Description
Delicious and easy-to-make chicken skewers baked in the oven, featuring a flavorful marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices. Perfectly tender chicken pieces paired with vibrant bell peppers and red onions, ideal for a wholesome meal or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
For the 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
Additional
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it lightly to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the 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. Mix until well blended to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces in the marinade until they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate, or up to 4 hours for more intense taste.
- Assemble the Skewers: Alternate threading the marinated chicken pieces with chunks of bell pepper and red onion onto the soaked wooden skewers, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients for balanced cooking.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the assembled skewers on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them adequately to allow heat circulation and even cooking.
- Bake the Skewers: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, turning the skewers halfway through the cooking time to ensure all sides brown nicely. Check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to confirm it is fully cooked.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the chicken skewers to rest for a few minutes after baking to let the juices redistribute. Serve warm with your favorite sides or dips.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using prevents them from burning in the oven.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for juicier and more flavorful skewers.
- Adjust the chili powder quantity or omit it to control the spiciness according to your preference.
- Ensure the chicken pieces are cut uniformly for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to accurately check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is safe to eat.
- These skewers can be paired with rice, salads, or flatbreads for a complete meal.
