If you are looking for a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s both simple to prepare and impressive to serve, look no further than this Chicken Pesto Kabobs Recipe. Juicy chicken thighs marinated in rich, aromatic pesto and paired with sweet cherry tomatoes create a mouthwatering combination that’s perfect for any occasion, whether a casual family dinner or a weekend barbecue. This dish bursts with the freshness of basil, the creaminess of pine nuts in the pesto, and the perfect char from grilling, making every bite a delight. Trust me, once you try these kabobs, they’ll become one of your go-to recipes for easy, impressive meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is key to bringing this Chicken Pesto Kabobs Recipe to life. Each component not only adds incredible flavor but also ensures a beautiful presentation and balanced texture that’s hard to resist.
- 1 cup pesto: Choose homemade or store-bought for a fresh, herby base that infuses the chicken with bold flavor.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Cut into 1 ¼-inch cubes; they stay juicy and tender through grilling or baking.
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes: These add a burst of sweetness and vibrant color that perfectly complement the pesto.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and highlighting the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and rounds out the seasoning beautifully.
How to Make Chicken Pesto Kabobs Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by placing your chicken cubes in a gallon-size Ziploc bag or a large bowl and pouring in the pesto. Seal or cover, then toss and turn the chicken so every piece gets luxuriously coated with pesto. This marinating step is crucial as it allows the pesto’s vibrant flavors to deeply penetrate every bite of chicken, ensuring juicy, flavorful kabobs.
Step 2: Let It Rest
For the best flavor and tenderness, let your chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, marinate overnight in the refrigerator to deepen the taste. Remember to occasionally turn the bag or bowl so the chicken stays evenly coated.
Step 3: Prepare for Cooking
When ready to cook, drain the excess pesto from the chicken cubes. This helps prevent flare-ups on the grill and prevents the skewers from being too soggy.
Step 4: Skewer the Kabobs
Alternate threading the chicken cubes and cherry tomatoes onto your skewers. This not only creates a lovely visual effect but also allows each bite to have a balance of herbaceous chicken and juicy, sweet tomatoes.
Step 5: Season the Kabobs
Lightly sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper over the assembled skewers to enhance all the fresh flavors and provide a subtle kick.
Step 6: Cook with Care
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the kabobs, turning occasionally, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), about 10 to 12 minutes. If you prefer oven cooking, bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, turning once halfway through for even cooking. Both methods yield delicious results with a fantastic smoky or roasted flavor.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, serve your kabobs immediately for the best taste and texture. They’re vibrant, juicy, and sure to impress everyone gathered around the table!
How to Serve Chicken Pesto Kabobs Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil leaves on top brings a pop of green and an added layer of herbaceous freshness that perfectly complements the pesto-marinated chicken.
Side Dishes
These kabobs pair wonderfully with a variety of sides like a crisp green salad, garlic parmesan roasted potatoes, or even a light couscous salad studded with fresh vegetables. The versatility means you can keep it simple or create a full Mediterranean-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation at your next gathering, serve the kabobs on a wooden board lined with parchment paper, garnished with lemon wedges and extra pesto on the side. You can also build a colorful platter with grilled vegetables and pita bread for an interactive, family-style meal experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them perfect for easy next-day lunches or dinner additions.
Freezing
To freeze, thread the raw marinated chicken and tomatoes onto skewers and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen kabobs can be kept for up to 2 months and cooked directly from frozen with a slight increase in cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftover kabobs gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the chicken juicy and prevent the tomatoes from bursting too much.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works fine, but thighs are preferred for this Chicken Pesto Kabobs Recipe because they stay moister and more tender when grilled or baked.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?
No, marinating for at least 30 minutes is enough to infuse good flavor, but marinating overnight will deepen the taste and ensure every bite is richly coated.
Can I use wooden skewers?
Yes, wooden skewers work well but remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning on the grill.
How spicy is this Chicken Pesto Kabobs Recipe?
This recipe is mild in spice, focusing more on fresh basil and garlic flavors. You can always add crushed red pepper flakes to the pesto if you want a little heat.
What if I don’t have a grill?
Not a problem! You can easily bake the kabobs in your oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through, for juicy and delicious results.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Chicken Pesto Kabobs Recipe enough for anyone craving an easy, vibrant, and utterly delicious meal. Whether you’re grilling outside on a sunny day or roasting in the oven during cooler months, these kabobs are pure comfort and flavor in every bite. Give this recipe a try—you’ll quickly see why it’s such a beloved favorite!
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Chicken Pesto Kabobs Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These Chicken Pesto Kabobs feature tender, marinated chicken thighs paired with juicy cherry tomatoes, grilled to perfection and bursting with vibrant pesto flavor. Perfect for a quick and delicious summer meal, these kabobs are easy to prepare and can also be baked for a convenient indoor option.
Ingredients
Marinade and Chicken
- 1 cup pesto, homemade or store-bought
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 ¼-inch cubes
Additional Ingredients
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a gallon-size Ziploc bag or large bowl, combine chicken cubes and pesto. Mix well to ensure all pieces are evenly coated.
- Rest the Marinade: Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator, turning the bag or stirring occasionally to maintain even coating.
- Prepare for Cooking: Drain excess pesto from the chicken to prevent flare-ups on the grill or sogginess in the oven.
- Assemble Kabobs: Thread the marinated chicken pieces and cherry tomatoes alternately onto skewers, ensuring an even distribution of each.
- Season: Lightly season the assembled kabobs with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper according to taste.
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure proper searing and cooking of the chicken.
- Grill Kabobs: Place the kabobs on the grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally to evenly cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Alternative Baking Method: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the kabobs for 15 to 20 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking to ensure even baking.
- Serve: Remove kabobs from heat and serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired, to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate chicken overnight to allow the pesto to fully penetrate the meat.
- Use wooden skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Cherry tomatoes add juiciness and a burst of sweetness but can be substituted with bell peppers or mushrooms.
- If grilling, watch for flare-ups due to the pesto oil content and move kabobs as needed.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
