Easy Chicken Kebab Recipe

Here’s an easy and flavorful Chicken Kebab recipe featuring a delicious yogurt marinade. These chicken kebab skewers are incredibly versatile; you can grill them, bake them in the oven, or cook them on the BBQ.

Today, I made them in the oven, and they turned out delicious. Keep reading all the instructions to make them perfect.

Now let’s jump into the recipe. For more delicious recipes, check out Chicken Rice Pilaf and Albanian Cornbread. Ultimately, I will answer some frequently asked chicken kebabs questions.

What Is a Chicken Kebab

A chicken kebab is a dish consisting of bite-sized pieces of chicken that are marinated, skewered, and then cooked. The marinade typically includes ingredients like yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and various spices such as cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

The marinated chicken is threaded onto skewers, often alternating with vegetables like bell peppers and onions. Chicken kebabs can be grilled, baked in the oven, or cooked on a barbecue, making them a versatile and flavorful dish.

They are popular in many cuisines around the world, particularly in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and South Asian cooking. Chicken kebabs are known for their deliciously tender and juicy texture, thanks to the marinade, and are often served with sides such as rice, salad, or flatbread.

What Are Chicken Kebabs Made Of

Chicken kebabs are typically made of the following ingredients:

1. Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are commonly used. The chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces.
2. Marinade: A yogurt-based marinade is popular, which often includes ingredients like garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and various spices (such as paprika, cumin, and coriander).
3. Vegetables: Bell peppers (red, green, and yellow) and onions are often added to the skewers for color and flavor.
4. Skewers: Wooden or metal skewers assemble the chicken and vegetable pieces for grilling or baking.

How Can You Prepare Chicken Kebab

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare the Marinade:

In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.

Marinate the Chicken:

Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the best flavor.

Assemble the Skewers:

Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, alternating with chunks of red, green, and yellow bell peppers, and onion chunks.

Bake the Kebabs:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Bake the skewers for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.

Serve:

Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve the chicken kebabs hot with your favorite side dishes or dips.

This recipe was inspired by recipes over at chefsbinge.com. He has lots of unique recipes that are delicious and easy to prep.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Kebabs

• Choose the Right Chicken: For the juiciest kebabs, opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They remain moist and flavorful during grilling. If you prefer a leaner option, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can also be used, but keep in mind they might be slightly less tender.
• Monitor While Grilling: Keep a close watch on your kebabs as they cook to ensure they are grilled to perfection without burning. Regularly turn them and adjust the heat as necessary to achieve even cooking and a delicious, charred exterior.

Chicken Kebab FAQs

1. What is chicken kebab made of?
   • Chicken kebabs are made of chunks of chicken marinated in a mixture of yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices, then skewered with vegetables like bell peppers and onions.
2. Can I use chicken breast for kebabs?
   • Yes, you can use chicken breast for kebabs, but it may be less juicy than using chicken thighs. Marinate it for at least 4 hours to help keep it tender.
3. What makes the perfect kebab?
   • The perfect kebab is made with well-marinated, tender meat, evenly cooked with a good balance of vegetables, and properly seasoned.
4. Why are my chicken kebabs dry?
   • Chicken kebabs may be dry if they are overcooked, not marinated long enough, or if using chicken breast without proper marination.
5. Why does kebab meat taste so good?
   • Kebab meat tastes good due to the flavorful marinade, the grilling process that adds a smoky flavor, and the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients.
6. What is the most common sauce on a kebab?
   • The most common sauce on a kebab is usually a garlic yogurt sauce or tzatziki.
7. What goes well with chicken kebabs?
   • Chicken kebabs pair well with rice, pita bread, salad, grilled vegetables, and various dips like hummus or tzatziki.
8. How to keep kebabs juicy?
   • To keep kebabs juicy, marinate the meat properly, use a mix of thigh meat, and avoid overcooking.
9. How do you keep chicken kebabs from drying out?
   • Keep chicken kebabs from drying out by marinating them well, grilling over medium heat, and basting with a little oil or marinade while cooking.
10. What are the 3 main sauces?
    • The three main sauces often associated with kebabs are garlic yogurt sauce, tahini sauce, and spicy chili sauce.
11. What is the Holy Trinity of kebab sauces?
    • The Holy Trinity of kebab sauces usually includes garlic sauce, chili sauce, and tahini sauce.
12. What are the 2 types of kebabs?
    • The two main types of kebabs are shish kebabs (grilled on skewers) and doner kebabs (meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie).
13. What is the difference between kebab and kabob?
    • “Kebab” is the term used in the UK and Middle Eastern countries, while “kabob” is the Americanized spelling. Both refer to meat cooked on skewers.
14. What cut of meat is best for kebabs?
    • The best cut of meat for kebabs is boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juiciness, or sirloin steak for beef kebabs.
15. Which country eats the most kebabs?
    • Turkey is one of the countries most known for its kebab consumption and variety.

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Chicken Kebab Recipe

These oven-baked chicken kebabs are juicy, flavorful, and easy to make. Marinated in a delicious yogurt-based mixture, they are perfect for a healthy and tasty meal any time of the year.

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 red bell pepper cut into chunks
• 1 green bell pepper cut into chunks
• 1 yellow bell pepper cut into chunks
• 1 large onion cut into chunks
• Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions

• Prepare the Marinade:
• In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
• Marinate the Chicken:
• Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.
• Preheat the Oven:
• Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
• Assemble the Skewers:
• Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, alternating with chunks of red, green, and yellow bell peppers, and onion chunks.
• Bake the Kebabs:
• Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning the skewers halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred on the edges.
• Serve:
• Remove the skewers from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve the chicken kebabs hot with your favorite side dishes or dips.