Why Make This Recipe
Grilled Chicken Kebab is a fantastic dish that brings together the juicy flavor of chicken and the smoky taste of the grill. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings, barbecues, or a quick weeknight meal. With a delicious marinade made from yogurt and spices, this recipe gives a unique twist to traditional kebabs. Everyone loves grilled food, and these kebabs will surely impress your family and friends!
How to Make Grilled Chicken Kebab
Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons cilantro (chopped)
- 2 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Directions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, cumin, cinnamon, onion powder, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro until well combined.
- Cut the chicken thighs into 1 1/2 inch pieces and place them into a large bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss until the chicken is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for optimal flavor.
- Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and thread the chicken pieces onto skewers, being careful not to overcrowd them.
- Heat a grill on medium-high heat, greasing the grates with a little olive oil. Place the kebabs over direct heat and grill for 13-15 minutes, turning them every couple of minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Once cooked, remove the kebabs from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Kebab
Serve the grilled chicken kebabs hot, straight off the grill. They are great as a main dish and can be enjoyed with rice, pita bread, or salads. You can also add a side of tzatziki sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor. Garnish with fresh cilantro or lemon wedges for a vibrant presentation.
How to Store Grilled Chicken Kebab
If you have leftovers, let the kebabs cool down before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze the marinated chicken (before grilling) for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight before cooking.
Tips to Make Grilled Chicken Kebab
- For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Ensure that the grill is preheated and properly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C) for safety.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding vegetables to the skewers. Bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes work great alongside the chicken. You can also swap out the chicken thighs for chicken breasts or even shrimp if you prefer.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may require less marinating time and a shorter grilling time due to their lower fat content.
Can I make this recipe in the oven?
Yes, you can bake the kebabs in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Make sure to turn them halfway through for even cooking.
Do I need to soak skewers before grilling?
If you are using wooden skewers, it’s a good idea to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent them from burning on the grill.
Grilled Chicken Kebab
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt Use full-fat for creamier texture.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes Adjust for heat preference.
- Juice of 1 lemon Freshly squeezed.
- 6 cloves garlic (minced) Adds robust flavor.
- 2 tablespoons cilantro (chopped) Fresh for garnishing.
Main Ingredients
- 2 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs Cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, cumin, cinnamon, onion powder, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro until well combined.
- Cut the chicken thighs into 1 1/2 inch pieces and place them into a large bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss until the chicken is fully coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for optimal flavor.
Grilling
- Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and thread the chicken pieces onto skewers, being careful not to overcrowd them.
- Heat a grill on medium-high heat, greasing the grates with a little olive oil.
- Place the kebabs over direct heat and grill for 13-15 minutes, turning them every couple of minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Once cooked, remove the kebabs from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.