The chili Cilantro Chicken Kabobs are bursting with flavor from the blend of chili spices and fresh cilantro. The chicken is marinated in a spicy, tangy marinade before grilling to perfection, creating a smoky and flavorful delicacy. In just fifteen minutes, you can cook and serve these easy, healthful chicken kabobs! These chicken kabobs are delicious, with tender skewered chicken marinated in garlic, cilantro, and sweet chili sauce.
A burst of freshness from the fresh cilantro balances the spices and adds a herbaceous brightness to the dish. The lime juice adds a zesty, acidic flavor that nicely balances the marinade’s richness while also tenderizing the chicken. Soy sauce enhances the kabobs’ savory character by adding an umami depth.
The honey is optional, but it provides a touch of sweetness to balance the heat and acidity, resulting in a well-rounded flavor. These ingredients combine to make a marinade that is spicy, salty, acidic, and somewhat sweet, making it ideal for marinating chicken.
Ingredients:
Here is what you need for making these Kabobs:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 pounds of chicken breast (or thighs), cut into 1-1.5-inch pieces.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil.
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (fresh)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons chili powder.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin.
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced.
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for a hint of sweetness).
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped.
For Preparing Kabobs:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into 1 inch chunks.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced into 1 inch chunks.
- Few Skewers.
- 1 medium onion, chopped into 1-inch chunks.
Directions for making Chili Cilantro Chicken Kabobs:
- Mix the olive oil, lime juice, soy sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, minced garlic, honey (if using), salt, pepper, and chopped cilantro in a big bowl.
- Toss the cubed chicken in the bowl until well coated. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes to an hour, or longer for added flavor.
- While the chicken marinates, chop the bell peppers, onion, and zucchini into cubes that are nearly the same size as the chicken.
- On the skewers, thread the marinated chicken pieces in succession with the vegetable pieces. To ensure consistent cooking, make sure to allow a small amount of space between each slice.
- Preheat your grill to a temperature of 400°F or 200°C, or medium-high heat.
- Cook the kabobs on the grill for 10 to 12 minutes, rotating them every so often, or until the chicken is cooked through. Moreover, the veggies have to be soft and mildly browned.
- After the kabobs are done, take them off the grill and give them some time to rest. For an added kick, you might choose to garnish with more cilantro, lime wedges, or chili flakes.
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