How Long to Cook Chicken Kabobs in the Oven for Perfectly Juicy Results

Chicken kabobs are a classic summer recipe that are often grilled outdoors. But what if you want those tasty skewers year-round? The good news is you can easily make oven-baked chicken kabobs with amazing results!

Cooking kabobs in the oven may sound tricky to get right but follow this guide and you’ll have tender, juicy chicken kabobs anytime.

Choosing the Right Chicken

The first step is choosing the right cut of chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. They cook evenly, are easy to cut into cubes, and absorb flavors well.

You can buy pre-cut kabob chicken to save time. Just find cubes that are 1 to 15 inches long so that they all cook at the same speed.

Chicken thighs are excellent if you want added moisture and flavor vs. breast meat. Go with your preference!

Tips for Preparing Kabob Chicken

To take your oven-baked kabobs to the next level, proper preparation is key before cooking.

Marinating is a Must

Marinating the chicken cubes amps up moisture and infuses tons of flavor. Use a bottled marinade or whip up something homemade.

Lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and herbs like oregano or parsley make a great marinade. It’s best to marinate the chicken overnight, but at least 30 minutes is fine.

Skewer with Care

If using wood skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes first to prevent burning. Then load up your marinated chicken and veggies, leaving a little space between pieces.

Having trouble threading? Try flat skewers for easier loading. Metal skewers don’t need soaking.

Get Creative with Veggies

Chicken is just the beginning! Take kabobs to new heights by adding veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers.

Cut all veggies to a similar small dice so they cook in the same time as the chicken. Delicious!

Finding the Right Oven Temperature

Cooking kabobs at the proper oven temp ensures the chicken cooks through without drying out. The sweet spot is 400°F.

Temperatures above 425°F often cook the outside of the chicken too much before the inside is done. When you heat your oven below 375°F, it takes longer to cook the vegetables and they don’t get as crisp-tender.

Remember that 400°F gives you the best of both worlds: juicy chicken and vegetables that are just right.

How Long Should Kabobs Bake?

Okay, so you have your kabob chicken prepped and the oven preheated. Now, how long should they bake for ideal doneness?

The cooking time can vary a bit based on the size of your chicken and veggies. But in most cases, bake kabobs for 16 to 20 minutes at 400°F.

After 10 minutes, flip the skewers over for even cooking on both sides.

An instant read thermometer should register 165°F when inserted in the thickest chicken piece. Then they’re ready to remove from the oven and enjoy!

Handy Cooking Tips and Tricks

Follow these extra tips while your chicken kabobs are in the oven for bonus flavor and texture:

• Brush with marinade – periodically baste kabobs with extra marinade for added moisture and flavor.

• Broil at the end – broil kabobs 2-3 minutes per side for light charring just like on the grill.

• Use foil – line your sheet pan with foil for easy cleanup and prevent sticking.

• Add smoky flavor – a sprinkle of smoked paprika amps up the flavor without needing a grill.

Kitchen Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to over or undercook oven-baked kabobs if you’re not careful. Here are some key mistakes to look out for:

Undercooking

Chicken that is undercooked poses a health risk, so confirm doneness! If the chicken looks pink or has blood present when pierced, it needs more oven time.

Overcooking

Letting the kabobs go too long results in dry, rubbery chicken. Use a meat thermometer and don’t overbake.

Uneven Cooking

Only flipping halfway through baking prevents equal cooking on both sides. The kabobs should be turned at least once.

Veggies Burning

If using a hotter oven temp, keep an eye on the veggies. They can blacken or burn before the chicken cooks through.

Serving Up Your Oven Kabobs

Once you’ve mastered the cooking time for tender, juicy oven-baked kabobs, it’s time to serve these babies up!

Here are some fantastic side dishes to accompany your chicken skewers:

• Oven-roasted potatoes or sweet potato wedges
• Cheesy scalloped potatoes or potato gratin
• Couscous or quinoa salad
• Roasted broccoli and cauliflower

Don’t forget refreshing ice cold drinks like lemonade, iced tea, or mojitos to complete the meal.

Get Excited for Hassle-Free Kabobs Anytime

As you can see, making oven-baked chicken kabobs is easy-peasy and delivers big, bold flavors.

With the right chicken, preparation, cook time, and temperature, you’ll have juicy, tender kabobs ready in just 20 minutes any day of the year. Way faster than grilling outdoors!

So next time a kabob craving hits, forget about firing up the grill. Just preheat your oven and you’ll be enjoying these tasty skewers in no time. Give this recipe a try for your next game day party, weeknight dinner, or summer cookout.