Shish Kabob Chicken
Juicy chicken skewers with vibrant peppers, pineapple, and mushrooms, marinated in a savory sweet soy-based sauce, perfect for grilling and entertaining outdoor gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 whole chicken breasts, skinned, boned and cut in 1-inch cubes ⓘ
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/4 cup corn syrup ⓘ
- 1/4 cup soy sauce ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger ⓘ
- 2 green peppers, cut in 1-inch cubes ⓘ
- Pineapple chunks, drained
- Cherry tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 pound mushrooms ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix together vegetable oil, corn syrup, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken and marinate for 3 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Drain the chicken well, saving the marinade.
- Arrange chicken, vegetables, and fruit alternately on long skewers.
- Grill over hot coals about 4 inches from the heat for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Baste and turn the skewers occasionally during grilling.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, marinate chicken overnight rather than just 3 hours. If you prefer, substitute the corn syrup with honey for a different sweetness. Additionally, you can use any variety of vegetables like zucchini or onion if green peppers aren't available. To enhance the dish, try adding a splash of lemon juice to the marinade for brightness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these shish kabobs with a side of rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal. They pair beautifully with a tangy tzatziki sauce for dipping. Consider complementing the meal with some grilled corn or a refreshing fruit salad to balance the flavors. For more delicious chicken recipes, browse our collection of American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover shish kabob in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Reheating on the grill for a few minutes can also restore some of the original char.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shish Kabob Chicken contains roughly 336 calories, with 12g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (60% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1068mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of meat for shish kabobs?
Absolutely! While this recipe features chicken, you can easily substitute it with beef, pork, or even shrimp. Just adjust the marinating time accordingly: beef may need longer, while shrimp requires less time.
What can I do if I don't have skewers?
If you don’t have skewers, you can grill the chicken and vegetables in a grill basket or on a sheet pan. Alternatively, use wooden skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning, or press everything onto a large skewer for easier handling.
How can I make these kabobs spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the marinade. You can also include jalapeño slices or spicy peppers alongside the other vegetables on the skewers for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).