Tender and flavorful chipotle chicken skewers baked in the oven. Enjoy as a main dish, appetizer or a quick meal prep recipe for pack-n-go lunches. We whip together a simple marinade, and let the flavors meld with the chicken before popping the skewers in the oven.
Putting chicken skewers (also called kabobs) in the oven is one of my favorite easy ways to make a tasty and healthy meal. When I’m not in the mood to grill but still want juicy, flavorful chicken chunks with bright vegetables, I pop them in the oven.
So, how long should you cook chicken skewers in an oven set to 375°F? I’ll give you all the information you need to ace every time.
The Quick Answer
For chicken skewers at 375°F in the oven
- Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
- Required internal temperature: 165°F
But there’s more to know if you want truly delicious chicken skewers!
Factors That Affect Cooking Time
Several things can impact how long your chicken skewers need in the oven:
- Size of chicken pieces – Larger chunks need more time
- Marinade used – Some marinades can speed up or slow down cooking
- Oven accuracy – Not all ovens heat exactly as indicated
- Skewer material – Metal conducts heat differently than wood
- Vegetable inclusion – Veggies can affect overall cooking time
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Oven-Baked Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Prepare Your Skewers
Soak wooden skewers (like bamboo) in water for at least 30 minutes before you use them. This prevents them from burning in the oven. Metal skewers don’t need to be soaked, and they actually help cook the chicken from the inside out.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Chicken breasts or thighs that have been boned and skinned should be cut into 1-inch cubes. Uniform sizing ensures even cooking. The thighs work best for me because they stay juicy longer, but the breasts also work great!
Step 3: Marinate for Flavor
For the best flavor, marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes, though 2-4 hours or even overnight in the refrigerator is better. Some yummy marinades include:
- Greek-style with olive oil, lemon, garlic, and oregano
- Teriyaki with soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger
- BBQ-inspired with your favorite sauce and a splash of apple cider vinegar
Step 4: Preheat Your Oven
Always preheat your oven to 375°F before cooking. This ensures consistent cooking from the moment you put the skewers in.
Step 5: Assemble Your Skewers
Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, alternating with vegetables if desired. Popular veggies for skewers include:
- Bell peppers (any color)
- Red onions
- Zucchini
- Cherry tomatoes
- Mushrooms
Leave small spaces between pieces to allow heat circulation.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place the skewers on the sheet, making sure they don’t touch each other.
For easier cleanup and to prevent sticking, you can place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet and put the skewers on the rack.
Step 7: Baking Time
Place the skewers in the preheated 375°F oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. For even cooking, flip the skewers halfway through (around the 15-minute mark).
Step 8: Check for Doneness
The most reliable way to know your chicken is done is by using a meat thermometer. Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Insert the thermometer into the thickest piece of chicken to check.
If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the largest piece – the meat should be white throughout with no pink areas, and the juices should run clear.
Pro Tips for Amazing Oven-Baked Chicken Skewers
- Don’t crowd the skewers – Leave space between pieces for even cooking
- Consider using the broiler – For the last 2-3 minutes, switch to broil for a nice char similar to grilled skewers
- Double-skewer for easier flipping – Using two skewers parallel to each other prevents the chicken from rotating when you flip
- Let rest before serving – Allow skewers to rest for 3-5 minutes after removing from the oven to keep juices inside the meat
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Chicken Is Dry
If your chicken turns out dry, you might be cooking it too long or your chicken pieces might be too small. Next time, try:
- Cutting slightly larger pieces
- Checking temperature earlier
- Using chicken thighs instead of breasts
- Marinating longer
Chicken Is Undercooked
If some pieces are still pink inside:
- Make sure all pieces are cut to similar sizes
- Check that your oven temperature is accurate
- Allow more cooking time
- Ensure skewers aren’t overcrowded
Vegetables Are Overcooked
If your veggies are too soft while the chicken is perfect:
- Cut vegetables into larger pieces than the chicken
- Add vegetables to the skewers later or remove earlier
- Consider skewering vegetables separately from meat
Serving Suggestions
Chicken skewers are super versatile! Here are some of my favorite ways to serve them:
- Over a bed of rice pilaf or couscous
- With a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping
- Wrapped in warm pita bread with lettuce and tomato
- Alongside a Greek or Mediterranean salad
- With roasted potatoes and a simple green vegetable
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Leftover chicken skewers? Lucky you! Here’s how to handle them:
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Storage: Remove chicken and vegetables from skewers and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
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Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch but might make the chicken a bit rubbery.
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Repurposing: Leftover chicken skewer meat makes great additions to salads, wraps, grain bowls, or pasta dishes the next day.
Final Thoughts
Cooking chicken skewers in the oven at 375°F is a reliable method that gives you delicious results with minimal effort. The 25-30 minute cooking window is a good starting point, but remember that your specific oven, the size of your chicken pieces, and the skewer material can all influence the exact time needed.
Always check for that magic 165°F internal temperature to ensure your chicken is safe to eat while still remaining juicy and flavorful.
FAQ About Cooking Chicken Skewers
Can I use frozen chicken for skewers?
It’s best to thaw chicken completely before making skewers. Frozen chicken won’t cook evenly and the marinade won’t penetrate properly.
Should I cover my chicken skewers in the oven?
No, don’t cover the skewers. Leaving them uncovered allows for better heat circulation and helps achieve a nice outer texture.
Can I prepare chicken skewers ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken and even thread the skewers up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning?
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) before using them. This helps prevent them from burning in the oven.
Can I cook chicken skewers at a different temperature?
Yes! At 400°F, they’ll take about 20-25 minutes. At 350°F, plan for 30-35 minutes. Always check for that 165°F internal temperature regardless of cooking time.
Thread chicken in wooden skewers
When you are ready to bake the chicken, thread each chicken tender through each skewer. If you’re worried about the wood catching fire, you can soak the wooden skewers in water for about 20 minutes. But I didn’t find that to be necessary when I cooked the chicken in the oven.
But when I broiled and grilled the chicken in the oven, some of the skewer tips got charred wood. I placed a piece of foil over the exposed wooden skewers closest to the direct heat. In this case, placing the skewers in water would have been a good idea.
Chipotle Chicken Skewers In The Oven
Chicken skewers in a peanut sauce have been my favorite meal for years, but I have to say that the chipotle and adobo sauce in these skewers are giving my other recipe some competition. I’ve made these skewers three times in the past month!.
Chipotle chili has a smokey rich flavor, which I tone down with a little brown sugar. It tastes great together, but you can also make a quick dipping sauce that I will explain below.
Don’t limit this to cooking in the oven. These chicken skewers can also be cooked cook on the stove top, under a broiler or grilled.
When you bake in the oven, these will take about 10-20 minutes to cook. The exact time will be dependent on how thick the chicken tenders are. The other methods will cook in under 10 minutes with the direct heat.
Remember that according to the Food Safety guidelines, chicken should be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
