Chicken Kebab: The Ultimate Grilled Delight

This Chicken Kebab brings the vibrant flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine right to your kitchen! Juicy, marinated chicken pieces are skewered and grilled to perfection, resulting in tender bites that are bursting with flavor. Paired with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices, these kebabs make for an irresistible meal, perfect for family dinners, barbecues, or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You’ll love this chicken kebab recipe because it is not only packed with flavor but also incredibly easy to prepare. The marination process infuses the chicken with a delightful mix of spices, ensuring each bite is juicy and tender. It’s a versatile dish that fits seamlessly into a healthy lifestyle—high in protein, low in carbs, and can be served with a variety of sides. Plus, grilling these kebabs adds a delicious smoky flavor that elevates the dish to a whole new level!

Tips and Tricks

• Marinate Overnight: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight.
• Skewer Soaking: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning on the grill.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfect doneness, use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• Veggie Variations: Don’t hesitate to add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or red onions to your skewers for extra color and nutrition!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the Marinade: Don’t rush the marination process; it’s crucial for flavor and tenderness.
• Overcrowding the Skewers: Give each piece of chicken enough space on the skewer for even cooking.
• Not Preheating the Grill: Ensure your grill is hot before placing the kebabs on it to achieve a nice sear.
• Overcooking: Keep an eye on your chicken; overcooking can lead to dry kebabs.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chicken and marinate it up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can chop your vegetables a day ahead and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the skewers. This saves time on busy days!

Recipe Variations

• Spice Blend: Experiment with different spice blends like shawarma or tandoori for a unique twist.
• Protein Swap: Swap the chicken for beef, lamb, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Cooking Methods: If you don’t have a grill, you can roast the kebabs in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How to Serve

Serve your chicken kebabs hot off the grill, garnished with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Pair them with warm pita bread, a side of creamy tzatziki or hummus, and a fresh salad for a complete meal. Arrange the kebabs on a large platter for a stunning presentation.

Pairing Suggestions

For a refreshing drink, serve your chicken kebabs with a chilled glass of white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, or a classic mint lemonade. Complement your meal with sides such as tabbouleh, couscous, or grilled vegetables. For dessert, consider a light fruit salad or baklava for a sweet finish.

How to Store

Leftover chicken kebabs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze them, wrap the kebabs tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, where they will last for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Equipment Needed

• Skewers (wooden or metal)
• Grill or grill pan
• Mixing bowl
• Meat thermometer

Alternatives: You can use a broiler if you don’t have access to a grill.

Dietary Adaptations

To make the recipe vegan, substitute chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and eggplant, or use plant-based protein options like seitan or tempeh. For a gluten-free version, ensure your marinade ingredients are gluten-free. Dairy-free tzatziki can be made using coconut yogurt.

Seasonal Adaptations

In the summer, use fresh tomatoes and cucumbers for salads and sides. In the winter, roasted root vegetables can be a comforting side dish. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can be seasonal additions, enhancing flavor based on what’s available.

Cost Breakdown

This chicken kebab recipe is budget-friendly, with an estimated cost of about $2.50 per serving. For a more economical option, consider purchasing chicken thighs instead of breasts or using seasonal vegetables.

Kitchen Hacks

• Quick Garlic Peeling: Smash the garlic cloves with the flat side of a knife to easily remove the skins.
• Uniform Chicken Pieces: Cut the chicken into even pieces to ensure they cook evenly and at the same rate.
• Cleaning the Grill: Use half an onion to scrub the grill grates while they’re still hot for easy cleaning.

Recipe FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, but make sure to thaw it fully before marinating and cooking.
• What if I don’t have skewers? You can create a kebab-style dish by simply grilling the chicken and veggies in a grill basket.
• How long do I cook the kebabs? Grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through.

Yield: 4

Chicken Kebab

Print

This Chicken Kebab brings the vibrant flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine right to your kitchen! Juicy, marinated chicken pieces are skewered and grilled to perfection, resulting in tender bites that are bursting with flavor.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 12 minutes

Additional Time 4 hours

Total Time 4 hours 22 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced into 1-inch pieces
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bell pepper, cut into chunks (optional)
• 1 onion, cut into chunks (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well mixed.
2. Add the diced chicken to the marinade, ensuring every piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes.
4. Thread the marinated chicken and optional vegetables onto the skewers, alternating between chicken and veggies as desired.
5. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
6. Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Nutrition Information

Yield

4

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 313Total Fat 15gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 11gCholesterol 96mgSodium 621mgCarbohydrates 8gFiber 2gSugar 2gProtein 37g

Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Final Thoughts

This chicken kebab recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings friends and family together around the grill. With its delightful flavors, ease of preparation, and endless variations, it’s a recipe worth mastering. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply looking to spice up your weeknight dinners, these kebabs will surely impress! Happy cooking!