Tarragon Chicken Kabobs
Tender chicken kabobs infused with fresh tarragon and citrus flavors, paired with colorful vegetables for a delightful and healthy grilled meal perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup white grape juice ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking oil ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons lime juice ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons snipped fresh tarragon ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 pound boneless chicken, cut into 1-inch cubes ⓘ
- 2 cups baby carrots ⓘ
- 2 medium zucchini or yellow summer squash, sliced 1/2 to 3/4-inch thick ⓘ
- 1 large green or red sweet pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- fresh tarragon (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a screw-top jar, combine grape juice, oil, lime juice, tarragon, and garlic for the marinade.
- Cover and shake well to mix.
- Place chicken cubes in a plastic bag set in a shallow dish.
- Pour marinade over chicken and close the bag.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for 4 hours, turning once to distribute the marinade.
- Drain chicken cubes, reserving the marinade.
- Thread chicken and vegetables onto skewers as desired.
- Grill or broil the kabobs until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight. If you don't have tarragon, fresh basil or oregano can work as substitutes. You can also use lemon juice instead of lime for a different citrusy twist. To ensure even cooking, cut the vegetables to a similar size as the chicken cubes. Pairing with a light salad, such as Gazpacho (Cold Soup), can enhance the meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the kabobs on a platter with a side of couscous or rice for a complete meal. They pair beautifully with Mediterranean recipes, featuring fresh herbs and spices. For a refreshing touch, offer a dip like tzatziki or a simple yogurt sauce. You can also serve with a green salad to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover kabobs can be stored 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 (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tarragon Chicken Kabobs contains roughly 401 calories, with 24g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (102% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (82% of the Daily Value), and protein (49% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 different vegetables for the kabobs?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms. Just ensure they are cut to similar sizes for even cooking. Seasonal vegetables can also add variety and enhance the dish.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Additionally, the chicken should be white throughout with no pink juices when cut. Keep an eye on the vegetables, ensuring they are tender but not overcooked.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the kabobs ahead of time. Marinate the chicken and assemble the kabobs, then cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before grilling. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making your meal prep easier and more efficient.
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).