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Grilled Middle Eastern Chicken Kebabs Recipe

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4.2 from 6 reviews

These Grilled Middle Eastern Chicken Kebabs feature tender chicken breast marinated in a flavorful blend of Greek yogurt, garlic, spices, and lemon, then grilled to perfection with crunchy red onions. This recipe delivers a smoky, spicy, and tangy taste that’s perfect for a crowd-pleasing summer meal or an easy weeknight dinner.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (8 skewers)

Ingredients

Chicken and Marinade

  • 2 ½ Pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, cut into 1 ½ inch pieces
  • 1 Cup Greek Yogurt
  • 8 Cloves Garlic, minced
  • ¼ Cup Olive Oil
  • 2 Teaspoons Paprika
  • 1 Teaspoon Cumin
  • ½ Teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
  • 1 Lemon, zested and juiced

Additional

  • 2 Red Onions, roughly chopped (for skewering)
  • 8 Wooden Skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1 ½ inch cubes and place them into a large mixing bowl.
  2. Make the Marinade: To the chicken, add Greek yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, crushed red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure the chicken pieces are evenly coated.
  3. Marinate: Set the bowl aside and allow the chicken to marinate for 30 minutes so the flavors meld and tenderize the meat.
  4. Soak Skewers: While the chicken marinates, soak the wooden skewers in a bowl of water for 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during grilling.
  5. Assemble Kebabs: Once marinated, thread the chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, alternating with roughly chopped red onion pieces until all ingredients are used, making a total of 8 kebabs.
  6. Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to a temperature of 450°F (232°C) to ensure a high-heat cooking environment.
  7. Grill Kebabs: Place the kebabs onto the grill and cook undisturbed for 6-7 minutes to develop a nice sear.
  8. Flip and Continue Cooking: Turn the kebabs over and grill for another 6-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  9. Serve: Remove kebabs from the grill and serve immediately. Enjoy your flavorful Middle Eastern chicken kebabs!

Notes

  • Soaking wooden skewers before grilling prevents them from burning on high heat.
  • Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes enhances tenderness and flavor but can be done up to 2 hours ahead.
  • Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
  • Red onions add sweetness and char; you can substitute with bell peppers or cherry tomatoes if desired.
  • If you prefer, the kebabs can be cooked in an air fryer at 400°F for 18-19 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 14 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern
  • Diet: Halal