Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The marinade is bold, zesty, and full of warm spices.
No grill required — they cook beautifully in the oven.
They’re juicy, tender, and packed with flavor.
Perfect for meal prep or serving a crowd.
They pair well with rice, salads, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 red onion, cut into chunks
For the marinade:
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Wooden or metal skewers
Directions
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lime juice, soy sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly grease it, or place a wire rack over the baking sheet.
- Thread the marinated chicken, bell peppers, and onion onto skewers, alternating pieces.
- Arrange the skewers on the prepared baking sheet or rack.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For extra browning, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes at the end of cooking.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4–6
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Marinating time: 1–8 hours
Cooking time: 18–22 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes (including minimum marinating time)
Variations
Add pineapple chunks for a sweet and savory twist.
Include zucchini or cherry tomatoes for extra color and texture.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat.
Serve with a creamy green sauce made with cilantro, yogurt, and lime.
Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for a leaner option.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Remove from skewers and reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
You can also reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes.
Freeze cooked chicken pieces (without vegetables) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, both work well. Thighs are juicier, while breasts are leaner.
Can I grill these instead of baking?
Yes, grill over medium-high heat for 10–15 minutes, turning occasionally.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 1 hour for good flavor, but up to 8 hours for deeper taste.
What makes this recipe Peruvian style?
The combination of cumin, lime, garlic, oregano, and smoky spices reflects classic Peruvian flavor profiles.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can marinate the chicken a day in advance and assemble just before baking.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Avoid overcooking and use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I cook these without skewers?
Yes, simply spread the marinated chicken and vegetables evenly on a lined baking sheet.
Are these spicy?
They have mild heat. You can increase chili powder or add cayenne for more spice.
What should I serve with these kabobs?
They pair well with rice, roasted potatoes, salad, or flatbread.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free as written.
Conclusion
Peruvian Style Oven Chicken Kabobs deliver bold flavor, juicy texture, and vibrant color without the need for a grill. With their zesty marinade and perfectly roasted finish, they make an easy yet impressive meal for any occasion. Serve them with your favorite sides and enjoy a taste of bright, savory comfort right from your oven.
PrintPeruvian Style Oven Chicken Kabobs
Peruvian Style Oven Chicken Kabobs are tender, spice-marinated chicken skewers roasted in the oven with vibrant vegetables, delivering bold, smoky, and zesty flavors inspired by classic Peruvian cuisine.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18–22 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Peruvian
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lime juice, soy sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Add chicken cubes to the marinade, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly grease or place a wire rack on top.
- Thread marinated chicken, bell peppers, and onion onto skewers, alternating pieces.
- Arrange skewers on the prepared baking sheet or rack.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, turning halfway through, until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Broil for 2–3 minutes for extra browning if desired.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Do not overcook to maintain juicy texture.
- Chicken thighs provide extra moisture and flavor.
- Marinate longer for deeper flavor, up to 8 hours.
- Can be made without skewers by spreading on a baking sheet.
- Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg