Grilled Balsamic Chicken Skewers Recipe

These balsamic chicken skewers are a must-try grilling recipe before summer ends. A simple balsamic marinade keeps the chicken juicy and infuses it with bright, savory flavor.

Summer is the perfect season for grilling, and these balsamic chicken skewers are one of those easy, crowd-pleasing recipes you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you grill in the backyard, on a patio, or at a designated beach barbecue area, the combination of tangy balsamic, olive oil, and a touch of honey yields flavorful, tender chicken every time.

If you’re looking for versatile grilling ideas, these skewers pair wonderfully with pita, flatbread, rice, or a fresh green salad. They’re ideal for weekend gatherings, weeknight dinners, or potlucks because they’re simple to prepare in large batches and travel well if you need to transport them.

How to make the balsamic chicken marinade for grilling

The marinade is the key to juicy, flavorful skewers. Combine extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, a little honey for balance, and thyme. The oil helps carry the flavors and keeps the chicken moist, while balsamic adds bright acidity and a touch of sweetness.

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes; overnight yields deeper flavor if you have the time. Reserve half of the marinade for basting while grilling — this helps the skewers stay glossy and moist without over-concentrating marinade flavors before cooking.

When assembling the skewers, alternate pieces of chicken with onion, pepper, zucchini, and mushrooms. Aim for uniform pieces so everything cooks evenly. Grill the skewers for about 12 minutes, turning and basting occasionally, until the chicken reaches a safe, opaque doneness and the vegetables are tender-crisp.

These skewers are excellent with pita bread, potato flatbread, rice, or a leafy salad. They’re also a great option for feeding a crowd because they can be prepared ahead and finished on the grill just before serving.

Why make these balsamic chicken skewers?

Simple to prepare and great for beginners.
Perfect for outdoor entertaining and backyard barbecues.
Balsamic marinade keeps chicken juicy and adds rich flavor.
Scales easily for a crowd or family meal.

Good to know — grilling tips

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before grilling to reduce the chance of burning.
The number of skewers you get will depend on how many pieces you thread onto each one.
Grilling time varies based on the size of your chicken and vegetable pieces; keep sizes consistent for even cooking.
Use the reserved marinade to baste while grilling to maintain moisture and add glaze-like flavor.

Balsamic Chicken Skewers

Ingredients

1 pound chicken breasts, boneless, skinless (about 450 grams), cut into chunks
2 medium onions, cut into chunks
2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds or half-moons
2 red bell peppers, cut into squares
24 button mushrooms, cleaned

Balsamic marinade

1 cup extra virgin olive oil
2/3 cup balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons honey
2 tablespoons dried thyme

Instructions

In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and thyme until well combined.
Place the chicken chunks in a sealable container or zip-top bag. Pour in half of the marinade, seal, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
Prepare the vegetables by cutting them to a size similar to the chicken pieces so they cook at the same rate.
Thread chicken and vegetables onto skewers, alternating pieces for color and texture.
Preheat the grill to medium-high. Grill the skewers for about 12 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with the reserved marinade, until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
Serve hot with salad, pita, flatbread, rice, or your favorite sides.

Notes

I usually peel button mushrooms to remove any visible dirt. Alternatively, use a soft brush or damp cloth to clean them. Basting means brushing or spooning the reserved marinade over the skewers while they cook to keep them moist and add flavor.

Nutrition (per serving, estimate)

Calories: 104 kcal, Carbohydrates: 8 g, Protein: 10 g, Fat: 3 g, Cholesterol: 24 mg, Sodium: 53 mg, Potassium: 440 mg, Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 6 g. Nutrition values are estimates and will vary with ingredient brands and portion sizes.