Looking for a fresh, healthy, and delicious meal that can be made in under 20 minutes? Look no further because today, we've got quick and easy chicken kebabs that are packed with flavor.
Not only are they a delicious and quick meal option but they are also easily customizable to taste preferences and dietary needs.
Additionally, these chicken kebabs pair well with so many different side dishes that it will feel like a whole different meal each and every time you make them...and you will make them a lot!
Whether you are a beginner home cook or a professional chef, you will love the results you get from this recipe. It has never been easier to cook flavorful, tender, and juicy chicken without overcooking it. So strap on your aprons and let's get cooking!
Table of Contents
Recipe Video
Why This Recipe Works
This chicken kebab recipe works on so many levels. Not only are these chicken kebabs delicious, but this recipe is incredibly quick and easy to prepare, as well as highly customizable.
Featuring an array of savory, spicy, and delectable seasonings, the key to this chicken kebab recipe is in its marinade. From its creamy yogurt base to the lemon zest and juice, it's designed to tenderize the chicken while providing maximum flavor.
With the results that this recipe yields, one might think that major technical skill is required. However, this dish couldn't be any easier to prepare so beginner and novice cooks alike will enjoy tender and flavorful results. All that is required is a handful of ingredients and about 15 minutes of your time to create a delicious and healthy meal that everyone will love.
However, if they don't love it, there is plenty of room for adjustment. Everything from the chicken to the marinade and even the veggies can be changed to suit any personal taste preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients
Chicken:
For this chicken kebabs recipe, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. To prepare, simply chop your chicken into 1 ½" cubes before adding to marinade.
Yogurt:
Yogurt is used as the base of the marinade in this chicken kebab recipe because its acidity and enzymes help to tenderize the meat, resulting in a moist and flavorful dish. However, buttermilk, sour cream, and coconut milk can also be used to yield similar results.
Seasonings:
While this recipe uses the most popular spices to be found in homes, there are plenty of ways you can get creative with the flavorings. If you want to boost the spice level of your kebabs, add ingredients like cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. To add an earthier note try some coriander or turmeric. For some more savory elements, oregano, parsley, and thyme all pair well with chicken kebabs.
Lemon:
In this chicken kebab recipe, the zest and juice of a lemon are used to help tenderize the meat and provide a balance of flavors. However, any citrus can be used here depending on the flavors you want to achieve. Lime, orange, and even grapefruit can be used in place of lemon should you choose to experiment.
Vegetables:
While this chicken kebab recipe uses red onion, green, and yellow peppers feel free to incorporate any of your favorite veggies. Peppers, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes are all excellent options.
How to Make Chicken Kebabs
Step One:
Add chicken, yogurt, salt, pepper, onion powder, chili flakes, cinnamon, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and the juice and zest of one lemon to a bowl and mix until combined.
Step Two:
Add a piece of chicken to the skewer, followed by a piece of red onion, green bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper. Continue in that fashion until the kebab is complete, then start a new skewer until all of the chicken is used.
Step Three:
Place your pan on medium heat and add olive oil.
Step Four:
Once hot, place your kebabs in the pan, ensuring not to overcrowd.
Step Five:
Place a lid on the pan and allow to cook for 3 minutes. Remove the lid, flip the kebabs, replace the lid, then let them cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Step Six:
Top with fresh parsley, serve, and enjoy!
Tips
- If you use wooden skewers for your chicken kebabs, remember to soak them in water for up to 2 hours. This will prevent the wood from burning during cooking and adding slivers to your food.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, preferably a few hours, to enhance its flavor.
- Allow the chicken kebab to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps redistribute the juices, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.
What to Serve With Chicken Kebabs
Pairing chicken kebab with the right side dishes can go a long way to enhance your overall dining experience. Serve them atop a bed of fluffy couscous or basmati rice to soak up the flavorful juices. A fresh, crisp salad, such as an eggplant salad with juicy tomatoes or a refreshing cucumber salad with feta, can add a refreshing contrast to this recipe. Alternatively, you can also serve your kebabs alongside a bowl of creamy tzatziki sauce or hummus as a tasty dip. The combination of any of these sides with your kebabs will provide a well-balanced meal.
FAQs
Can I prepare chicken kebabs in advance?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the kebabs in advance. Keep them refrigerated until you're ready to grill. This can be a time-saving strategy for when entertaining guests. You can even freeze them prior to cooking to use on a busy day. Simply store them in a freezer bag or an airtight container for up to 2 months and thaw before cooking.
Can I bake or grill my chicken kebabs?
Both! To bake your chicken kebabs in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning once, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F. On the grill, cook the kebabs for 5-7 minutes on each side over medium-high heat until they reach the recommended internal temperature.
How long can leftover chicken kebabs be kept fresh?
Refrigerate leftover within two hours, storing them in an airtight container, and they will remain fresh for 3-4 days. For longer-term storage freeze them in airtight packaging for up to 2 months.
More Chicken Recipes
If you love how quick and easy these chicken kebabs are, check out this collection of more chicken recipes for you to try.
Chicken Kebab
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast cubed
- 1 cup yogurt
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 lemon zest
- 1 lemon juice
- 1 red onion cubed
- 1 green bell pepper cubed
- 1 yellow bell pepper cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Add chicken, yogurt, salt, pepper, onion powder, chili flakes, cinnamon, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and the juice and zest of one lemon to a bowl and mix until combined.
- Add a piece of chicken to the skewer, followed by a piece of red onion, green bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper. Continue in that fashion until the kebab is complete, then start a new skewer until all of the chicken is used.
- Place your pan on medium heat and add olive oil.
- Once hot, place your kebabs in the pan, ensuring not to overcrowd.
- Place a lid on the pan and allow to cook for 3 minutes. Remove the lid, flip the kebabs, replace the lid, then let them cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Top with fresh parsley, serve, and enjoy 🙂
Nutrition
Video
Notes
Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, preferably a few hours, to enhance its flavor.
Allow the chicken kebabs to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps redistribute the juices, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.
Do you rinse the marinate off the chicken before grilling?
What kind of yogurt?
Any kind you like 🙂
Store-bought, homemade, Greek or even coconut milk yogurt.