Description
These Oven-Baked Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken pieces marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and aromatic spices. Threaded onto skewers with vibrant bell peppers and red onions, they’re baked to juicy perfection with a slightly charred edge, perfect for a healthy weeknight meal or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade and Chicken
- 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 and Skewers
- 1 large bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease the surface to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, optional chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the bowl and toss them until evenly coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours to deepen the flavors.
- Thread Skewers: Alternate threading the marinated chicken pieces, bell pepper chunks, and red onion chunks onto the soaked wooden skewers, ensuring even distribution for balanced cooking.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the prepared skewers on the lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow air circulation and uniform baking.
- Bake Skewers: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Turn the skewers halfway through cooking to ensure all sides brown nicely. Confirm the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to guarantee doneness.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the skewers to rest for a few minutes after baking to retain juices. Serve warm with your favorite sides or dipping sauces.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning in the oven.
- Feel free to substitute chicken thighs for a juicier result or chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- Adjust the chili powder quantity or omit for milder flavor.
- Try using metal skewers if preferred and no soaking is necessary.
- These skewers pair well with rice, salads, or flatbreads.
