If you are looking for a fun and flavourful idea for summer BBQs or indoor grilling, then these pesto chicken skewers are for you! They are made with a simple homemade pesto of your choice, and are healthy and delicious. A dairy-free and low histamine dinner recipe.
For more fun chicken recipes all the family will enjoy, you may like to see my honey chicken burger and coconut chicken skewers. Both healthy but feel like a 'healthy junk food' if you see what I mean!
And for a bit of a change from chicken, my grilled herb turkey kabobs show that turkey isn't just for the holidays!
This grilled pesto chicken is full of flavour and yet so easy to make. The marinade packs a punch with the herbs and garlic typical of pesto, and you can pair the kabobs with sides of your choice.
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Why this recipe is so good
Whether you call them skewers or kebabs, I think you will love this recipe because:
- A simple 'hands off' recipe: these easy chicken skewers really are that, super easy! Minimal 'hands on' time, and then the oven does the work.
- Choose your own pesto: there are options linked below or you can use your own favourite brand.
- Kid-friendly meal: I always find that adults and kids alike won't pass up a skewer!
Ingredients
This recipe is super simple, and can be changed up with the pesto of your choice.
- Chicken: I use chicken breasts for this recipe. If possible choose organic chicken of good quality.
- Bell peppers: they always taste so sweet and delicious when cooked on the grill. A range of colours looks more fun I think!
- Pesto: there are three options for those on a low histamine diet below, and all are dairy-free too. If you aren't following this diet, then you can of course use a pesto of your choice.
Variations to the recipe
Not a fan of bell peppers? Then how about using zucchini instead?
And if you are not low histamine, then chunks of onion are always good, and if you are my dad then mushrooms are an absolute necessity . . .
Pesto options
Pesto is such a versatile sauce, and can be used in so many different ways. As a marinade for these skewers you need about half a cup but you can always adjust the amount to your taste preference. Some like lots of pesto flavour, others just a little hint.
Three easy pesto options to try:
- Pistachio pesto
- Macadamia nut pesto
- Pumpkin seed pesto (detailed in the recipe card below)
- Thai basil pesto
- Mint basil pesto
Step by step instructions
Making these grilled chicken skewers really couldn't be more simple, and requires only a few ingredients and steps:
- Prepare the pesto if you are making your own. It usually only takes around 10 minutes, and involves blending the ingredients into your pesto.
- Spoon the pesto onto your cubed chicken pieces and mix well so it is all coated, using a container that can be sealed. If you are able, then place in the fridge to marinate.
- Thread the chicken pieces onto your skewers, alternating the pesto chicken with bell peppers.
- Grill for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through. Adjust timings for outdoor BBQs depending upon how hot your BBQ is!
Marinating time
If you follow a low histamine diet, then marinating time will likely be individual depending upon how you tolerate histamine formation on food. You can simply skip this step and put your chicken straight on the grill - it will still be flavourful and delicious!
For those not on a low histamine diet, then marinating time can be as little as an hour but longer if you require and are making the skewers ahead of time.
More chicken recipes to enjoy
Enjoy family meals, from tray bakes to baked chicken to so much more:
I’m always in the kitchen, so come join me on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest to be the first to hear of new recipes. And please do leave a star rating if you tried the recipe.
Recipe
Pesto chicken skewers
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts cut into one inch chunks
- ⅓ red bell pepper
- ⅓ yellow bell pepper
- ⅓ green bell pepper
Pumpkin seed pesto
- ¼ cup pumpkin seeds
- ¼ cup basil
- 1 garlic clove
- ⅛ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- pinch salt
Instructions
- If you are making the pumpkin seed pesto in the recipe card above, dry fry the pumpkin seeds in a pan until they lightly brown and start to pop. Allow to cool then add to a blender with all the other pesto ingredients. Blend to a pesto, adjusting with more olive oil to taste and texture preference.
- Cut the chicken into one inch chunks. Add to a container that can be sealed. Spoon in the pesto and mix well so the chicken is coated.
- Place in the fridge to marinate for an hour (or more). If you follow a low histamine diet you may prefer to cook immediately and not marinate the chicken.
- Add the chicken pieces to your skewers, alternating with bell peppers (or other vegetables).
- Grill at 200C for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked, and white throughout. Use a meat thermometer to check it is is 165F if required.
Notes
- You can either use the pesto recipe in the card above, another that is linked or the pesto of your choice.
- The chicken should be cooked throughout and white. Use a meat thermometer to check it is 165F if required.
- If you follow a low histamine diet you may find it better to cook immediately rather than marinate the chicken due to histamine formation.
- pesto - this will depend upon the recipe used and its ingredients.
Joanna says
My entire family loved these chicken pesto skewers. I used a mix of red bell peppers and chunks of courgette. They were a huge hit! Thank you for the recipe 🙂
Claire says
So glad you all liked them Joanna! Always lovely when all the family can eat the same food and it's suitable for all 🙂