This chicken kebab recipe saved our summer grilling when Emma declared he was "done with boring chicken." What started as a desperate attempt to get protein into a picky seven-year-old became our most requested barbecue dish. Through countless backyard experiments and input from friends who've perfected their own versions, I've cracked the code to tender, juicy chicken skewers that never dry out on the grill.
Why You'll Love This Chicken Kebab Recipe
From years of grilling for hungry families, here's why this dish never disappoints. This easy chicken kebab recipe works because it's foolproof - the marinade does all the heavy lifting while you prep other things. You can make these on busy weeknights or lazy weekends, and they turn out juicy and full of flavor every time. What really sets this apart is how the marinated chicken develops this great crust on the grill while staying tender inside.
The best part? Even people who usually mess up grilled chicken find success with these kebabs. The chunks cook evenly, the marinade prevents drying out, and kids love eating food off sticks. Plus, you can prep everything hours ahead and just throw them on the grill when you're ready to eat. Emma loves helping thread the chicken onto skewers, and I love that dinner is basically done before we even start cooking. These kebabs also work great for meal prep - make a big batch and use the leftovers in wraps, salads, or grain bowls all week long.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Chicken Kebab Recipe
- Ingredients for Chicken Kebab Recipe
- How To Make Chicken Kebab Recipe Step By Step
- Equipment For Chicken Kebab Recipe
- Chicken Kebab Recipe Variations
- Smart Swaps for Your Chicken Kebab Recipe
- Storing Your Chicken Kebab Recipe
- The Dish My Best Friend Cooked for Me That Changed My Life
- Top Tip
- Why This Chicken Kebab Recipe Works
- FAQ
- Fire Up That Grill!
- Related
- Pairing
- Chicken Kebab Recipe
Ingredients for Chicken Kebab Recipe
The Chicken:
- Boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- Cut into 1-inch cubes
The Marinade Base:
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh lemon juice
- Plain Greek yogurt
- Garlic cloves
- Red onion
The Spice Mix:
- Ground cumin
- Smoked paprika
- Dried oregano
- Ground coriander
- Black pepper
- Sea salt
Optional Add-Ins:
- Fresh mint leaves
- Tomato paste
- Chili flakes
- Fresh parsley
For Serving:
- Tzatziki sauce
- Wooden skewers
- Pita bread
- Fresh vegetables
See recipe card for quantities.
How To Make Chicken Kebab Recipe Step By Step
Prep the Chicken:
- Cut chicken into even 1-inch pieces
- Pat dry with paper towels
- Place in large mixing bowl
- Season lightly with salt
Make the Marinade:
- Whisk olive oil and lemon juice
- Add minced garlic and grated onion
- Stir in yogurt until smooth
- Mix in all spices
- Taste and adjust seasoning
Marinate Magic:
- Pour marinade over chicken
- Mix well with hands
- Cover bowl tightly
- Refrigerate 2-8 hours minimum
Skewer Setup:
- Soak wooden skewers 30 minutes
- Thread chicken pieces evenly
- Leave small gaps between pieces
- Brush with extra marinade
Grill Time:
- Check internal temperature reaches 165°F
- Preheat grill to medium-high
- Oil the grates well
- Grill kebabs 12-15 minutes total
- Turn every 3-4 minutes
Equipment For Chicken Kebab Recipe
- Metal or wooden skewers
- Large mixing bowl for marinade
- Sharp knife for cutting chicken
- Grill or grill pan
- Tongs for turning
- Instant-read thermometer
Chicken Kebab Recipe Variations
Mediterranean Style:
- Add dried herbs and lemon zest
- Serve with tzatziki and pita
- Include cherry tomatoes on skewers
- Finish with fresh parsley
Indian Tandoori:
- Use yogurt, ginger, and garam masala
- Add turmeric for color
- Serve with naan and chutney
- Garnish with cilantro and onions
Middle Eastern:
- Mix in sumac and za'atar
- Add pomegranate molasses
- Serve with hummus and flatbread
- Top with pickled vegetables
BBQ American:
- Use barbecue sauce marinade
- Add onions and peppers to skewers
- Serve with corn and coleslaw
- Finish with ranch dressing
Tex-Mex Twist:
- Season with chili powder and lime
- Add bell peppers and onions
- Serve with salsa and guacamole
- Use in tacos or burrito bowls
Smart Swaps for Your Chicken Kebab Recipe
Protein Options:
- Chicken breasts → Chicken thighs
- Chicken → Turkey breast
- Regular → Ground chicken (for seekh kebabs)
- Poultry → Lamb or beef cubes
Marinade Swaps:
- Greek yogurt → Buttermilk
- Lemon juice → Lime juice
- Olive oil → Avocado oil
- Fresh garlic → Garlic powder
Spice Alternatives:
- Cumin → Garam masala
- Paprika → Chili powder
- Oregano → Dried mint
- Coriander → Fennel seeds
Dairy-Free Version:
- Greek yogurt → Coconut yogurt
- Regular marinade → Oil-based only
- Tzatziki → Tahini sauce
- Cheese → Nutritional yeast
Cooking Methods:
- Outdoor grill → Indoor grill pan
- Grill → Oven at 425°F
- Skewers → Baking sheet
- Fresh → Air fryer at 400°F
Storing Your Chicken Kebab Recipe
Fridge Storage (3-4 days):
- Cool completely before storing
- Keep on skewers or remove chicken
- Store in airtight container
- Reheat gently to avoid drying out
Freezer Storage (2-3 months):
- Cool completely first
- Wrap individually in foil
- Label with date and type
- Thaw overnight in fridge
Make-Ahead Tips:
- Marinate chicken up to 24 hours
- Thread skewers morning of cooking
- Keep covered in fridge until grilling
- Bring to room temperature before cooking
Reheating Methods:
- Stovetop: Low heat with splash of broth
- Grill: 2-3 minutes per side
- Oven: 350°F for 10 minutes
- Microwave: 30-second intervals
The Dish My Best Friend Cooked for Me That Changed My Life
My best friend changed everything I thought I knew about chicken kebabs during a summer barbecue at her place three years ago. I'd been making the same boring grilled chicken for years, and honestly, Emma was getting tired of it. She learned to cook from her Turkish grandmother, and after watching me struggle with dry, bland chicken, she finally said, "Let me show you something." She pulled out this beat-up recipe card covered in her grandmother's handwriting and started mixing yogurt with spices I'd never thought to combine.
"The secret isn't just the marinade," she explained while threading the chicken, "it's the overnight rest and this one weird trick." She added a tablespoon of tomato paste to the marinade - something I never would have tried. The acidity and sweetness transformed the chicken completely. But here's what really got me: she cooked them on medium heat instead of the high heat I used, turning them every few minutes like she was tucking them in for bed. When we finally tasted them, Emma asked for seconds.
Top Tip
- Remember, the key to great kebabs is patience - let that marinade work its magic overnight, and don't rush the cooking process. The longer you marinate (up to 24 hours), the more tender and flavorful your chicken will be. When it comes to grilling, resist the urge to crank up the heat too high or flip them constantly. Medium heat and gentle turning every 3-4 minutes gives you that golden crust while keeping the inside juicy.
- And here's something most people mess up - let the kebabs rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, so every bite is moist and delicious. Don't skip this step even when everyone's hungry and ready to eat. Those few minutes of waiting make the difference between good kebabs and great ones. As my friend says, "Good things come to those who marinate!"
Why This Chicken Kebab Recipe Works
From years of testing different marinades and cooking methods, here's what makes this chicken kebab recipe so reliable. The yogurt marinade is the game-changer - it tenderizes the meat while the acid from lemon juice breaks down tough fibers. The spices don't just sit on the surface; they actually penetrate deep into the chicken during that overnight marinating time. When you cut the chicken into uniform pieces, everything cooks at the same rate, so you never get those dreaded dry spots.
The real magic happens on the grill when that marinade creates a protective coating around each piece of chicken. This coating locks in moisture while developing a beautiful crust that's packed with flavor. The yogurt also prevents the meat from sticking to the grill grates, which means you can flip the kebabs without losing half your dinner. Even if you accidentally overcook them a bit, the marinade keeps the chicken from turning into shoe leather.
FAQ
How do you make Chicken Kebab Recipe?
Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes and marinate in yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and spices for at least 2 hours. Thread onto soaked wooden skewers, leaving small gaps between pieces. Grill over medium-high heat for 12-15 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
What are the ingredients for Chicken Kebab Recipe?
Basic chicken kebab needs boneless chicken, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices like cumin, paprika, and oregano. You can add onions, tomato paste, fresh herbs, or different spice blends depending on the style you want - Greek, Turkish, Indian, or Middle Eastern.
What to marinate Chicken Kebab Recipe in?
The best marinade combines yogurt (for tenderness), acid like lemon juice (to break down fibers), oil (for moisture), and spices. Let chicken marinate 2-8 hours minimum. Yogurt-based marinades work better than just oil and vinegar because they tenderize while adding flavor.
How to make and cook Chicken Kebab Recipe?
Cut meat into uniform pieces, marinate well, thread onto skewers with small gaps, and cook over medium-high heat. Turn frequently to get even cooking. Don't pack pieces too tightly or they won't cook evenly. Check internal temperature and let rest before serving.
Fire Up That Grill!
Now you have all the secrets to making chicken kebabs that stay juicy and flavorful - from the yogurt marinade trick to my friend's tomato paste addition. This easy chicken kebab recipe proves that sometimes the simplest techniques make the biggest difference in your cooking.
Ready to round out your meal with more fresh, vibrant dishes? Try our Easy and Simple Beetroot Salad Recipe that adds beautiful color and earthy sweetness to any barbecue spread. Want something with a kick? Our Best Stuffed Poblano Peppers Recipe brings bold Mexican flavors that pair well with grilled chicken. For cooler weather, warm up with our Healthy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe that transforms leftover kebab chicken into a comforting bowl of goodness!
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Pairing
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Chicken Kebab Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large mixing bowl (For marinade)
- 1 Sharp knife (To cube chicken)
- 8–10 Wooden Skewers (Soak 30 mins)
- 1 Grill or grill pan (Medium-high heat)
- 1 Tongs (For turning)
- 1 Instant-read thermometer (Ensure 165°F)
Ingredients
- 1.5–2 lbs Boneless chicken breast or thighs - Cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup Plain Greek yogurt
- 3 cloves Garlic - Minced
- ½ small Red onion - Grated
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon Ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Sea salt - plus more to taste
- 1 tablespoon Tomato paste - Optional extra flavor
- 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley or mint - Optional chopped
- — — Tzatziki sauce pita, fresh veggies - For serving
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