Best Apricot Chicken Kabobs Recipes

Apricot chicken kabobs are a delicious and healthy meal that is perfect for both lunch and dinner. The dish is made by marinating chicken pieces with apricot puree, herbs, and spices before threading them onto skewers with veggies such as bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. The kabobs are then grilled, which gives them a smoky flavor and makes them juicy and tender. The sweetness of apricots contrasts beautifully with the savoury chicken to create a mouthwatering flavor that everyone will love.

The Health Benefits of Apricot Chicken Kabobs

Apricot chicken kabobs are a nutritious meal that provides a range of health benefits. Firstly, chicken is an excellent source of lean protein which is important for building and repairing muscle tissue in the body. Additionally, apricots are rich in fiber, potassium, and vitamins A and C which are essential for maintaining good health. The veggies added to the kabobs such as peppers and mushrooms are a good source of antioxidants and essential nutrients such as vitamin B and D.

How to Make Apricot Chicken Kabobs

To make apricot chicken kabobs, you will need the following ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
• 1 cup of apricot puree
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon of dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into squares
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into squares
• 1 red onion, cut into squares
• 8-10 mushrooms, cleaned and stemmed
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Step 1: Marinating the Chicken

Start by marinating the chicken in the apricot puree, olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix all these ingredients in a bowl and add chicken pieces, toss everything together thoroughly to ensure the chicken is fully coated. Cover the bowl with cling film and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight if possible. This allows the chicken to absorb the flavors and become tender.

Step 2: Preparing the Skewers

While the chicken is marinading, cut the veggies into bite-size pieces and set aside. Once the chicken is ready, start to prepare the skewers by threading the chicken and veggies onto the skewers in any pattern you desire. If you use wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent them from burning.

Step 3: Grilling the Kabobs

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Once the grill is hot, place the kabobs on the grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes on each side. You can baste the kabobs with extra apricot puree to boost the flavor and to prevent them from becoming dry. The chicken should be cooked through, and the veggies should have some char marks.

Serving the Kabobs

Once the kabobs are done, take them off the grill and let them rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve with sides like couscous, salad or grilled bread. Alternatively, you can top the kabobs with a sauce of your choice such as a garlic-yogurt or a BBQ sauce. Enjoy!

Conclusion

Apricot chicken kabobs are a healthy, flavorful and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for a summer BBQ, dinner party or even a weekday dinner. With fresh, wholesome ingredients and a great mix of flavors, they are sure to become a family-favorite. So, next time you are looking to add some diversity to your dinner table, give this recipe a try!

Apricot chicken kabobs are a delicious and healthy grilling option for summer. These kabobs are easy to prepare and cook, making them a perfect option for a quick weeknight dinner or a party. The combination of chicken, fresh vegetables, and apricot glaze is simply irresistible. However, making these kabobs requires some cooking skills and knowledge. Here are some valuable tips to help you make the perfect apricot chicken kabobs.

Tip 1: Choose the Right Chicken

Choosing the right chicken is key to making great apricot chicken kabobs. You want to use chicken breast or chicken thighs that are boneless and skinless. Boneless chicken is easy to cut into uniform cubes, making it easier to cook evenly on the grill. You also want to make sure that the chicken is fresh and of good quality. If possible, go for organic or free-range chicken that is hormone and antibiotic-free.

Tip 2: Marinate the Chicken

Marinating is a great way to add flavor to your chicken and keep it juicy when grilling. For apricot chicken kabobs, a sweet and tangy marinade is ideal. You can use a store-bought apricot marinade or make your own. Simply mix apricot jam, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger in a bowl and whisk until smooth. Add the chicken to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.

Tip 3: Prepare the Vegetables

Vegetables are an important part of apricot chicken kabobs. Not only do they add color and flavor, but they also provide essential nutrients. You can use any vegetables you like, but some of the best options for kabobs include bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and mushrooms. Cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces as the chicken, so they cook evenly. If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for half an hour before threading the vegetables and chicken onto them.

Tip 4: Cook the Kabobs Properly

Cooking the kabobs properly is crucial to making them tasty and safe to eat. Grill the kabobs over medium-high heat, turning them occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are slightly charred. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the chicken and the heat of the grill, but it usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Tip 5: Glaze the Kabobs

Glazing the kabobs with apricot sauce is the final touch that adds a burst of flavor to the dish. You can brush the kabobs with the marinade during cooking or make a separate glaze. To make a glaze, simply heat apricot jam, soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and simmer for a few minutes until it thickens. Brush the glaze over the kabobs during the last few minutes of cooking.

Tip 6: Serve the Kabobs

When the kabobs are cooked and glazed, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the meat to become more tender. Serve the kabobs with a side of rice, couscous, or salad. You can also garnish with chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley for a fresh touch.

Conclusion

Apricot chicken kabobs are a flavorful and healthy option for summer grilling. With these valuable tips, you can make perfectly cooked and delicious kabobs every time. Whether you are cooking for yourself or a crowd, apricot chicken kabobs are sure to be a hit.