Chicken Pesto Kabobs
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No-fuss easy peasy 4-ingredient kabobs! Make ahead of time (bake or grill) so you can whip this up anytime, anywhere!
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why i love this recipe
- Easy make-ahead recipe. These chicken kabobs can easily be made ahead of time, marinating overnight and throwing it on the grill or oven right before serving. The longer it sits, the better it tastes!
- Perfect for summer entertaining. This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled, great for entertaining guests all season long. And it checks all the boxes – quick, easy and a crowd-favorite. No fuss, no muss here.
- Short ingredient list. All you need is pesto, chicken, fresh cherry tomatoes (or your favorite veggie), salt and pepper + fresh basil leaves as a garnish (which you can absolutely skip).
- Great way to use up basil. Have an overabundance of basil in your garden? Or have leftover basil from the last grocery run? Never let fresh basil go to waste. We can make all the pesto here for the best kabobs ever. And leftover pesto can easily be frozen into ice cube trays for later use.
- Flexible recipe. Use store-bought or homemade pesto (a 5 min pesto recipe thanks to the food processor). This recipe will also work with any part of the chicken on hand – breasts, thighs or tenderloins – whether it’s on the grill, on the stovetop or in the oven (more on that below).
how to make the easiest chicken pesto kabobs
- Add all the pesto ingredients into a food processor and pulse, pulse pulse (make ahead 5-7 days in advance)
- Combine the chicken and pesto, marinating overnight
- Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes (if using)
- Thread chicken + tomatoes (or desired vegetable)
- Preheat the grill (or cast iron grill pan or oven)
- Add to grill + cook until charred, smoky and cooked through (165°F)
- Serve with arugula salad + crusty bread
tips and tricks for success
- An outdoor grill is not necessary. Too cold to grill outside? A cast iron grill pan can be used to get those favorited grill marks and charred flavor. These can also be baked at 400°F for 15-20 minutes (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F), brushing with some leftover pesto during the last few minutes of cook time.
- Homemade pesto makes all the difference. While store-bought pesto can save a few minutes in the kitchen, homemade pesto will be much more fresh and vibrant, coming together in just 5 minutes. Homemade pesto also freezes beautifully!
- Cut in uniform size. Cut all of the kabob ingredients in similar size pieces for a consistent bite, and to ensure even cooking.
- Work in batches. An overcrowded grill or pan can lead to uneven cooking and poor browning. Work in batches to maintain high heat for a good sear and crispy crust on each chicken skewer.
- Use an instant-read thermometer for the most accurate results. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- Let your meat rest. Let your chicken kabob rest for at least 5 minutes prior to serving, allowing the juices to redistribute – this will allow for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- Reheat in the oven. Leftover chicken can be rubbery when reheated. For best results with leftovers, reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered in aluminum foil until warmed through.
- Mix it up. Swap out the tomatoes for different vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, red onion or bell peppers. You can also serve these as skewers, salad mix-ins, or grain bowls. The possibilities are endless.
what to serve with chicken pesto kabobs
- Italian Chopped Salad
- Warm Potato Salad
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
- Baked Garlic Herb Potato Wedges
Tools For This Recipe
Metal skewers or wooden skewers
Chicken Pesto Kabobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, chicken breasts can absolutely be used here but chicken thighs have more dark meat and a higher fat content which will yield juicier, more flavorful chicken.
Metal skewers are sturdy and reusable but note that they will retain heat so please be careful when serving. Wooden skewers can also be used but can burn over a hot grill. I recommend soaking them overnight in water (or at least 30 minutes) prior to using.
No grill, no problem. A cast iron grill pan or a large cast iron skillet will work beautifully here, especially during those winter months when it’s too cold to grill out!
These chicken kabobs can be baked at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F). Feel free to brush some of the leftover pesto the last 2-3 minutes.
To ensure juicy, moist chicken, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, avoid overcooking (use an instant-read thermometer) and let it rest prior to serving.
Yes! The chicken can be marinated overnight and placed in the fridge. The homemade pesto can also be made 5-7 days ahead of time, stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Chicken Pesto Kabobs
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a gallon size Ziploc bag or large bowl, combine chicken and pesto; marinate for at least 1 hour to overnight, turning the bag occasionally. Drain chicken from the pesto.
- Thread chicken and cherry tomatoes onto skewers; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Preheat grill to medium high heat.
- Add skewers to grill, and cook, turning occasionally, until the chicken is completely cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 10-12 minutes.*
- Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, if desired.
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I love finding new pesto recipes! I don’t eat meat but will for sure be trying the pesto on pasta or veggies!
http://www.sprinklesandsaturdays.com
It works on the barbecue?
Yes!
I think it’s time to change that “official” date for the start of the summer. I think summers starts way before, like a good month before!
Do you think I could substitute a fish like tilapia instead of using chicken?
Unfortunately, without further recipe testing, I cannot answer with certainty. As always, please use your best judgment.
I made this on the grill with shrimp and it was delicious just like the chicken! We cooked the veggies (peppers, onions, tomatoes) separate because the shrimp cooks so quickly and we wanted to make sure the vegetables were done.
They made a great 4th of July picnic dinner while watching fireworks! Everyone loved them and I had the leftovers cold for lunch.
That’s awesome!
I love it when I have all the ingredients to make a meal! See you tonight for dinner, pesto kabobs!