Cold Chicken-Cheese Kabobs Recipe
Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines irresistible flavor with zero fuss? Cold Chicken-Cheese Kabobs are a refreshingly simple and playful dish perfect for busy weeknights, make-ahead lunches, or even the fanciest party spread. Tender cubes of chicken, creamy cheese, juicy grape tomatoes, fresh cucumber, and pops of briny olives are all skewered together, chilled, and served with your favorite dip. Not only will these kabobs catch everyone’s eye, but they’ll also keep everyone coming back for more — trust me, they’re one of my go-to easy recipes that never fails!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in these Cold Chicken-Cheese Kabobs works hard to create a burst of flavor, crunch, and color in each bite. You’ll love how basic staples and a few bright vegetables transform into such a satisfying finger food!
- Cooked Chicken Breast: Pre-cooked chicken, ideally rotisserie or leftover grilled, keeps prep easy and the texture juicy.
- Cheddar Cheese Cubes: Mild yet sharp cheddar brings a creamy richness that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients — swap with Colby Jack or mozzarella if you prefer!
- Grape Tomatoes: These little gems add fresh sweetness and a delightful pop of color.
- Cucumber Slices/Chunks: Cool, crisp cucumber is the perfect refreshing bite alongside the heartier kabob elements.
- Green or Black Olives (Optional): For a salty, briny kick, olives are completely customizable; try both and see which disappears fastest!
- Ranch or Italian Dressing (For Dipping): A creamy or tangy dip ties everything together — serve a duo of dips for extra fun.
- Small Wooden Skewers or Toothpicks: Mini wooden skewers make assembly a breeze and eating even easier; use toothpicks for bite-sized party versions.
How to Make Cold Chicken-Cheese Kabobs
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by cubing your cooked chicken and cheddar cheese into even, bite-sized pieces. Slice your cucumber into thick coins or half-moons for extra crunch, and give your grape tomatoes a quick rinse. If you’re using olives, drain them and set everything out for speedy assembly.
Step 2: Skewer with Style
Thread your ingredients onto each skewer or toothpick, alternating chicken, cheese, tomato, cucumber, and olives. For Cold Chicken-Cheese Kabobs that are as pretty as they are tasty, mix up the order and color so every kabob looks different. No perfection needed — variety is what makes these truly inviting!
Step 3: Chill Out
Arrange the assembled kabobs on a platter in a single layer. Cover with plastic wrap and pop them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. The chill time lets the flavors meld while keeping the kabobs firm and refreshing.
Step 4: Serve and Dip
When it’s time to serve, unwrap your chilled kabobs and set out a bowl or two of ranch or Italian dressing for dipping. Watch these Cold Chicken-Cheese Kabobs disappear in record time as everyone finds their favorite pairing!
How to Serve Cold Chicken-Cheese Kabobs
Garnishes
Add extra pizazz with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or dill right before serving. For extra color, scatter a few more olives and cherry tomatoes around the platter. Drizzle a touch of dressing on top if you want a glossy, party-ready look.
Side Dishes
Pair these kabobs with crunchy pita chips, crisp green salads, or a big fruit platter for a light, balanced spread. They also play nicely alongside hummus, tabbouleh, or even a tangy three-bean salad. Tailor your sides to fit the season or your party theme.
Creative Ways to Present
Make a vibrant kabob “bouquet” by arranging skewers upright in a glass or vase lined with lettuce leaves. For a party tray, group kabobs by color, or create mini “kabob flights” with different cheeses and veggies for tasting. Kids love bite-sized kabobs with fun toothpick toppers! Cold Chicken-Cheese Kabobs adapt to any gathering, big or small.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store Cold Chicken-Cheese Kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 2 days. Keep the dipping sauces in a separate jar for best freshness and to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
Cold Chicken-Cheese Kabobs aren’t freezer-friendly, since both the cheese and veggies tend to lose texture after thawing. For best results, make only what you plan to eat fresh, or repurpose extra chicken and veggies in salads or wraps later on.
Reheating
These kabobs are meant to be enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge! If you’d rather serve them room temperature, simply let them sit on the counter (covered) for about 10-15 minutes before your guests arrive. Heating isn’t recommended, as it can affect the texture of the cheese and fresh veggies.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Appetizer
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic, mozzarella, Colby Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack work beautifully. Just make sure to cut whichever cheese you choose into firm, bite-sized cubes so they won’t crumble on the skewer.
What’s the best way to cook the chicken ahead of time?
Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe ultra-quick, but you can grill, poach, or bake your own chicken breast. Just season it simply with salt and pepper, cook until juicy, then let it cool completely before cubing for your kabobs.
Can I make Cold Chicken-Cheese Kabobs the night before?
Yes! Assemble the kabobs, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. They’ll be perfectly chilled and ready to serve the next day. If you’re prepping for a party, you can even make them up to 24 hours in advance for maximum convenience.
Are these kabobs kid-friendly?
Kids love anything on a stick, and Cold Chicken-Cheese Kabobs are no exception! Feel free to cut the ingredients into smaller pieces for little hands, skip the olives if they’re not a hit, or swap in mild cheese for picky eaters. Customizable and fun!
What dip tastes best with these kabobs?
Ranch and Italian dressing are both fantastic, but don’t be afraid to get creative. Try honey mustard, tzatziki, or a zesty salsa for different flavor adventures. Set out a few dips and let everyone pick their favorite.
Final Thoughts
If you try just one new appetizer this season, let it be Cold Chicken-Cheese Kabobs. They’re fuss-free, impossibly tasty, and endlessly adaptable — plus, they always earn rave reviews. Give them a whirl at your next gathering or as a fun lunch, and watch them disappear before your eyes!
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Cold Chicken-Cheese Kabobs Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 mini kabobs 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These cold chicken-cheese kabobs are perfect for a quick and easy appetizer or party platter. With a colorful array of ingredients and a zesty dressing for dipping, these mini skewers are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, cubed
- 1 cup grape tomatoes
- 1 cup cucumber slices or chunks
- 1/2 cup green or black olives (optional)
- 1/2 cup ranch or Italian dressing (for serving or dipping)
- 16 small wooden skewers or toothpicks
Cold Chicken-Cheese Kabobs:
Instructions
- Thread Ingredients: Thread the cooked chicken, cheese cubes, grape tomatoes, cucumber pieces, and olives (if using) onto small wooden skewers or toothpicks, alternating for variety.
- Arrange Kabobs: Arrange the kabobs on a serving platter.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Serve cold with your choice of dressing for dipping.
Notes
- Use rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken for convenience.
- You can swap cheddar for mozzarella, Colby Jack, or pepper jack.
- For a party platter, make bite-sized skewers with fewer ingredients per stick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 kabob
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
