Spicy Chicken & Shrimp Skewers with Peppers and Onions 🍢🌶️🦐
A Colorful, Grilled Surf-and-Turf Recipe Full of Flavor
Spicy Chicken and Shrimp Skewers with Peppers and Onions are a vibrant grilled dish combining tender chicken, juicy shrimp, and colorful vegetables on the same skewer. The spices create a warm, smoky heat while the vegetables bring sweetness and freshness.
Skewered grilled foods are popular in many cuisines, especially in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking traditions. These types of grilled skewers are often compared to Kebab, a classic preparation found across regions such as Turkey, Lebanon, and Morocco.
Combining chicken and shrimp creates a delicious surf-and-turf style skewer that is perfect for barbecues, summer dinners, or festive gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is loved because it offers:
Two proteins in one dish – tender chicken and juicy shrimp
Bright and colorful presentation – peppers and onions add beauty
Quick cooking time – perfect for grilling
Bold flavors – smoky spices and grilled vegetables
It’s also easy to prepare ahead for outdoor cooking or gatherings.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Skewers
2 chicken breasts, cut into cubes
250 g (9 oz) shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 large onion, cut into wedges
Spicy Marinade
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
Juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Optional Garnish
Fresh parsley or cilantro
Lime wedges
Yogurt garlic sauce
Equipment Needed
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Skewers (metal or wooden)
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Grill, grill pan, or barbecue
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Mixing bowl
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Tongs
Step 1: Preparing the Marinade
In a bowl combine:
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olive oil
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minced garlic
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paprika
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smoked paprika
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cumin
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chili powder
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black pepper
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salt
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lemon juice
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honey (optional)
Mix until a fragrant marinade forms.
This blend provides smoky, slightly spicy, and tangy flavors.
Step 2: Marinating the Chicken
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and mix well.
Cover and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes so the flavors penetrate the meat.
Shrimp should not marinate too long, so they will be added later.
Step 3: Preparing the Shrimp
Place the shrimp in a small bowl and coat them with 2 tablespoons of the marinade just before assembling the skewers.
This prevents the shrimp from becoming too soft from the lemon juice.
Step 4: Preparing the Vegetables
Cut the peppers and onions into medium chunks.
Using different colors of peppers makes the skewers look bright and appetizing.
Step 5: Assembling the Skewers
Thread the ingredients onto skewers in alternating order:
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chicken
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pepper
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onion
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shrimp
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pepper
-
chicken
Leave small spaces between pieces to ensure even cooking.
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes before grilling.
Step 6: Grilling the Skewers
Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Cook the skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally.
The chicken should become golden and fully cooked, while the shrimp should turn pink and slightly charred.
Avoid overcooking the shrimp to keep them tender.
Step 7: Serving the Skewers
Transfer the cooked skewers to a serving platter.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro and serve with lemon or lime wedges.
These skewers pair wonderfully with:
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rice or couscous
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grilled flatbread
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fresh salad
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garlic yogurt sauce
Flavor Profile
This dish offers a vibrant combination of flavors:
Savory grilled chicken
Sweet juicy shrimp
Smoky spices and garlic
Sweet caramelized peppers and onions
Fresh citrus brightness
Every bite combines juicy meat with flavorful vegetables.
Tips for Perfect Skewers
Cut ingredients evenly
Uniform pieces cook more evenly.
Don’t overcrowd the skewers
Leave space for heat circulation.
Use high heat
This creates a delicious grilled char.
Cook shrimp briefly
Shrimp cook quickly and become rubbery if overcooked.
Delicious Variations
Mediterranean Skewers
Add zucchini and cherry tomatoes.
Spicy Cajun Skewers
Replace spices with Cajun seasoning.
Garlic Butter Skewers
Brush with melted garlic butter during grilling.
Pineapple Surf-and-Turf Skewers
Add pineapple chunks for a sweet contrast.
Storage Tips
Refrigerator:
Store cooked skewers for up to 2 days.
Reheating:
Warm gently in a skillet or oven.
Freezing:
Marinated chicken (without shrimp) can be frozen for 2 months.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
Calories: 360
Protein: 38 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Fat: 18 g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook these skewers in the oven?
Yes. Bake at 220°C (425°F) for about 12–15 minutes, turning once.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating.
What sauces pair well with these skewers?
Garlic yogurt sauce, spicy mayo, or lemon herb sauce.
Can I prepare them ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the skewers a few hours in advance and keep them refrigerated until grilling.
Final Thoughts
Spicy Chicken and Shrimp Skewers with Peppers and Onions are a delicious and colorful dish that combines the richness of grilled meat with the freshness of vegetables. The blend of spices, citrus, and smoky grilling creates a meal that feels festive, satisfying, and full of flavor.
Perfect for barbecues, summer meals, or quick weeknight dinners, these skewers deliver bold taste and beautiful presentation in every bite. 🍢🦐🌶️