Get ready to elevate your grilling game with these mouthwatering Parmesan Pesto Grilled Chicken Kabobs! Bursting with Italian flavors and the perfect balance of tender chicken and vibrant veggies, this dish is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that will impress your family and friends. With just 30 minutes of prep and cook time, you can savor the deliciousness of juicy chicken coated in rich pesto and topped with crispy Parmesan cheese. Trust us, once you try these kabobs, they will become a staple at your summer barbecues and weeknight dinners alike!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (if wooden, soak in water)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by cutting boneless, skinless chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch cubes, ensuring even cooking and consistent size.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed chicken with pesto sauce, thoroughly coating each piece to ensure maximum flavor absorption. Let marinate for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
- While chicken marinates, prepare vegetables by cutting bell pepper into similar-sized chunks and zucchini into half-moon slices approximately 1/2 inch thick.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over marinated chicken, gently tossing to create an even coating that will develop a crispy exterior when grilled.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
- Thread marinated chicken and prepared vegetables alternately onto skewers, leaving small spaces between ingredients to ensure even heat distribution.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F), ensuring grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Season kabobs with salt and freshly ground black pepper just before grilling.
- Grill kabobs for 6-8 minutes per side, rotating to achieve beautiful grill marks and ensuring chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove from grill and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, maintaining moisture and tenderness.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with additional fresh Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley for enhanced presentation.
Tips
- Uniform Cuts: For even cooking, ensure that your chicken breast cubes and vegetable pieces are cut to a similar size. This helps them cook at the same rate, resulting in perfectly grilled kabobs.
- Marinate for Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate in the pesto sauce for at least 10-15 minutes. This not only enhances the flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat.
- Vegetable Variety: Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables! Cherry tomatoes, red onions, or mushrooms can add even more color and flavor to your kabobs.
- Soak Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning. Metal skewers are also a great option for repeated use.
- Preheat the Grill: Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F) for the best grilling results. This ensures that the kabobs get a nice sear and grill marks.
- Don’t Overcrowd: When threading the kabobs, leave a little space between the chicken and vegetables. This allows for better heat circulation and ensures everything cooks evenly.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F. This guarantees that your kabobs are safe to eat and perfectly cooked.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the kabobs rest for 3-5 minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring that each bite is juicy and flavorful.
- Garnish for Presentation: For an extra touch, sprinkle fresh Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley over the kabobs before serving. It not only looks great but adds a burst of freshness!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 100mg
