These sweet and spicy chicken kebabs are a fun family friendly dinner idea! Each kebab is filled with marinated chicken, bell peppers, onions and then drizzled with a honey sriracha sauce. Grill them up indoors in a frying pan, in a panini press, or outside on the BBQ. The best part is that these chicken kebabs are super customizable. So, gone are the days of short order cooking for picky eaters!
What Makes These Chicken Kebabs So Amazing!?
I'm sure you're sick and tired of catering to everyones tastes. I totally feel you. Sometimes it really seems like us moms are out here being short order cooks for our picky as heck families! Well, i'm not about that life and you don't have to be either! These sweet and spicy chicken kebabs are literally perfect for you if you're finding yourself scratching your head at how to please everyone at dinner time. Kid doesn't like peppers? Just swap it for zucchini. Husband doesn't like mushrooms? Swap that for tomatoes. Too many different preferences? Make a variety of kebabs. The possibilities are truly endless. What's even better is that the sweet and spicy sauce is added as a drizzle at the very end, so your kids can't use that as an excuse not to eat dinner either.
Tips Tricks and Modifications.
What kind of veggies should I use?
You can use any veggie, really. Whatever your family likes best. You could even make a variety of different kebabs if you have a lot of different palates to please in your family! But, if you still need some recommendations, here is a list of some of my go to's when making skewers:
- Zucchini (this absorbs so much flavour)
- Mushrooms
- Bell Peppers
- Red Onions
- Eggplant
- Grape/ cherry tomatoes
- Broccoli
- Brussels Sprouts
How do I cook them?
I like to cook chicken kebabs over medium heat which is approximately 300-400 degrees fahrenheit in either a:
- Stovetop Frying pan/ skillet
- Panini Press/ George foreman grill
- Barbecue
- Over a covered campfire
My favourite is the panini press/George Foreman grill, because you can cook both sides at once which cuts the cooking time in half!
What if I don't have time/ forget to marinate the chicken?
The chicken will definitely taste better the longer you let it marinate; however, we all make mistakes and mom life can be hella HECTIC. Been there, done that! So, here's what you can do if shit hits the fan: First, cut the chicken and let it sit in the marinade while you cut the veggies. Also, make yourself a drink during this time cause you probably deserve it (plus it adds more marinating time)! Additionally, consider cooking the kebabs in some of the marinade so that it absorbs more flavour. Ideally, an overnight marinade time is best. But, if 30 minutes is all you've got, that is perfectly fine too.
What to Pair With Sweet and Spicy Chicken Kebabs.
Recipe
Sweet and Spicy Chicken Kebabs
Ingredients
Marinated Chicken and Veggies
- 1 lb Chicken Breasts chopped into bite sized chunks
- 1 large Red Onion cut into bite sized chunks
- 2 large Bell Peppers cut into bite sized chunks
- 2 Zucchinis cut into bite sized chunks
- ¼ cup Olive Oil
- 1 ½ tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 1 ½ tablespoon Soy Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
- ⅛ cup Brown Sugar packed
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- Salt to taste
- Black Pepper to taste
Sweet and Spicy Sauce
- ¼ cup Honey
- 1 ½ tablespoon Sriracha
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 tablespoon Rice Vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- ½ tablespoon Red Pepper Flakes dried
- Fresh Parsley optional
Instructions
Chicken and veggie marinade
- Cut the chicken, onion, bell peppers, and zucchini into bite sized chunks. Set aside.
- In a large bowl (preferably one with a lid) combine the olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, worcestershire, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk until combined well. Add in the chopped chicken, onion, bell peppers, and zucchini. Cover bowl with lid or saran wrap and place in refrigerator for 30 minutes up to 24 hours to marinate.
Sweet and Spicy Sauce
- Put all of the ingredients into a small microwave safe bowl and whisk vigorously until everything is well combined and the corn starch is dissolved.
- Place the bowl in the microwave and cook for 30 seconds. Remove from microwave and stir. Repeat this step two to three more times until the mixture thickens. Set aside.
Sweet and Spicy Chicken Kebabs
- Preheat your grill, skillet or barbecue to medium heat (approx 300-400°F).
- Add chunks of the marinated chicken and veggies to your skewers one piece at a time alternating between different ingredients.
- Place prepared skewers on the preheated grill/ skillet and cook for 12 minutes or until chicken is cooked throughout (reaches internal temp of 165°F). Make sure to turn the skewers half way through cooking unless you're using a two sided grill.
- Remove from heat and drizzle with the sweet and spicy sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley (optional)
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