Chicken skewers are the perfect quick bite, easy appetizer, or satisfying main course. They’re always a crowd-pleaser!
While grilling is a popular way to cook them, sometimes firing up the grill just isn’t practical. That’s where the oven comes in. Baking chicken skewers in the oven is simple, convenient, and delivers surprisingly delicious results. Plus, you can enjoy them year-round, no matter the weather.
Ready to learn how to cook chicken skewers in the oven to perfection? We’ve got you covered with this easy-to-follow guide.
Why choose oven-baked chicken skewers?
If you love grilled chicken skewers but don’t have a grill, or if the weather outside is frightful, baking your skewers in the oven can be a great alternative.
Convenience and accessibility
If you live in an apartment or don’t have an outdoor space, oven baking eliminates the need for a grill. You can bake any time of year, no matter what the weather’s like outside.
Health and versatility
Baking generally requires less oil than frying, so it’s a healthier way to cook. Plus, chicken skewers are easy to adapt to different diets. Whether you’re eating gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, Whole30, low-carb, or migraine-friendly, you can customize your skewers to fit your needs.
Easy cleanup
Let’s face it, cleaning a grill isn’t anyone’s favorite job. With oven baking, you can skip scrubbing those grill grates altogether.
Essential Ingredients for Delicious Chicken Skewers
Before you preheat the oven, you’ll want to gather your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make fabulous chicken skewers:
The Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts are your best bet. Chicken thighs have more flavor and stay moist, while chicken breasts are leaner. Whichever you choose, cut the chicken into similar-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes, for even cooking. If you can, buy good-quality, air-chilled chicken.
The Marinade (Crucial for Flavor!)
Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or as long as 12 hours, will tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor. Marinade options include olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, or balsamic vinegar. For extra flavor, add garlic, ginger, herbs like rosemary or thyme, or spices such as paprika or chili powder.
The Vegetables (Customize to Your Liking)
Bell peppers, onions, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms are all great on chicken skewers. Cut the vegetables into similar sizes as the chicken so everything cooks evenly. Seasonal vegetables will give you the best flavor.
Optional: BBQ Sauce or Glaze
Brush your chicken skewers with your favorite BBQ sauce, such as bourbon BBQ sauce, teriyaki sauce, or honey-garlic glaze, during the last few minutes of cooking.
Tools You’ll Need
Here’s what you should grab before you get started:
- Skewers: You can use metal or wood. Metal skewers can be used again and again, and they also help the chicken cook evenly. Wooden skewers need to soak in water for about 30 minutes so they don’t burn.
- Baking Sheet: Make sure you have a baking sheet big enough for all your skewers. Don’t overcrowd them!
- Wire Rack (optional): Putting the skewers on a wire rack helps air circulate and keeps the bottoms from getting soggy.
- Basting Brush: You’ll need this if you’re using a sauce.
- Meat Thermometer: Chicken needs to reach 165°F to be safe to eat.
Step-by-step guide to baking chicken skewers
Baking chicken skewers is simple, and it requires minimal cleanup. Here’s how to do it.
Preparing the chicken and vegetables
- Cut the chicken and vegetables into pieces that are about the same size. Aim for roughly 1-inch cubes.
- Marinate the chicken for at least half an hour. You can marinate it for as long as 12 hours to really boost the flavor.
- If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This helps keep them from burning in the oven.
Assembling the skewers
- Thread the chicken and vegetables onto the skewers, alternating between the different ingredients. Don’t pack the ingredients too tightly, or the skewers won’t cook evenly.
- Leave a little space between each piece of chicken and vegetable.
Baking the skewers
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place the skewers on a baking sheet or on a wire rack set on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. Keep in mind that the cooking time can vary depending on how big the pieces of chicken are.
Optional: Broiling for a charred finish
- Broil the skewers for 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully so they don’t burn. Broiling will add a grilled char to the outside of the skewers.
Optional: Basting with sauce
- During the last few minutes of baking, brush the skewers with BBQ sauce or your favorite glaze. This will create a sticky, flavorful coating.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Oven-Baked Skewers
Here are some tips to help you make the best chicken skewers in your oven:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers: Leave a little space between each piece of chicken and vegetable so that the heat can circulate. Overcrowding can cause steaming instead of browning.
- Cut Ingredients into Uniform Sizes: This is key to even cooking. You don’t want some pieces to be overdone while others are still raw.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Give your chicken at least 30 minutes to soak up the marinade. The longer, the better!
- Use a Meat Thermometer: The only way to be sure your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature (165°F) is to use a meat thermometer.
- Watch the Broiler Carefully: Broiling can quickly turn your skewers into a burnt offering. Keep a close eye on them!
Serving Suggestions and Side Dish Pairings
Chicken skewers are versatile! You can serve them as a quick and easy appetizer. Or, you can serve them as the main course for lunch or dinner.
Here are some sides that go great with chicken skewers:
- Rice or quinoa
- Roasted vegetables
- A simple salad
- Instant Pot Collard Greens or Jiffy Cornbread with Creamed Corn
Enjoy!
Wrapping Up
As you can see, making chicken skewers in the oven is surprisingly easy. It’s also easy to customize them to your taste. Feel free to play around with different marinades, vegetables, and sauces until you find the perfect combination.
No matter the occasion, oven-baked chicken skewers are a convenient and delicious meal.