Description
These Chicken Pesto Kabobs are a flavorful and easy-to-make meal featuring tender chicken thighs marinated in vibrant pesto and skewered with juicy cherry tomatoes. Perfect for grilling or baking, they deliver a savory Mediterranean-inspired taste that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend cookout.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade
- 1 cup pesto, homemade or store-bought
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 ¼-inch cubes
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine Chicken and Pesto: In a gallon-size Ziploc bag or large bowl, combine the chicken thigh cubes with the pesto sauce, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
- Marinate the Chicken: Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator, turning occasionally to keep the flavor evenly distributed.
- Prepare for Cooking: Before cooking, drain off any excess pesto from the chicken to avoid flare-ups on the grill.
- Assemble the Kabobs: Thread the marinated chicken pieces and cherry tomatoes alternately onto skewers, creating evenly spaced kabobs.
- Season: Lightly season the assembled kabobs with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure a perfect sear on the kabobs.
- Grill the Kabobs: Place the kabobs on the grill and cook, turning occasionally, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), approximately 10 to 12 minutes.
- Bake Alternative: If you prefer to bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the kabobs for 15 to 20 minutes, turning once halfway through the cooking time for even doneness.
- Serve: Serve the kabobs hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired, for a delicious and colorful presentation.
Notes
- You can use wooden or metal skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning.
- For added flavor, you can brush the kabobs with additional pesto during grilling or before baking.
- Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and moisture but can be swapped out with bell peppers or zucchini for variety.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to guarantee safety.
