Chicken Kebabs – This juicy, flavorful chicken that’s perfectly charred and bursting with spices are a staple for summer barbecues or a quick weeknight dinners.
What Are Chicken Kebabs?
Chicken kebabs, also known as “chicken kabobs,” are skewered pieces of marinated chicken, grilled or baked to perfection. This dish has roots in Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisines but has found popularity worldwide, with each culture adding its unique spin on spices, marinades, and grilling techniques.
Kebabs are versatile and can be customized with different flavors, veggies, and sauces, making them perfect for both family dinners and parties.
How to Make Chicken Kebabs: The Essential Steps
Ingredients You’ll Need
For classic chicken kebabs, you’ll need the following:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal as they stay juicy on the grill, but chicken breast works too.
- Marinade: The marinade can vary, but common ingredients include:
- Yogurt (for tenderness)
- Olive oil (to prevent sticking)
- Lemon juice or vinegar (for tang and tenderizing)
- Garlic and ginger (for depth of flavor)
- Spices like cumin, coriander, paprika, and turmeric
- Vegetables (optional): Bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes add color and flavor to kebabs.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Kebabs
Here are some expert tips to help you make chicken kebabs that are juicy, tender, and packed with flavor:
- Use Metal Skewers or Soak Wooden Ones: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Cut Chicken Evenly: Uniform pieces cook evenly, ensuring no piece is overcooked or undercooked.
- Marinate Longer: If possible, marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavors and juiciness.
- Preheat the Grill: A hot grill sears the meat quickly, locking in juices and preventing sticking.
- Don’t Overcook: Chicken can become dry if overcooked, so remove it as soon as it’s done.
Popular Chicken Kebab Variations
Chicken kebabs are incredibly versatile, so don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors! Here are some popular variations to try:
Mediterranean Chicken Kebabs
- Marinate in a blend of yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano.
- Serve with tzatziki sauce and pita bread.
Indian-Style Chicken Tikka Kebabs
- Marinate with yogurt, ginger, garlic, and spices like garam masala, turmeric, and red chili powder.
- Serve with naan bread and mint chutney for an authentic experience.
BBQ Chicken Kebabs
- Use your favorite BBQ sauce as a marinade or baste with sauce during grilling.
- Serve with a side of coleslaw for a classic barbecue combo.
Lemon Herb Kebabs
- For a light, zesty option, marinate with olive oil, lemon zest, garlic, and fresh herbs like basil and thyme.
- Serve with a mixed green salad or couscous.
How to Serve Chicken Kebabs
Serving chicken kebabs is easy, and there are plenty of sides and sauces that complement their flavors. Here are some ideas:
- Pita or Flatbreads: Serve kebabs with soft pita or naan bread for an authentic touch.
- Sauces: Yogurt-based sauces like tzatziki, garlic sauce, or hummus work wonderfully with kebabs.
- Salads: Fresh salads like Greek salad, tabbouleh, or even a simple cucumber-tomato salad are refreshing sides.
- Rice or Couscous: A bed of basmati rice or couscous pairs well with kebabs and absorbs the flavors of the marinade.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Kebabs
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover chicken kebabs, here’s how to store them for optimal freshness:
- In the Refrigerator: Store cooked kebabs in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- In the Freezer: For longer storage, place kebabs in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating Kebabs
To enjoy leftovers without losing flavor:
- In the Oven: Reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- On the Grill: Place on a preheated grill for a few minutes, turning occasionally, to regain some char.
- Microwave: If you’re in a rush, the microwave works, but kebabs might lose some of their texture.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make chicken kebabs without a grill?
Absolutely! You can bake chicken kebabs in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes. Use a broiler at the end for a nice char.
How long should I marinate chicken for kebabs?
A minimum of 30 minutes works, but 2-4 hours or even overnight is ideal for the best flavor and tenderness.
Can I make chicken kebabs with chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken breasts work well but tend to dry out faster than thighs. Be mindful not to overcook them.
What should I do if I don’t have skewers?
You can make a chicken kebab stir-fry by cooking marinated chicken and vegetables in a skillet for a similar effect.
How do I know when chicken kebabs are done?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). You’ll notice the chicken is opaque and juices run clear.
Chicken Kebabs
Chicken Kebabs - This juicy, flavorful chicken that’s perfectly charred and bursting with spices are a staple for summer barbecues or a quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 2½ to 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into 1½-inch pieces.
- 1 large, cut into 1-inch chunks (for that perfect bite with each piece of chicken).
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup whole milk Greek yogurt
- Zest from 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1¾ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- Vegetable oil to grease the grill
Instructions
- Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, mix together yogurt, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, cumin, cinnamon, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and garlic until smooth.
- Prep the Kebabs: On a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, thread chicken pieces onto metal skewers, alternating with red onion chunks. Be sure not to pack them too tightly—leave a little room for even cooking. You’ll need about 6-8 skewers.
- Marinate: Generously brush the marinade over the skewers, covering the meat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or for the best flavor, let it marinate overnight.
- Grill to Perfection: Preheat your grill to medium-high. To prevent sticking, dip a wad of paper towels in vegetable oil and, using tongs, carefully rub over the grates until they’re glossy.
- Grill the chicken kebabs for about 13-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. The yogurt marinade adds amazing flavor but can make the kebabs prone to sticking—use a metal spatula to release them gently if needed.
- Serve & Enjoy: Once done, transfer the kebabs to a platter. These kebabs are fantastic served with a side of flatbread, a cool yogurt dip, or a fresh salad.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 722Total Fat 40gSaturated Fat 11gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 28gCholesterol 422mgSodium 1552mgCarbohydrates 7gFiber 1gSugar 3gProtein 88g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts: Elevate Your Chicken Kebab Game
Whether you’re grilling for a summer cookout or just craving a flavorful meal, chicken kebabs are a fantastic option that can be customized to suit your taste buds. From traditional marinades to creative variations, there’s a kebab style for everyone. Remember, the key to perfect kebabs is a good marinade, even cooking, and some char for that smoky flavor. So, fire up the grill and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade chicken kebabs!
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