This Pesto Marinated Chicken Kabob recipe is made with pesto-marinated chicken and colorful vegetables of your choice. These are all threaded onto skewers and grilled to perfection. A simple Mediterranean Chicken dinner that can also be baked in the oven!
The chicken is marinated in a classic Homemade Basil Pesto, then grilled over an open flame until the chicken, and the vegetables are slightly charred. The result is a chicken kabob that is bursting with flavor and is sure to be a hit at your next cookout. You may want to try other pesto variations like the Pistachio Pesto on this chicken.
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Chicken is my all-time favorite in the summer, especially when I can throw them on the grill. If you love chicken, then you will love the Keto Lemon Chicken, Meatball Parmigiana, Middle Eastern Spiced Chicken, or the Whole 30 Chicken Salad recipes.
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to make this basil pesto chicken:
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Ingredients:
Pesto - If you prefer to use a store-bought pesto instead of making your own, it will taste similar. Just make sure to read the label. Pesto should only have a handful of fresh ingredients like basil, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil. Or, if you use your own for this recipe there are many variations that you can make, including a dairy-free option. See my Homemade Basil Pesto recipe for these options.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions or Variations
There are many ways you can change up the marinade on the chicken kabobs:
- Chicken - If you are using chicken breast, switch it up and use chicken thighs! Or, if you would prefer beef, use a tender cut of beef that absorb the marinade well.
- Yogurt - Add yogurt to the Basil Pesto marinade. I'm a big fan of using yogurt in marinades as it will help to break down the protein and make it more tender than without. It will also add a tanginess that may not be present in the pesto.
- What to serve with the skewers - While rice or cauliflower rice is the easiest, I typically serve them with a salad or another vegetable to keep the carb count low.
How To Make Pesto Marinated Chicken: Step-By-Step
Step 1: You can use either chicken breast or chicken thighs. Cut the chicken into cubes about 2" square.
Step 2: Place in a bowl and add the prepared pesto sauce. Marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours. The longer it marinates the more tender it will be.
Step 3: Skewer the chicken and add salt and pepper if you prefer.
Step 4: Grill the chicken until the veggies are charred and the chicken is done. A meat thermometer should register 160-165 ℉.
Hint: I love to use skewers that are flat in shape instead of round. The veggies and chicken will not spin as much on the skewer when turned over on the grill. These are the ones I have been using.
Top tip
If you want to save time right before grilling, marinate the chicken while on the skewers! Place the skewers on a sheet pan and pour the marinade over the top. Cover and place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or longer.
I like to pair these skewers with a salad like the Zesty Quinoa Salad With Lemon Vinaigrette or the Chickpea Cucumber Feta Salad! A really good sauce to serve with these skewers would be the Lemon Yogurt Sauce!
Frequently Asked Questions
Grill the chicken kabobs until done. This should take approximately 10-15 minutes. Make sure you turn the kabobs frequently so that all sides get charred.
The lid should be closed as much as possible so the chicken cooks quickly. Use a meat thermometer to monitor the chicken. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 160-165 ℉.
If covered tightly, the kabobs should last 3-4 days. I usually take the chicken and veggies off of the skewer for storage as it's easier. You can re-warm the chicken and veggies in the microwave or eat them cold. When I eat them cold, I throw them on arugula to make a salad.
The best way to prevent your chicken kabobs from burning is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken and grill until it reaches an internal temperature of 160-165°F.
Other Grilling Options
Let me know your thoughts on this Pesto Marinated Chicken by leaving a star rating below or by sharing it on Facebook, Instagram, Flipboard, or Pinterest!
Thank you!
Gwen
Pesto Marinated Chicken Kabob
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Equipment
- 4 Skewers
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup pesto
- 1 bell pepper
- 8 oz button mushrooms
Instructions
- Heat your grill.
- Cut the chicken into 2" chunks.
- In a bowl, combine the chicken and the pesto.
- Marinate for 30 minutes or up to 24 hours
- Skewer the chicken and the vegetables.
- Grill until the chicken is done and the vegetables are charred.
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