If you are looking to brighten up your meal rotation with something both hearty and vibrant, this Chicken and Sweet Potato Kebabs Recipe will quickly become a favorite. The tender chunks of marinated chicken pair beautifully with the naturally sweet, soft sweet potatoes and the fresh crunch of bell pepper and onion. Every bite bursts with layers of flavor—zesty lemon, aromatic thyme, and smoky paprika—all grilled or roasted to perfection, making this dish as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be simple, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the irresistible harmony you’ll find in this recipe. From the juicy chicken cubes to the sweet and tender potatoes, every element adds texture, flavor, and color to these kebabs.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cubed evenly for quick, uniform cooking and juicy results.
- Medium sweet potatoes: Peeled and cubed to balance the savory flavors with natural sweetness.
- Red bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and crisp sweetness that complements the meat.
- Red onion: Provides a sharp, slightly sweet bite that softens during cooking.
- Olive oil: Helps to tenderize and infuse the chicken with flavor while preventing sticking.
- Lemon juice: Brings a fresh, tangy brightness to lift the entire dish.
- Garlic cloves: Minced for an aromatic punch that’s essential in marinades.
- Fresh thyme: Or dried thyme, adding an earthy, herbal note to the kebabs.
- Smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky warmth and beautiful rich color.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, seasoning the ingredients perfectly.
- Wooden or metal skewers: For assembling and grilling the kebabs.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped for garnish, giving a fresh, vibrant finish.
- Lemon wedges: Served alongside for extra zing when squeezed over the kebabs.
How to Make Chicken and Sweet Potato Kebabs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Sweet Potatoes
Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you’re roasting or preheating your grill to medium-high heat—both work wonderfully for this dish. Then, boil the cubed sweet potatoes for about 5 to 6 minutes until they’re just tender but not falling apart. This step ensures they cook through evenly on the skewer alongside the chicken.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to create a vibrant marinade. Toss the chicken cubes in this flavorful blend and let them soak up all those delicious aromas for at least 15 minutes. This brief marination lets the chicken become tender and infused with bright, herby, smoky notes that make every bite memorable.
Step 3: Assemble the Kebabs
Grab your skewers and start threading the ingredients. Alternate pieces of marinated chicken, boiled sweet potato cubes, red bell pepper squares, and red onion pieces. This not only looks stunning but helps balance each bite with different textures and tastes, from the smoky chicken to the sweetness of the potatoes and freshness of the veggies.
Step 4: Cook the Kebabs
You can either grill the kebabs for 10 to 12 minutes, turning frequently to ensure even cooking and those lovely char marks, or roast them in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until everything is cooked through and tender. Both methods infuse that perfect smoky or roasted flavor that defines this Chicken and Sweet Potato Kebabs Recipe.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, transfer the kebabs to a lovely platter and sprinkle generously with freshly chopped parsley. Add lemon wedges on the side to brighten each skewer with a spritz of fresh citrus just before eating. This simple finishing touch elevates the entire dish and adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
How to Serve Chicken and Sweet Potato Kebabs Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped fresh parsley not only adds a burst of green color but also a subtle freshness that balances the smoky, savory kebabs beautifully. A squeeze of lemon right before serving brings a zesty, bright pop that awakens every ingredient.
Side Dishes
These kebabs are quite a meal on their own, but pairing them with a crisp green salad or fluffy couscous with herbs makes for a well-rounded plate. You could also serve them alongside some warm pita bread or a cooling yogurt dip to complement the spices perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the kebabs over a bed of fluffy quinoa or wild rice mixed with chopped herbs and toasted nuts. Another idea is arranging the skewers on a wooden board with colorful bowls of dipping sauces like tzatziki or a smoky harissa for communal sharing at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got any kebabs left, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the skewers in if you like, or remove the pieces and layer them between parchment paper to maintain the texture and prevent sticking.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked kebabs by placing them on a baking sheet to flash freeze before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. This prevents them from clumping together. Frozen kebabs can last up to 2 months and make a quick, flavorful meal when you’re short on time.
Reheating
To reheat, remove from the freezer overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, pop them on the grill or a stovetop grill pan to revive that delicious char and smoky flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables in this Chicken and Sweet Potato Kebabs Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap or add in zucchini, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or even chunks of pineapple for a sweet and juicy contrast. Just make sure to cut everything to similar sizes for even cooking.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers before using them?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes before threading helps prevent them from burning on the grill or in the oven. It’s a small step that ensures safe and perfect kebabs every time.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This dish is naturally gluten-free as written. Just make sure that any side dishes or store-bought ingredients like spices do not contain hidden gluten if you need to avoid it completely.
Is it better to grill or roast the kebabs?
Both methods are fantastic. Grilling adds a nice smoky char that amps up the flavor, perfect for outdoor cookouts, while roasting in the oven is convenient and great for any weather. Choose based on your mood and equipment.
How long should I marinate the chicken for this recipe?
At minimum, 15 minutes allows the chicken to soak up the marinade flavors, but if you have time, marinating for a couple of hours or overnight will make the chicken even more flavorful and juicy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Chicken and Sweet Potato Kebabs Recipe that makes it a joy to cook and even more satisfying to eat. With its vibrant colors, delicious marinades, and easy-to-follow steps, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Give this recipe a try—I promise it’ll become one of those meals you crave again and again!
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Chicken and Sweet Potato Kebabs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes (grilling) or 25 minutes (roasting)
- Total Time: 32-45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Chicken and Sweet Potato Kebabs are a flavorful and nutritious dish perfect for grilling or roasting. Tender chicken breast is marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices, then skewered with sweet potatoes, red bell pepper, and red onion. Quick to prepare and packed with vibrant colors and tastes, these kebabs make a healthy and satisfying meal ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares
- 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
Marinade & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Additional
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat equipment. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare your grill to medium-high heat to get ready for cooking the kebabs.
- Boil sweet potatoes. Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in boiling water and cook for 5-6 minutes until slightly tender but still firm. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Prepare marinade. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, fresh or dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade for the chicken.
- Marinate chicken. Add the cubed chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Assemble kebabs. Thread the marinated chicken, boiled sweet potatoes, red bell pepper squares, and red onion pieces alternately onto wooden or metal skewers.
- Cook kebabs. Place the assembled skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking, or place them on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
- Serve. Remove the kebabs from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges for an added fresh citrus flavor.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling helps prevent them from burning.
- Boiling the sweet potatoes before grilling ensures they cook thoroughly and evenly.
- You can substitute thyme with rosemary or oregano for a different herb flavor.
- Serve with a side of rice, salad, or flatbread for a complete meal.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences.
