New York Bronx Grilled Chicken Kabobs

Introduction

Bronx-style grilled chicken kabobs bring the bold flavor of traditional New York neighborhoods right to your plate. With juicy, spice-marinated chicken seared over a 1,000°F center grill on the Arteflame and finished to juicy perfection on the flat griddle surface, this recipe delivers intense, mouthwatering taste with a perfect char and smoky kiss from the flames. The Arteflame makes kabob grilling simple and cleanup easy while giving you ultimate control over every layer of flavor. Let's get grilling!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1.5-inch chunks
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1.5-inch squares
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1.5-inch squares
• 1 red onion, quartered and layers separated
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for grilling)
• 8 skewers (metal or soaked wooden)
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour a bit of vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the fire bowl of the Arteflame.
2. Stack dry firewood over the napkins.
3. Light the paper napkins and let the firewood catch.
4. Wait about 20 minutes for the center grill grate to reach 1,000°F and the flat cooktop to heat up.

Step 2: Prepare and marinate the chicken

1. In a large bowl, mix the kosher salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, black pepper, and oregano.
2. Add the chicken chunks and lemon juice. Toss well to evenly coat the chicken in the spice blend.
3. Let it marinate while the grill comes to temperature (about 15–20 minutes).

Step 3: Assemble the kabobs

1. Skewer the chicken pieces alternately with bell peppers and onions.
2. Brush them lightly with melted butter to lock in flavor and promote searing.

Step 4: Sear on the center grill grate

1. Place the skewers on the center grill grate directly over the open flame for a high-temperature sear.
2. Sear each side for about 1–2 minutes, turning to char all sides evenly.

Step 5: Finish cooking on the flat cooktop

1. Move the kabobs to the flat cooktop griddle to finish cooking gently over indirect heat.
2. Continue turning occasionally until internal chicken temp reaches 150°F.
3. Remove from grill when internal temp is 150°F (carryover cooking will bring it to 165°F).

Step 6: Garnish and serve

1. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.
2. Serve immediately, hot off the grill.

Tips

• Always remove the chicken from the grill when the internal temp reads 15°F below target (carryover cooking finishes the job).
• Butter adds richer flavor than olive oil and helps with browning—don’t skip it!
• Cook zone choice: center for searing, outer edge to finish gently.
• Use metal skewers for even heat transfer and easy flipping.
• Arrange your ingredients for balanced kabobs—alternate veggies and chicken for even cooking.

Variations

1. Spicy Bronx Kabobs: Add 1 tsp cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade for extra heat.
2. Lemon Herb Kabobs: Swap paprika for dried thyme and rosemary, and increase lemon juice for a zesty kick.
3. BBQ Bronx Kabobs: Replace seasonings with 2 tbsp of your favorite BBQ rub and baste with BBQ sauce on the griddle.
4. Mediterranean Bronx Kabobs: Use za'atar, sumac, and garlic with a yogurt marinade for a tangy Middle Eastern twist.
5. Savory Soy Bronx Kabobs: Add 2 tbsp soy sauce, ginger, and a pinch of sugar for a salty-sweet fusion style.

Best pairings

• Grilled corn with lime butter (grilled on the outer cooktop)
• Griddle-finished garlic potatoes
• Crispy flatbread brushed with butter and herbs
• Grilled pineapple slices with a cayenne sugar sprinkle
• Light cucumber yogurt salad

Conclusion

This Bronx-Style Grilled Chicken Kabobs recipe brings true New York street flavor to your backyard with the precision of the Arteflame grill. From the iconic sear to the juicy final bite, this is one dish that never disappoints. Skip the oven—let the fire do the magic!