Description
These Chicken Pesto Kabobs feature tender, marinated chicken thighs paired with juicy cherry tomatoes, grilled to perfection with a flavorful homemade or store-bought pesto. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal that’s bursting with fresh herbal flavors and an inviting smoky char.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade and Meat
- 1 cup pesto, homemade or store-bought
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 ¼-inch cubes
Vegetables and Seasoning
- 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, add the chicken cubes and pour in the pesto sauce. Ensure all chicken pieces are evenly coated with pesto for maximum flavor infusion.
- Marinate: Seal the bag or cover the bowl and marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator, turning occasionally to ensure even coating throughout.
- Prepare for Cooking: Before cooking, remove the chicken from the marinade and drain any excess pesto to prevent flare-ups or burning on the grill.
- Assemble Kabobs: Alternately thread the marinated chicken pieces and cherry tomatoes onto skewers, creating an attractive and balanced kabob.
- Season: Lightly season the skewers with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high temperature, which ensures proper cooking and appealing grill marks.
- Grill Kabobs: Place the assembled kabobs on the hot grill. Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally to cook evenly, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is no longer pink inside.
- Alternative Baking Method: If grilling is not an option, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place kabobs on a baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking to achieve even doneness.
- Serve: Remove the kabobs from heat, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Use metal or soaked wooden skewers to prevent burning on the grill.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- Switching cherry tomatoes for other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini can add variety.
- Leftover pesto can be stored separately and used as a dipping sauce.
