If you’re a fan of Costco, you’ve likely encountered their tasty chicken kebabs. These flavorful and juicy skewers have become a favorite for anyone who loves quick, delicious, and healthy meals. The great news is that you can recreate the same mouthwatering Costco chicken kebab recipe at home with just a few simple ingredients. This article will guide you through the steps of making Costco-style chicken kebabs, perfect for grilling, roasting, or even baking.
Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, preparing a weeknight dinner, or meal-prepping for the week, this Costco chicken kebab recipe will become a go-to favorite for you and your family.
Why Costco Chicken Kebabs Are So Popular
Costco chicken kebabs are loved for several reasons:
- High-Quality Meat: Costco is known for offering high-quality meats, including their chicken. The chicken in their kebabs is always tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
- Great Flavor: Their seasoning blends and marinades bring a delicious, savory flavor to the kebabs that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
- Convenience: Pre-made kebabs from Costco are a quick and easy option for a healthy meal without much prep work.
However, while buying pre-made kebabs is convenient, making your own at home allows you to customize the flavor to your liking and control the ingredients for a healthier and more affordable option.
Ingredients for the Costco Chicken Kebab Recipe
To recreate the Costco chicken kebab recipe at home, you’ll need a few simple and fresh ingredients. You can adjust the amounts based on how many servings you want to make.
For the Chicken and Vegetables:
- 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-2 inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
- 1 zucchini, sliced into thick rounds (optional)
- Wooden or metal skewers (soaked in water if using wooden skewers)
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
This marinade closely mimics the delicious and savory flavors found in Costco’s pre-made kebabs, but you can always tweak the ingredients to match your personal taste preferences.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Costco Chicken Kebabs at Home
Follow these easy steps to create the perfect Costco chicken kebab recipe at home:
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
To begin, whisk together all of the marinade ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl: olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, honey, cumin, paprika, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. This marinade will coat the chicken and vegetables, adding layers of flavor that develop while everything marinates.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken and Vegetables
Place the chicken pieces into a large bowl or resealable plastic bag. Pour about half of the marinade over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. In another bowl, add the chopped vegetables (bell peppers, onions, and zucchini), then pour the remaining marinade over them. Cover both bowls (or seal the bags) and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but preferably for 2 hours. Marinating the chicken longer allows the flavors to penetrate deeper, resulting in more flavorful kebabs.
Step 3: Skewer the Chicken and Vegetables
Once the chicken and vegetables have marinated, it’s time to assemble the kebabs. Start by threading a piece of chicken onto the skewer, followed by a piece of bell pepper, onion, and zucchini (if using). Continue alternating between the chicken and vegetables until each skewer is full, making sure not to overcrowd the pieces.
Step 4: Preheat the Grill (or Oven)
If you’re grilling the kebabs, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F to 450°F). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. If you’re using the oven, preheat it to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil the surface to avoid sticking.
Step 5: Cook the Kebabs
On the Grill:
Place the kebabs on the preheated grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and has grill marks on each side. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F to ensure it’s safe to eat.
In the Oven:
If using the oven, place the kebabs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the kebabs are fully cooked, remove them from the grill or oven and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. You can serve the kebabs directly on the skewers or slide the pieces off onto a plate for easier eating.
Pair your Costco chicken kebabs with your favorite sides, such as rice, couscous, salad, or grilled flatbread, to complete the meal.
Customizing Your Chicken Kebabs
One of the best things about making your own Costco chicken kebabs at home is the ability to customize the recipe to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas to make this recipe your own:
- Try Different Marinades
While the marinade provided in this recipe mimics the classic flavors of Costco’s chicken kebabs, feel free to experiment with different flavors. For example, you can try a Mediterranean-style marinade with olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs like thyme and rosemary, or a spicy marinade using hot sauce, sriracha, or chili flakes.
2. Add More Vegetables
The beauty of kebabs is that they can accommodate a variety of vegetables. In addition to bell peppers, onions, and zucchini, you can add mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or even chunks of pineapple for a touch of sweetness.
3. Switch Up the Protein
If you prefer something other than chicken, this recipe can easily be adapted for different proteins. Try using beef, lamb, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose.
Tips for the Best Costco Chicken Kebabs
To ensure that your Costco chicken kebab recipe turns out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:
Soak Wooden Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken and vegetables. This helps prevent the skewers from burning on the grill or in the oven.
Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers
When assembling the kebabs, make sure to leave a little space between the pieces of chicken and vegetables. This allows the heat to circulate evenly around the food, ensuring everything cooks properly.
Monitor the Grill Temperature
If grilling, keep an eye on the temperature to avoid burning the outside of the kebabs before the chicken is fully cooked. Medium-high heat is ideal for achieving a good sear while cooking the chicken through.
Use a Meat Thermometer
For perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F. This will ensure that your chicken is cooked through and safe to eat, without being overdone.
Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Kebabs
Chicken kebabs are not only delicious but also provide several nutritional benefits, making them a healthy choice for any meal.
- High Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall health.
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: The vegetables in the kebabs provide a range of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the bell peppers, and antioxidants from the onions and zucchini.
- Low in Carbs and Calories: Grilled chicken kebabs are low in carbohydrates and calories, making them a great option for those following a low-carb or calorie-controlled diet.
Recreating the Costco chicken kebab recipe at home is easier than you might think, and the results are just as delicious as the pre-made version you know and love. By following this simple recipe, you’ll enjoy juicy, flavorful chicken kebabs that are perfect for grilling, baking, or roasting.
Not only can you customize the kebabs to suit your tastes, but you’ll also be able to control the quality of ingredients and seasoning for a healthier and more budget-friendly meal. Whether you’re preparing for a backyard BBQ or a simple weeknight dinner, this Costco chicken kebab recipe is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
