Chicken skewers are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or looking for an easy weeknight meal, cooking chicken skewers in the oven is a simple and efficient way to enjoy this classic dish.

Chicken skewers can be made with a variety of seasonings and ingredients, allowing you to customize the flavors to your personal taste. You can marinate the chicken in your favorite sauce or seasoning blend, or simply season with salt, pepper, and other spices of your choice. This versatility makes chicken skewers a crowd-pleasing option for any occasion.

One of the benefits of cooking chicken skewers in the oven is that it frees up your hands and lets you focus on other elements of your meal preparation. Unlike grilling, where you need to watch the skewers carefully to prevent burning, the oven does the work for you.

Simply prepare your skewers with your desired ingredients, place them on a baking sheet, and let the oven do all the cooking. This hands-off cooking method ensures that your chicken skewers will be evenly cooked and perfectly juicy every time.

The Best Way to Cook Chicken Skewers in the Oven

Chicken skewers are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a variety of different sides. While they are commonly cooked on a grill or barbecue, they can also be cooked to perfection in the oven. This is a great option if you don’t have access to an outdoor cooking space or simply prefer the convenience of using your oven.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon of paprika
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional for added heat)
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 red onion, cut into chunks

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to create a marinade.
  3. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and add them to the marinade. Toss the chicken to coat it evenly, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  4. While the chicken is marinating, prepare your skewers by threading the chicken, bell peppers, and red onions onto them in any order you prefer.
  5. Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Make sure they are evenly spaced and not touching each other.
  6. Bake the chicken skewers in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, turning the skewers halfway through the cooking time.
  7. Once cooked, remove the skewers from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
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Serving Suggestions:

These delicious chicken skewers can be enjoyed on their own as a protein-packed appetizer or main course. They can also be served with a side of rice, quinoa, or a fresh garden salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Don’t forget to offer a dipping sauce such as yogurt tzatziki or spicy peanut sauce for additional flavor. Enjoy!

Prep Time Cook Time Total Time Serves
45 minutes 15-20 minutes 1 hour 5 minutes 4 servings

Prepare the Chicken

Before you can cook the chicken skewers in the oven, you need to prepare the chicken. Start by selecting boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. These cuts of chicken are ideal for skewers as they cook evenly and quickly.

Next, wash the chicken under cold water to remove any dirt or bacteria. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help the marinade and seasonings adhere better to the chicken.

Once the chicken is dry, cut it into evenly sized pieces that will easily thread onto skewers. Aim for pieces that are about 1-2 inches in size. Cutting the chicken into uniform pieces ensures that they will cook evenly in the oven.

At this point, you can season the chicken with your desired spices and marinade. Consider using a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and any other spices you enjoy. Alternatively, you can marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for added flavor.

After seasoning or marinating the chicken, cover it and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. This step is optional but highly recommended as it enhances the taste of the chicken skewers.

Once the chicken has marinated, it is ready to be threaded onto skewers and cooked in the oven. Be sure to soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes before threading the chicken onto them. This prevents the skewers from burning in the oven.

Now that the chicken is prepared, you are ready to move on to the next step of cooking the chicken skewers in the oven.

Choose the Right Marinade

Marinating your chicken skewers is essential to infuse them with flavor and create a juicy and tender texture. There are countless marinade options available, but it’s important to choose one that complements the flavors you desire. Here are a few popular marinade options for chicken skewers:

  • Teriyaki marinade: This sweet and savory Japanese marinade is made with soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and ginger. It adds a delicious umami flavor to your chicken skewers.
  • Lemon herb marinade: If you prefer a lighter and fresher flavor, try marinating your chicken skewers in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and your favorite herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano.
  • Soy honey marinade: This marinade combines the savory flavors of soy sauce and the sweetness of honey. Add some minced garlic and ginger for extra depth of flavor.
  • Mediterranean marinade: For a Mediterranean twist, use a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and paprika. This marinade pairs well with Greek-inspired sides like tzatziki sauce and fresh salad.
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When marinating your chicken skewers, make sure to coat the chicken evenly and allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight for stronger flavors. You can marinate your chicken in a zip-top bag or a covered container in the refrigerator.

Remember to discard any leftover marinade that has come into contact with raw chicken to avoid foodborne illnesses. Always use fresh marinade for basting and serving.

Skewer the Chicken

Once the chicken has been marinated, it is time to skewer it. Skewering the chicken helps it cook evenly and ensures that each piece gets cooked thoroughly. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent them from burning in the oven.
  2. Take one chicken strip at a time and thread it onto a skewer, making sure to pierce it through the center to keep it secure.
  3. Repeat this process with the remaining chicken strips until all of them are skewered.
  4. Space out the skewers on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper.

Make sure to leave some space between the skewers so that the chicken gets cooked evenly. If desired, you can brush any remaining marinade onto the chicken for extra flavor.

Tips:

  • To prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill, you can lightly oil the skewers before threading the chicken.
  • If using metal skewers, be cautious as they can get very hot in the oven. Use oven mitts or tongs to handle them.

Preheat the Oven

Before you start cooking chicken skewers in the oven, it’s important to preheat the oven to the correct temperature. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly.

To preheat your oven, follow these steps:

  1. Check the recipe or package instructions for the recommended cooking temperature. Typically, chicken skewers are cooked at 425°F (218°C).
  2. Turn on your oven and set the temperature to the desired level.
  3. Allow the oven to preheat for about 10-15 minutes. This gives it enough time to reach the desired temperature and ensures that it stays consistent throughout the cooking process.
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While the oven is preheating, you can prepare your chicken skewers by marinating them or seasoning them with your favorite spices. Once the oven is preheated, you’re ready to start cooking your delicious chicken skewers!

Cook the Skewers

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Place the chicken skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each skewer for even cooking.

3. Brush the chicken skewers with olive oil or melted butter to keep them moist.

4. Season the skewers with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs. This will add extra flavor to your chicken.

5. Place the baking sheet with the chicken skewers in the preheated oven.

6. Cook the chicken skewers for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.

7. During cooking, you can turn the skewers once or twice to ensure even browning.

8. Once cooked, remove the chicken skewers from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

9. Serve the chicken skewers hot with your favorite dips, sauces, or sides.

Q&A

What ingredients do I need to make chicken skewers in the oven?

To make chicken skewers in the oven, you will need the following ingredients: boneless chicken breast, vegetables (such as bell peppers, onions, zucchini), olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and your choice of spices or herbs for additional flavor.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast. Chicken thighs have more fat, which will help keep the meat moist and tender during cooking.

Do I need to marinate the chicken before cooking?

Marinating the chicken before cooking is optional, but it can add extra flavor and tenderize the meat. If you have time, it is recommended to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before skewering and baking.

What temperature should I set the oven to?

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) for chicken skewers. This high temperature will help the chicken cook quickly and develop a nice crispy exterior.

How long do I need to cook the chicken skewers in the oven?

Cook the chicken skewers in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.