes is sufficient for marinating, longer marinating time (up to 2 hours) will result in more flavorful chicken.
- Serving suggestions: Serve your skewerless kabobs with rice, couscous, quinoa, or pita bread. A dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki sauce adds a cool and refreshing touch.