Middle Eastern-Style Chicken Kabobs Recipe

5 from 1 vote

These skewered delights offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making them a favorite dish for gatherings and weeknight dinners alike. The Middle Eastern-style chicken kabobs take this beloved recipe to a whole new level, infusing it with aromatic spices and exotic flavors.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Keyword Chicken Kabobs Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 20

Total Time 50

Servings People

Calories 220kcal

Equipment

1 Mixing bowl
10 Skewers

Ingredients

4 lb Boneless skinless chicken thighs sliced into 1 ½ inch pieces
3 tbsp Olive oil
1 tsp Paprika
3 cloves Garlic minced
1 large Onion chopped
1 tsp Black pepper
1 tsp Kosher salt
1 tbsp Lemon juice
1 tsp Cumin

Instructions

Before marinating the chicken, it's important to prepare it properly. Start by trimming any excess fat and cutting the chicken into evenly-sized pieces. This not only ensures uniform cooking but also allows the marinade to penetrate the meat more effectively.
The marinade is the key to infusing the chicken with the rich flavors of the Middle East.
In a bowl, combine the spices, along with olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice (or lemon juice from the store), minced garlic, and a pinch of salt.
Whisk the marinade until well blended, and then pour it over the chicken pieces.
Toss the chicken gently to coat it thoroughly with the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to tenderize.
Once the chicken has marinated to perfection, it's time to skewer and grill the kabobs.
Soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes before using them to prevent them from burning on the grill.
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, alternating with colorful vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes for added flavor and visual appeal.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking.
Place the chicken kabobs on the grill, and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
The chicken should be cooked through with a slightly charred exterior and juicy interior.
Serve over rice!
Enjoy!!!

Notes

Tips for Successful Chicken Kabobs

To ensure the best results when making Middle Eastern-style chicken kabobs, here are some valuable tips to keep in mind:

Marinate for optimal flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least one hour, or preferably overnight, to maximize the infusion of flavors.
Uniformly sized pieces: Cut the chicken into evenly-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from drying out while others remain undercooked.
Soak wooden skewers: Soak the wooden skewers in water before threading them to prevent them from charring or catching fire on the grill.
Preheat the grill: Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before placing the kabobs on the grates. This helps to achieve a perfect sear and locks in the juices.
Don't overcook: Keep a close eye on the kabobs while grilling to prevent them from drying out. The chicken should be cooked through but still juicy and tender.

Nutrition