The Secret to Perfectly Juicy & Tender Grilled Chicken Kabobs: A Creamy Mayonnaise Marinade

Prepare to elevate your grilling game with these incredibly juicy and tender chicken kabobs, made effortlessly with a creamy marinade that works its magic in as little as 20 minutes! This recipe is a game-changer for anyone seeking maximum flavor and succulence with minimal effort. The secret to achieving such exquisite tenderness and a rich, satisfying taste lies in one unexpected ingredient: mayonnaise!

Forget dry, bland chicken. Our special marinade infuses every piece of chicken with moisture and flavor, ensuring that each bite is bursting with taste and melts in your mouth. Whether you’re planning a lively summer barbecue, a relaxed family dinner, or a camping trip feast, these chicken kabobs are sure to become a cherished favorite.

Shish Kabobs hold a special place in many hearts, evoking images of warm summer evenings and the tantalizing aroma of food cooked over an open flame. There’s truly nothing quite like the flavor profile achieved when food is cooked on the grill, whether it’s for rustic camping trips or festive backyard barbecues. While this recipe focuses on our phenomenal chicken kabobs, we also adore these Pork Kabobs for their versatility on camping adventures. Imagine wrapping tender, smoky pork in warm tortillas with fresh veggies – a portable, delicious meal! And for those who prefer a simpler pleasure, both chicken and pork kabobs are utterly delicious when dipped into a dollop of Homemade Ketchup!

Why Chicken Kabobs Are a Grill Master’s Best Friend

Among the myriad of meat kabob options, grilled chicken kabobs stand out as one of the easiest and most rewarding to prepare. They offer a fantastic combination of practicality and deliciousness. Not only are chicken breasts or boneless, skinless thighs a more economical choice compared to some other proteins, but they are also incredibly easy to cut into uniform pieces, which is key for even cooking. What’s more, chicken readily absorbs marinades, meaning you can achieve deep, rich flavors in a much shorter time. This speedy marinating process makes chicken skewers an ideal choice for a last-minute dinner, ensuring a juicy and flavorful meal without extensive planning.

The versatility of chicken kabobs further adds to their appeal. While they shine on the grill, capturing that irresistible smoky char, they are equally delicious when baked in the oven. This means you don’t have to put off enjoying this fantastic meal due to unpredictable weather. Rain or shine, a delicious chicken kabob dinner is always within reach!

The inspiration for this phenomenal recipe comes from a busy mom of nine, a true expert in creating delicious, no-fuss meals. She couldn’t stop raving about how incredibly tasty these chicken kabobs were and, more importantly for her bustling household, how quickly they absorbed the marinade. This recipe truly delivers on all fronts – it’s not only delicious but remarkably efficient, requiring as little as 10 minutes of marinating time to achieve fantastic results. Imagine the convenience of whipping up such a flavorful meal on a busy weeknight!

Our absolute favorite way to savor these grilled chicken kabobs is alongside warm, soft Unleavened Bread. The combination of the tender, seasoned chicken with the pillowy flatbread is simply scrumptious, creating a comforting and deeply satisfying eating experience.

Mastering the Grill: How Long to Cook Chicken Kabobs?

Grilling chicken kabobs might seem daunting, but it’s much simpler than building a campfire from scratch! The key to perfectly grilled chicken is proper setup and timing. First, ensure your grill is set up correctly and clean. Once your burners are lit, allow the grill to preheat to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F or 190-200°C) for 10-15 minutes. This preheating step is crucial for achieving those desirable sear marks and preventing sticking.

Once the grill is hot, carefully place the threaded chicken pieces over direct heat – meaning the flame is directly beneath the food. Cook the chicken for a total of 10-20 minutes, turning them every 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking and browning on all sides. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken pieces and the grill’s actual temperature. The most reliable way to confirm doneness is to use a meat thermometer; your chicken kabobs are ready when the internal temperature of the thickest part of the meat reaches 165°F (74°C). The juices should also run clear when pierced.

No Grill? No Problem! How Long to Cook Chicken Kabobs in the Oven?

Don’t have a grill or prefer to cook indoors? These delicious chicken kabobs can be easily prepared in your oven, either by baking or broiling for that perfect tender texture. If you choose to broil, which simulates direct high heat, your chicken kabobs will typically cook in about 8-10 minutes. For larger chicken pieces, this might extend to 12-16 minutes. Broiling requires vigilant attention, so keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

For even cooking in the oven, place the threaded chicken skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow for proper air circulation. If you’re baking rather than broiling, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 15-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. For broiling, place the baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven and turn the skewers every 3 minutes for even browning and charring. Regardless of the method, the chicken kabobs are done when the juices run clear and their internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F (74°C).

Watch How to Make Perfect Chicken Kabobs!

Essential Ingredients for Irresistible Chicken Kabobs

The heart of these incredibly flavorful chicken kabobs lies in our unique, creamy marinade. While store-bought dressings can work, we highly recommend using homemade versions for unparalleled freshness and taste. If you’ve never ventured into making homemade mayonnaise, now is the perfect time – it truly elevates this marinade!

• Chicken: You’ll need about 3 lbs of either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Both cuts work wonderfully for this recipe, offering slightly different textures. Breasts are leaner and firm, while thighs are richer and more forgiving. Ensure they are cut into uniform, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Creamy Chicken Kabob Marinade: This is where the magic happens! Our special marinade is crafted from a blend of:
  • Creamy Ranch Dressing: Adds a tangy, herbaceous depth.
  • Homemade Mayonnaise: The star ingredient! Mayonnaise not only tenderizes the chicken by coating it in fat, locking in moisture, but also acts as a binder for the other flavors, creating an incredibly juicy result.
  • Montreal Chicken Seasoning: A robust blend of spices that provides a savory kick. Feel free to substitute with your favorite grill seasoning or even a steak seasoning for a different flavor profile.
  • White Distilled Vinegar: Acts as a tenderizer, breaking down meat fibers, and adds a bright, slightly acidic note that balances the richness of the mayonnaise.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors.

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Make Chicken Kabobs

Preparing these delicious chicken kabobs is straightforward, whether you’re a seasoned chef or a grilling novice. You’ll need either sturdy stainless steel skewers (our preferred choice for durability and reusability) or traditional wooden skewers. If using wooden skewers, remember a crucial step: soak them in cold water for at least 20-30 minutes before threading the chicken. This prevents them from burning too quickly on the grill.

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by washing your chicken breasts (or thighs) under cold water and patting them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step helps the marinade adhere better. Using a sharp knife, carefully trim off any excess fat or tough tendons. Then, cut the chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces, roughly 1.5 to 2 inches thick. Consistency in size is key for ensuring all pieces cook evenly.
2. Create the Creamy Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine all the creamy marinade ingredients: ranch dressing, mayonnaise, white distilled vinegar, McCormick Montreal Chicken Seasoning, salt, and pepper. You have two options here: you can either pour the marinade ingredients directly over the cut chicken and mix well using kitchen gloves, or mix the marinade separately in a bowl first, then add the chicken and massage the marinade into the meat. Ensure every piece of chicken is thoroughly coated.
3. Marinate for Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate in this luscious, creamy mixture for a minimum of 10-20 minutes. For even deeper flavor and enhanced tenderness, we highly recommend marinating for at least 30 minutes, or even better, refrigerating it for 2-12 hours (overnight) if time permits.
4. Preheat the Grill: While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for a temperature between 375-400°F (190-200°C). Close the lid and let it heat up for 10-15 minutes.
5. Thread the Skewers: Once the chicken is marinated, carefully thread the pieces onto your prepared skewers. Don’t pack them too tightly; leave a small space between each piece to allow for even cooking and proper airflow. If you’re adding vegetables, alternate chicken pieces with your chosen veggies.
6. Grill to Perfection: Place the threaded chicken kabobs directly over the preheated grill grates. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The chicken should have attractive char marks and be cooked through, with juices running clear.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the chicken kabobs from the grill. You can serve them warm directly on the skewers for a rustic presentation or carefully slide the chicken pieces off the skewers onto a serving dish. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the juices redistribute, ensuring maximum succulence.

Delicious Pairings: What To Serve With Chicken Kabobs

These grilled chicken kabobs are fantastic on their own, especially when accompanied by a couple of complementary dipping sauces like tangy Homemade Ketchup or smoky BBQ sauce. However, there are countless ways to elevate your meal and make these juicy chicken skewers even more delicious!

• With Flatbreads and Wraps: Serve your tender chicken kabobs with soft, warm flatbread, pita bread, or our recommended Whole Wheat Tortillas. You can wrap the chicken with your favorite fresh veggie toppings like thinly sliced onions, juicy grilled mushrooms, ripe tomatoes, crisp lettuce, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs to create a delightful sandwich or wrap.
• As Tacos or Open-Faced Sandwiches: Transform leftover chicken into quick chicken tacos by chopping the meat and adding your favorite taco fixings. Alternatively, repurpose the meat from grilled chicken kabobs to make savory open-faced sandwiches, perhaps baked in the oven like this comforting Sandwich.
• Over a Bed of Rice: For a hearty and complete meal, serve the chicken kabobs over a generous bed of fluffy White Rice, absorbing all the delicious juices.
• Alongside Creamy Sides or Fresh Salads: Complement the grilled flavors with a side of creamy Mashed Potatoes, or opt for a refreshing and vibrant creamy Cucumber and Tomato Salad for a lighter contrast. Roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes also make excellent companions, either grilled with the chicken or prepared separately.

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Grilled Chicken Kabobs Recipe

Prep Time:

30 minutes
minutes

Cook Time:

8 minutes
minutes

Total Time:

38 minutes
minutes

Servings:

5
skewers

Author:
Alyona Demyanchuk

This creamy chicken kabob marinade will tenderize kabobs in 20 minutes, making them incredibly juicy and flavorful! Mayonnaise is the secret ingredient for this easy and delicious recipe.

Equipment

• 1 set of skewers (approximately five large stainless steel skewers or 10-12 wooden skewers)
• Gas grill (or oven for baking/broiling)
• 1 large mixing bowl
• Instant-read meat thermometer

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1.5-2 inch cubes

Creamy Chicken Kabob Marinade:

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise (homemade preferred)
• 2 TBSP ranch dressing (homemade preferred)
• 1 TBSP white distilled vinegar
• 2 TBSP McCormick Montreal Chicken Seasoning (or your favorite grill seasoning)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp Ground black pepper

Instructions

Directions:

• 

  Wash the chicken breasts or thighs under cold water and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, trim off any fat or tough tendons. Cut the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces about 1.5 to 2 inches thick, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
• 

  Make the grilled chicken marinade by combining all the marinade ingredients (mayonnaise, ranch dressing, white distilled vinegar, McCormick Montreal Chicken Seasoning, salt, and pepper) with the chicken in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly, ideally using kitchen gloves, to ensure every piece is well coated. Alternatively, mix the marinade ingredients in a separate bowl first, then add the chicken.
• 

  Marinade the chicken in the creamy marinade for at least 20 minutes at room temperature. For optimal flavor and tenderness, refrigerate for 2-12 hours (overnight). If refrigerating, allow chicken to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before grilling.
• 

  Meanwhile, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F or 190-200°C) for 10-15 minutes. If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 20 minutes before this step.
• 

  Carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece for even cooking. If desired, alternate with bell peppers, onions, or other vegetables.
• 

  Cook grilled chicken kabobs over direct medium-high heat for 10-20 minutes, turning every 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The cooking time will vary based on chicken piece size and grill heat.
• 

  Serve warm on skewers for an impressive presentation, or remove the chicken pieces off the skewers onto a serving dish. Allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving to ensure maximum juiciness.

Nutrition per serving

Serving:
1
skewer



Calories:
601
kcal



Carbohydrates:
2
g



Protein:
57
g



Fat:
39
g



Saturated Fat:
9
g



Polyunsaturated Fat:
14
g



Monounsaturated Fat:
13
g



Trans Fat:
0.3
g



Cholesterol:
182
mg



Sodium:
553
mg



Potassium:
619
mg



Fiber:
0.2
g



Sugar:
0.4
g



Vitamin A:
281
IU



Vitamin C:
0.2
mg



Calcium:
50
mg



Iron:
3
mg