grilled chicken kebabs recipe

 

Grilled Chicken Kebabs Recipe (Easy & Juicy)

Grilled Chicken Kebabs are a classic summer recipe that’s juicy, flavorful, and perfect for outdoor barbecues, weeknight dinners, or meal prep. Marinated in aromatic spices, herbs, and yogurt, then grilled to perfection, these kebabs are tender inside with a smoky char outside.

This post will walk you through how to make the best grilled chicken kebabs at home with simple ingredients and step-by-step tips.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly juicy and smoky chicken every time.
• Easy to customize with vegetables and marinades.
• Great for BBQ parties, picnics, or healthy dinners.
• Cooks in just 15–20 minutes.

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Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Kebabs

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 ½ lbs (700g) boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or regular yogurt)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• ½ tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Optional Veggies for Skewers:

• Red onion chunks
• Bell peppers (red, yellow, green)
• Zucchini slices
• Cherry tomatoes

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, mix yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and all spices.
2. Add chicken pieces and coat well.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight gives best flavor).

2. Assemble the Kebabs

1. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes (to prevent burning).
2. Thread chicken pieces and vegetables alternately onto skewers.

3. Grill the Kebabs

• Outdoor Grill: Preheat to medium-high heat, oil grates, and grill skewers 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally until fully cooked.
• Oven: Preheat to 425°F (220°C), place skewers on a baking tray, and bake 18–20 minutes, broiling for 2–3 minutes for a charred effect.
• Stovetop Grill Pan: Heat pan, brush lightly with oil, and grill skewers 12–15 minutes.

4. Garnish & Serve

• Sprinkle fresh lemon juice and chopped cilantro before serving.
• Serve hot with yogurt dip, hummus, or garlic sauce.

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Tips for Juicy Chicken Kebabs

• Use chicken thighs for extra tenderness.
• Do not overcook — remove as soon as the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Marinate overnight for maximum flavor.
• Keep veggies in large chunks so they don’t burn too quickly.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with naan, pita bread, or rice pilaf.
• Pair with tzatziki, garlic sauce, or mint chutney.
• Add a side salad like Greek salad or tabbouleh for a balanced meal.

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Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat on a grill pan or in the oven for best results.
• Freeze marinated chicken (uncooked) for up to 2 months.

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FAQs about Grilled Chicken Kebabs

1. Can I use wooden skewers?
Yes, just soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.

2. Can I bake chicken kebabs instead of grilling?
Yes, baking at 425°F (220°C) with a short broil at the end gives a grilled effect.

3. Can I prepare chicken kebabs without yogurt?
Yes, substitute yogurt with olive oil + lemon juice for a lighter marinade.

4. How do I prevent chicken from drying out?
Use thighs, don’t overcook, and marinate well to keep it moist.

5. Can I make these kebabs ahead of time?
Yes, marinate chicken a day ahead and grill just before serving.

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You May Also Like

• [Tandoori Chicken Recipe]
• [Chicken Tikka Kebab Recipe]
• [Shish Tawook (Middle Eastern Chicken Skewers)]
• [Beef Seekh Kebab Recipe]
• [Grilled Salmon Skewers Recipe]

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👉 Try these Grilled Chicken Kebabs at your next BBQ or family dinner — juicy, smoky, and absolutely irresistible!