Party Perfect Chicken Kabobs Recipes

THE JUICIEST GRILLED CHICKEN KABOBS

Steps:

• To brine the chicken breasts, fill a large bowl with 1 quart of warm water and 1/4 cup kosher salt. Stir to combine until most of the salt is absorbed. Add the whole chicken breasts and let them sit in the mixture to brine for 15 minutes. Or you can also also cover the bowl and refrigerate for up to 6 hours. Remove the chicken breasts from the brine, rinse them with cold water, then pat them dry with some paper towels. (If the chicken breasts you purchased have already been pre-brined in a sodium solution, skip this brining step completely.)
• Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15 minutes before using.
• Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. Add them to a large mixing bowl and drizzle evenly with the olive oil. Toss to combine.
• In a separate small bowl, whisk together the salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika until combined. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken. Then toss for 1 minute, or until the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning. Thread the chicken evenly onto the skewers.
• Once the grill is hot, place the chicken kabobs evenly on the grill. Cook for 10-14 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (no longer pink on the inside).
• Transfer the kabobs to a clean plate, and loosely tent with aluminum foil. Let the chicken rest for at least 5-10 minutes.
• Then serve warm while the chicken is hot and juicy, drizzled with freshly-squeezed lemon juice if desired. Or, refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

MIDDLE EASTERN-STYLE GRILLED CHICKEN KABOBS

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, combine the yogurt, olive oil, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper and garlic.
• Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy clean up. Thread the chicken onto metal skewers, folding if the pieces are long and thin, alternating with the red onions. Be sure not to cram the skewers. (Note: You'll need between 6-8 skewers.) Place the kabobs on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the marinade all over the meat, coating well. Cover and refrigerate at least eight hours or overnight.
• Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. To grease the grill, lightly dip a wad of paper towels in vegetable oil and, using tongs, carefully rub over the grates several times until glossy and coated. Grill the chicken kabobs until golden brown and cooked through, turning the skewers occasionally, 13 to 15 minutes. (The yogurt marinade makes these kabobs prone to sticking to the grill grates; if necessary, use a metal BBQ spatula to scrape underneath the kabobs and release them.) Transfer the kabobs to a platter and serve.
• Note: I've specified boneless skinless chicken thighs for this recipe; they're juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts, and they work better in this type of yogurt and lemon-based marinade. They're also much easier to cook without drying out.

PARTY PERFECT CHICKEN KABOBS

Steps:

• Combine oil, honey, soy sauce, and pepper in large bowl, then divide.
• From that same marinade take a small amount (about 1/2 cup) and have it on reserve. (You will use this to marinade the chicken once on the grill.).
• Add 2 cloves of garlic into each bowl.
• In one bowl, add the chicken and mix well.
• In the second bowl add the vegetables and mix well. (I did not marinade the pineapple chunks because I like the flavor they add on their own.).
• Refrigerate 8 - 12 hours making sure to stir halfway through.
• Drain the marinade from the chicken and vegetables and discard. Thread chicken and vegetables alternately onto the skewers.
• Preheat the grill to a medium-high setting.
• Place skewers directly on the grill and cook for 12-16 minutes, turning and brushing with the reserved marinade several times.
• Place pineapple skewers on grill with about 5 minutes remaining in cooktime to allow them to warm.