Why You’ll Love Fajita Chicken Kabobs Recipe
These fajita chicken kabobs bring all the favorite elements of traditional fajitas — zesty seasonings, vibrant veggies, and tender chicken — to an easy grilled skewer format that’s fun to make and even better to eat. The marinade infuses each bite with bold flavor, and the quick grill time means dinner is on the table fast.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1½ pounds chicken breasts, skinless and boneless – cubed
3 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of 1 lime
2 tablespoons fajita seasoning
3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green) – cut into pieces
1 yellow onion – cut into pieces
Wooden or metal skewers (soak wooden ones if grilling)
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
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In a large bowl, toss the cubed chicken with olive oil, lime juice, fajita seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let marinate while you prepare the vegetables.
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Core and deseed the bell peppers and cut them into 1‑inch pieces. Quarter the onion and cut into similar‑sized pieces.
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Thread the marinated chicken and vegetables onto skewers, alternating pieces so each skewer has a mix of chicken and veggies.
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Preheat your grill to medium‑high heat. Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
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Place the kabobs on the grill and cook for about 6–8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Remove from the grill and serve warm.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep time: ~15 minutes
Cook time: ~15 minutes
Total time: ~30 minutes
Variations
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the marinade for heat.
• Citrus Twist: Swap lime juice for a mix of lime and orange juice in the marinade for a slightly sweeter flavor.
• Veggie Add‑ins: Add zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms to the skewers for more color and nutrients.
• Oven Option: If you don’t have a grill, bake the kabobs in a 450°F oven for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway.
Storage/Reheating
• To Store: Place leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
• To Reheat: Warm gently in the microwave or in a 350°F oven until heated through. For best texture, reheat on a baking sheet in the oven so the veggies stay firmer.
FAQs
What type of chicken is best for fajita kabobs?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well; breasts are leaner while thighs stay a bit more tender and juicy.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers?
Yes, soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20–30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
Can I make these kabobs without a grill?
Yes, kabobs can be baked in the oven or cooked on a stovetop grill pan if you don’t have an outdoor grill.
How long should the chicken marinate?
Marinating for at least 15 minutes enhances flavor; for deeper flavor, marinate up to a few hours.
What should I serve with fajita chicken kabobs?
Serve with rice, tortillas, guacamole, sour cream, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Can I use vegetables other than peppers and onions?
Yes — zucchini, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes are great alternatives or additions.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is no longer pink in the center.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble kabobs up to a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to grill.
Is fajita seasoning necessary?
Fajita seasoning adds classic flavor, but you can use taco seasoning or your own spice blend if preferred.
Can I freeze leftover kabobs?
You can freeze cooked chicken pieces (without veggies for best texture) for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
Conclusion
Fajita Chicken Kabobs are a versatile and flavorful way to enjoy the beloved taste of fajitas with minimal fuss. With a simple marinade, vibrant veggies, and quick grilling, this recipe delivers a satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts. Customize the spices or veggies to suit your taste and enjoy a colorful plate of smoky, juicy kabobs.
Fajita Chicken Kabobs
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- Author: Mia
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Fajita Chicken Kabobs are a vibrant and flavorful dish, combining marinated chicken with colorful bell peppers and onions. Grilled to perfection, they make a delicious and healthy meal that’s perfect for summer cookouts or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper to make the marinade.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes if using wooden ones to prevent burning.
- Thread the marinated chicken, bell peppers, and red onion onto skewers, alternating between each ingredient.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates.
- Grill the kabobs for about 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
- Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare the marinade and chicken a day ahead for deeper flavor.
- Serve with rice, tortillas, or salad for a complete meal.
- Use metal skewers to avoid soaking and for easier handling on the grill.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (approx.)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
