Grilled Chicken Kebabs by Chef Martina Russial

Join us on Friday, June 26th at 10:00 AM PT / 1:00 PM ET with Holistic Chef Instructor Martina Russial and Nutrition Consultant Instructor Stacee Novotny as we celebrate the fresh flavors of summer with Grilled Chicken Kebabs with Citrus-Herb Slaw!

This vibrant gluten free and dairy free dish features succulent grilled chicken paired with a crisp slaw of cabbage, bell pepper, carrot, and fresh herbs, all tossed in a bright citrus vinaigrette. Packed with antioxidants, fiber, vitamin C, and other beneficial nutrients, it’s a refreshing way to enjoy seasonal flavors while supporting overall wellness!

Our Admissions and Financial Aid team will also provide information and answer questions about Bauman College’s Holistic Chef and Nutrition Consultant programs.

Content Summary

• Bright Citrus Flavor: Fresh orange and lemon bring balance, brightness, and natural sweetness.
• Plant-Forward Nutrition: A variety of colorful vegetables and herbs provide fiber, antioxidants, and immune-supporting nutrients.
• Grill-Friendly & Versatile: Perfect for backyard grilling and easy to adapt for different dietary needs.
• Wholesome & Energizing: A satisfying combination of lean protein and fresh produce.

When summer arrives, our cravings naturally shift toward lighter, brighter meals that celebrate the season’s freshest produce. These Grilled Chicken Kebabs with Citrus-Herb Slaw do exactly that, combining smoky grilled chicken with a crisp, colorful slaw tossed in a refreshing citrus vinaigrette.

Chicken thighs are a flavorful and nutrient-rich protein that make a delicious addition to a balanced diet.

They are an excellent source of high-quality protein. Chicken thighs also provide important nutrients such as iron, zinc, selenium, and B vitamins, and their naturally higher fat content compared to chicken breast keeps them tender and juicy, making them especially excellent for grilling. Grilled chicken kebabs are a perfect way to enjoy chicken thighs, as the smoky char from the grill enhances their rich flavor while locking in moisture.

A few simple tips can make summer grilling healthier and more flavorful!

Marinate proteins for at least 30 minutes and use ingredients like citrus juice, vinegar, garlic, rosemary, or turmeric. These ingredients can help reduce the formation of harmful compounds that develop during high-heat cooking while adding delicious flavor. Trim excess fat to prevent flare-ups, cook over indirect heat when possible, flip foods frequently to avoid charring, and use smaller cuts of meat that cook faster. Finally, serve with plenty of vegetables, fresh herbs, spices, and a squeeze of citrus for a fresh, nutrient-packed plate that celebrates the best of grilling season.

To complement these grilled chicken kebabs, I’ve paired it with a vibrant slaw featuring cabbage, bell pepper, carrots, fresh cilantro, parsley, and basil. Not only does this combination create a beautiful rainbow of colors, but it also delivers a wide variety of nutrients and antioxidant compounds.

Cabbage provides vitamin C and beneficial phytonutrients that support immune health. Bell peppers are one of the richest dietary sources of vitamin C, while carrots contribute beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A to support eye health and immune function. Fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, and basil add flavor, freshness, and many nutritional benefits as natural booster foods!

The citrus vinaigrette ties everything together with fresh orange and lemon juice, adding brightness and balance while contributing additional vitamin C and naturally sweet flavors.

Why I Love This Recipe

• Perfect for summer cookouts and backyard gatherings
• Naturally dairy free and gluten-free
• Packed with colorful vegetables and antioxidants
• Light yet satisfying
• Easy to prepare in under 30 minutes

This dish brings together everything I love about summer cooking: fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and simple preparation. I hope you get the chance to make it this summer! Happy grilling!

Check out the recipe below or learn more about Chef Martina and the rest of the Holistic Chef Team by visiting our faculty page.

Grilled Chicken Kebabs with Citrus-Herb Slaw  

by Chef Martina Russial 

INGREDIENTS

A bright, fresh dish featuring succulent grilled chicken served with a crunchy citrus-herb slaw.

For the Grilled Chicken Kebabs 

• ½ pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch pieces  
• 1 tablespoon olive oil  
• ½ teaspoon sea salt  
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper 
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder  
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, minced 
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest 

For the Citrus Herb Slaw

• 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice  
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice  
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest  
• 1 teaspoon orange zest  
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced or zested 
• 2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil  
• 1 teaspoon honey  
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard  
• ½ teaspoon sea salt  
• ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper  

For the Citrus Vinaigrette

• 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced or zested
• 2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare the chicken

1. Mix the olive oil, spices, herbs and zest into a paste.
2. Coat the chicken pieces with the mixture and let sit, covered in the fridge for 4 hours to overnight.
3. Pull the chicken out of the fridge, spear pieces loosely on skewers* and spread any remaining mixture over the surface.
4. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
5. Grill chicken for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally until they reach an internal temperature of 165F.

Make the slaw

1. In a large bowl, combine cabbage, bell pepper, carrot, cilantro, parsley, and basil.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, lemon juice, zests, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour dressing over vegetables and toss well.
4. Let sit for 5–10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Plate

1. In a large bowl, combine cabbage, bell pepper, carrot, cilantro, parsley, and basil.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, lemon juice, zests, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour dressing over vegetables and toss well.
4. Let sit for 5–10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Optional Additions

• Toasted almonds, pistachios, or sunflower seeds for crunch
• Crumbled feta or goat cheese
• Grilled chickpeas or white beans for added protein

Notes

*If you’re sensitive to nightshades, you can omit the bell pepper and instead add more carrot.

If you are using wooden skewers for your kebabs, soak them in warm water for at least an hour before grilling. This will help keep them from burning.