Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Chicken Skewers baked in the oven, featuring tender chicken pieces marinated in a flavorful blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices. Perfectly balanced with colorful bell peppers and onions, these skewers offer a healthy and satisfying meal great for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 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
- 1 large bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
Others
- 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, optional chili powder, salt, and black pepper to create the flavorful marinade.
- Marinate Chicken: Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces in the marinade until they are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but preferably up to 4 hours to enhance flavors.
- Assemble Skewers: Alternate threading the marinated chicken pieces, bell pepper chunks, and red onion chunks onto soaked wooden skewers to create colorful and balanced skewers.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the assembled skewers on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave space between each skewer for even cooking.
- Bake Skewers: Bake the skewers in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked with an internal temperature reaching 165°F (74°C), and edges are slightly browned.
- Rest and Serve: Remove skewers from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve warm with your favorite sides or dips for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning in the oven.
- Chicken thighs provide more moisture and flavor compared to chicken breasts but both work well.
- Adjust chili powder amount based on your spice preference or omit altogether for milder flavor.
- For added crispiness, you can broil the skewers for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Ensure chicken pieces are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
