Check out our take on classic chicken kabobs in the oven made quickly by using microwaveable potatoes, colorful peppers, and savory onions, seasoned in a dry ranch dressing and oil marinade. This easy-bake dinner brings the convenience of sheet pan cooking to your dinner table, while the ranch kick adds a tasty twist.
This is the ultimate baked chicken recipe when grilling is not an option. When the weather isn’t cooperating or you are seeking a chicken recipe that can be made indoors, let this chicken kabob recipe come to mind!
These kabobs promise savory flavors with the convenience and ease of baking in the oven. With the combination of chicken, vegetables and potatoes, you can expect a nutrient boost with each bite. This is a family-friendly recipe that encourages everyone to add more veggies to their dinner plate. For another quick dinner check out this yummy cheesy chicken recipe.
Whether it is a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, these chicken skewers in the oven can offer a delightful way to bring the family together around the table. Enjoy!
We are excited to partner with Pick ‘N Save/Metro Market, a store we’ve proudly supported for years. Their Kroger and Simple Truth brands ensure quality and savings, adding an extra layer of assurance for families. Create Kids Club values wholesome choices and delicious meals, and our collaboration creates an ideal platform for affordable, quality living.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breasts, cut into large cubes ✅
- 4 multicolored peppers, cut into large pieces
- 16 ounces microwavable potatoes ✅ We love using the Private Selection microwaveable potatoes from Pick ‘N Save
- 1 large red onion, sliced into wedges
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 packet dry ranch dressing mix ✅
Gluten-Free Guide: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten.
How To Cook Chicken Kabobs in Oven
Preheat the oven to 450°F. Then, microwave the potatoes per package instructions. Discard the seasoning mix or save for later. Prepare vegetables and chicken cutting into large cubes.
Blend the olive oil and the dry ranch dressing. Add 2/3 of the mixture to the chicken. Let marinate for 30 minutes if desired. Once potatoes are done add them to a mixing bowl with the peppers and onions. Add the rest of the marinade to the vegetables. Gently stir.
Alternate vegetables and chicken on the skewers. If you have leftover vegetables, you can place them in a baking pan and bake with the skewers.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken’s internal temperature is 165°F. Do not overcook. You can broil for a couple minutes to char the vegetables but make sure to cut back on cooking time to ensure the chicken doesn’t over cook.
Helpful Recipe Tips
- Swap the Vegetables: The bell peppers and onions can be swapped with other produce varieties or additional veggies can be added to the skewers. A few great options include slices of zucchini or yellow squash, large broccoli florets, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, corn on the cob chunks or brussels sprouts.
- Cut Uniform Chicken Chunks: Cutting the chicken into chunks is the best way to prevent the chicken from falling off the skewer. Cutting into uniform pieces ensures even cooking.
- Choose the Right Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken makes the best choice when making homemade kabobs. Chicken breasts, thighs or tenders can be used based on preference or affordability.
- Marinate for Flavor: If able, marinate the chicken in the ranch marinade for at least 30 minutes. This helps to elevate the flavor while tenderizing the chicken. You can also marinate overnight if prepared in advance.
- Prep the Vegetables: It is best to slice the vegetables into bite size pieces for ease. You can then assemble the skewers, alternating between different colored vegetables, chicken and potatoes.
- Line the Baking Sheet: For easy clean-up, line the baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Place the assembled chicken kabobs on top of the liner, leaving space between each kabob for best results.
- Broil for a Charred Finish: For a charred finish, broil the kabobs after fully cooked while keeping an eye on the ingredients to prevent burning.
- Serve with Sides: Keep reading for a full list of side dishes that pair well with chicken kabobs.
Marinade Variations
Switching up the marinade is a great way to add variety to mealtime. From kid-approved ranch to BBQ, honey garlic and lemon herb, there are numerous options for adding flavor when cooking chicken kabobs in the oven.
- Honey Garlic: Blend a mixture of minced garlic, olive oil and honey before adding the chicken chunks.
- BBQ: Coat the chicken chunks with your favorite barbeque sauce after assembled on the skewer.
- Lemon Herb: Mix together a marinade of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs. Rosemary, thyme and oregano all pair well with the zesty lemon.
- Chili Lime: Blend lime zest, lime juice, chili powder, cumin and smoked paprika together then marinate the chicken chunks before adding to the skewers.
- Garlic Parmesan: Coat the chicken pieces in a mixture of grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning and olive oil then bake as directed.
Do you have a picky eater at home? Marinate the chicken in olive oil then bake as directed. Serve the kabobs with a variety of dipping sauces to allow your picky one to try a combination of flavors or eat plain if desired.
What To Serve With Chicken Skewers
Chicken skewers, whether grilled or baked, are versatile and pair well with almost any side dish. Here are some kid-approved options:
- Rice: Fluffy rice makes a great accompaniment. You can add herbs, additional veggies or pine nuts to enhance the flavor. We often find ourselves making a batch of Gluten Free Spanish Rice or Instant Pot Wild Rice to serve alongside.
- Qunioa: As an alternative to rice, quinoa is nutrient dense option that complements the baked chicken and vegetables. For a quick and easy way to make quinoa, check out our Quinoa Instant Pot recipe.
- Cauliflower Rice: A low carb option that also adds more vegetables to the table. Season with olive oil and fresh herbs to elevate the flavor. You can even mix a packet of dry ranch seasoning into cauliflower rice to mimic the flavor of the marinade.
- Fruit Salad: A sweet fruit salad with seasonal favorites is a great option, especially for kids. From Fruit Salad With Watermelon to Mango Chunks, our family also loves to serve Pineapple Pieces with kabobs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken’s internal temperature is 165°F. The smaller the chicken and vegetable chunks, the quicker the kabobs will cook so depend on a kitchen thermometer to let you know when the chicken is done to prevent overcooking.
Start by peeling off the outer skin of the onion and removing the top and bottom ends. Slice the onion in half then separate the layers of the onion by peeling them apart. Cut each half of the onion into chunks that are roughly the same size as the bell pepper pieces. The wedge-shaped onion pieces will stay on the skewer better than thin slices.
Yes, but you will need to soak prior to adding the ingredients. Plan to soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before assembling to prevent them from burning in the oven.
Unlike grilled kabobs, flipping is not necessary when baked in the oven. This is another reason we prefer oven baked chicken kabobs, especially when attempting to tackle multiple tasks before dinner.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
To store safely, allow the chicken, potatoes and vegetables to cool to room temperature. Once cool, remove ingredients from the skewers and transfer to an airtight container with a lid.
The ingredients can be stored together or in separate containers based on personal preference. Immediately refrigerate the leftovers and consume within 3-4 days.
If you won’t be consuming within a few days, consider freezing the leftovers. Label the container with the date then place in the freezer for up to 3 months.
For best results, return the chicken, potatoes and vegetables to a clean sheet pan and warm at a low temperature (325-350°F) until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This will prevent the chicken from drying out while also bringing the ingredients to a safe temperature to consume.
- When handling raw chicken, do not touch other surfaces or ingredients without washing hands. After all the vegetables have been chopped, you can remove the chicken from the package and cut into chunks. After assembling all the skewers, wash your hands and wipe down the prep surface.
- When assembling the kabobs, be careful not to pierce your finger or hand. Hold the piece of chicken, potato or vegetable and slide onto the skewer carefully.
- If broiling the kabobs, set a kitchen timer or watch through the oven door with the oven light on to prevent burning the ingredients. It only takes a few minutes before the chicken and vegetables will start to look charred on the top. At that point, ask your kitchen helper to turn off the broiler.
More Baked Chicken Recipes
- Mayonnaise Baked Chicken Thighs
- Oven Baked Chicken Tacos
- Baked Chicken Ziti Casserole
- Chicken Drumsticks in Oven
- Baked Chicken Burgers
- Gluten-Free Homemade Chicken Nuggets
- Baked Chicken Thighs
- BBQ Chicken Thighs In The Oven
CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.
The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.
Chicken Kabobs In Oven
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breasts ✅ cut into large cubes
- 4 multicolored peppers cut into large peices
- 16 ounces microwavable potatoes ✅
- 1 large red onion sliced into wedges
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 packet dry ranch dressing mix ✅
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 450°F
- Prep the vegetables. Microwave the potatoes per package instructions. Discard the seasoning mix or save for later. Prepare vegetables and chicken cutting into large cubes.
- Marinate. Blend the olive oil and the dry ranch dressing. Add 2/3 of the mixture to the chicken. Let marinate for 30 minutes if desired. Once potatoes are done add them to a mixing bowl with the peppers and onions. Add the rest of the marinade to the vegetables. Gently stir.
- Prep the skewers. Alternate vegetables and chicken on the skewers. If you have leftover vegetables you can place them in a baking pan and bake with the skewers.
- ⭐️Bake. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken's internal temperature is 165°F. Do not overcook. You can broil for a couple minutes to char the vegetables but make sure to cut back on cooking time to ensure the chicken doesn't over cook.
Video
Notes
Marinade Variations
- Honey Garlic: Blend a mixture of minced garlic, olive oil and honey before adding the chicken chunks.
- BBQ: Coat the chicken chunks with your favorite barbeque sauce after assembled on the skewer.
- Lemon Herb: Mix together a marinade of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs. Rosemary, thyme and oregano all pair well with the zesty lemon.
- Chili Lime: Blend lime zest, lime juice, chili powder, cumin and smoked paprika together then marinate the chicken chunks before adding to the skewers.
- Garlic Parmesan: Coat the chicken pieces in a mixture of grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning and olive oil then bake as directed.
Nutrition
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