Speedy Broiled Chicken Skewers
The clock is ticking, the hunger pangs are real, and meltdowns are imminent. We’ve all been there, right? That moment when dinner feels like a marathon you just don’t have the energy for.
But what if I told you that juicy, perfectly charred chicken, the kind that makes everyone at the table cheer, can be on your plate in the time it takes to scroll through social media?
This recipe is your secret weapon for those chaotic evenings when every second counts. Get ready to win dinner, fast!
Instructions
Get Your Kitchen Ready, Mama!
First things first, let’s get that oven fired up and ready to work its magic. Crank your broiler to high – we want it nice and hot! And for those moments when you just can’t deal with scrubbing pans, line a baking sheet with some foil. Trust me, it’s a game changer for cleanup later, giving you more time for those precious cuddles (or maybe just five minutes of peace!).
Whipping Up Some Flavor
Now for the fun part! Grab a medium bowl and toss your chicken cubes – and here’s a little Mom Hack for you: use pre cut chicken strips or cubes to save even more time! – with a drizzle of olive oil. Sprinkle in that paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Get your hands in there and make sure every little piece is coated beautifully. You want that yummy, savory goodness all over. If you’re feeling fancy and have a few extra minutes, thread the seasoned chicken onto skewers. You can even tuck in some colorful bell pepper chunks, onion pieces, or sweet cherry tomatoes in between the chicken for a little pop of freshness and color. It makes them look so much more exciting for the kiddos!
Broil to Perfection & Serve with Love
Arrange those gorgeous skewers on your foil lined baking sheet, making sure they have a little space to breathe and aren’t all crowded. Slide that sheet under the broiler, about 4 to 6 inches away from the heat. Now, keep a close eye on them – broiling is fast! Let them cook for about 6 to 8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has those irresistible, slightly charred edges. You’ll smell that amazing aroma filling your kitchen! Once they’re done, carefully take them out and let them rest for just a minute. Serve them up hot with your favorite dipping sauces – ranch or BBQ are always big hits in our house! For any lucky leftovers, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently in the oven or microwave when you’re ready for another taste of deliciousness.
Why This Saves Your Sanity
The magic here is the broiler! It’s the ultimate speed demon for cooking, delivering that delicious char and juicy interior in a fraction of the time. Plus, we’re working with thin cuts of chicken, which means lightning fast cooking. Throw in a foil lined baking sheet for cleanup that’s almost as speedy as the cooking itself. It’s the perfect storm of efficiency for those frantic weeknights.
Grocery Heroes
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are your best friend here – they cook super fast and are easy to cube. And don’t even get me started on the convenience of pre ground spices like paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. They’re the flavor powerhouses that require zero prep. Just sprinkle and go!
Speedy Broiled Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
Chicken Skewers
- 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes
Optional Veggies (for threading onto skewers)
- 1 bell pepper cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion cut into 1-inch pieces
- Cherry tomatoes
Instructions
- Preheat your broiler to high. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
- In a medium bowl, toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Thread the seasoned chicken onto the skewers. If using, add pieces of bell pepper, onion, or cherry tomatoes between the chicken pieces.
- Arrange the skewers on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching.
- Place the baking sheet under the broiler, about 4-6 inches from the heat source. Broil for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and nicely charred. Watch closely to prevent burning!
- Carefully remove skewers from the oven. Let rest for a minute before serving.
Notes
Serving & Leftovers
Serve these speedy skewers hot off the broiler with your favorite quick sides like a bagged salad kit or some microwave steamed veggies. They’re also fantastic dipped in ranch or BBQ sauce for extra kid appeal!
Leftovers? Pack them into lunchboxes the next day or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They reheat like a dream!
