Description
Delicious and easy-to-make chicken skewers baked in the oven, featuring a flavorful marinade of olive oil, lemon, garlic, and spices. Perfectly cooked with tender chicken pieces and charred vegetables, these skewers make a great healthy meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade and Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Skewers
- 1 large bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, chili powder (if using), salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces in the marinade until fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Assemble Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces alternately with chunks of bell pepper and red onion onto the soaked wooden skewers, creating an even distribution of ingredients.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the assembled skewers on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there’s enough space between each skewer to allow for even cooking.
- Bake the Skewers: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked, slightly browned at the edges, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Let the skewers rest for a few minutes after removing them from the oven. Serve hot with your favorite sides or dipping sauces for a complete meal.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before assembling to prevent burning during baking.
- Check internal temperature of chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Feel free to substitute vegetables according to preference, such as zucchini or cherry tomatoes.
- For extra smoky flavor, consider adding smoked paprika or a touch of chipotle powder in the marinade.
- Can be paired with rice, salad, or flatbread for a complete meal.
