When it comes to grilling season, chicken kebabs are a staple that never disappoints. Whether you’re a fan of spicy, sweet, or savory flavors, there’s a chicken kebab recipe out there for you. In this blog post, we’ll explore a variety of delicious chicken kebab recipes that are sure to become favorites. From classic Mediterranean to exotic Asian-inspired flavors, these chicken kebabs are not only tasty but also easy to make. Let’s dive in!
1. The Classic Mediterranean Chicken Kebab
1.1 The Perfect Marinade
Mediterranean chicken kebabs are known for their vibrant flavors, thanks to a well-crafted marinade. The key ingredients typically include olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a blend of Mediterranean herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary. This marinade not only imparts a delicious flavor but also helps tenderize the chicken, making it juicy and succulent.
To make the marinade, mix together olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, and your choice of herbs. Coat the chicken pieces in the marinade and let them sit for at least an hour, or overnight for the best results. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it becomes.
1.2 Grilling to Perfection
Grilling is the best way to cook Mediterranean chicken kebabs. The high heat of the grill sears the outside of the chicken, locking in the juices and creating a deliciously charred exterior. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, alternating with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes.
Grill the kebabs over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Serve the kebabs with a side of tzatziki sauce and warm pita bread for a complete Mediterranean meal.
2. Spicy Tandoori Chicken Kebab
2.1 The Flavorful Marinade
Tandoori chicken kebabs are a popular Indian dish known for their vibrant red color and bold flavors. The marinade typically includes yogurt, lemon juice, and a blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder. The yogurt helps tenderize the chicken while the spices add a depth of flavor.
To make the marinade, combine plain yogurt with lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, and your choice of spices. Mix well and coat the chicken pieces in the marinade. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least an hour, or overnight if possible, to ensure the flavors are well absorbed.
2.2 Cooking Methods
Traditionally, tandoori chicken kebabs are cooked in a tandoor oven, which imparts a unique smoky flavor. However, you can achieve similar results using a grill or even your oven. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers and cook them over high heat until they are charred and cooked through.
Serve the tandoori chicken kebabs with a side of naan bread and mint chutney for a delicious and authentic Indian meal. The combination of spicy, smoky chicken with the refreshing mint chutney is simply irresistible.
3. Sweet and Tangy Teriyaki Chicken Kebab
3.1 The Delicious Marinade
Teriyaki chicken kebabs are a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors. The marinade typically includes soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar. The combination of these ingredients creates a rich, glossy sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
To make the marinade, mix together soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar in a bowl. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and let them soak for at least an hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
3.2 Grilling Tips
Grilling teriyaki chicken kebabs requires a bit of attention to prevent the sugar in the marinade from burning. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, alternating with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and pineapple chunks.
Grill the kebabs, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Brush the kebabs with additional teriyaki sauce during the last few minutes of grilling to enhance the flavor. Serve the kebabs with steamed rice and a side of pickled ginger for a complete meal.
4. Savory Greek Chicken Kebab
4.1 The Authentic Marinade
Greek chicken kebabs, also known as souvlaki, are marinated in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano. This simple yet flavorful marinade highlights the natural taste of the chicken and is a staple in Greek cuisine.
To make the marinade, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and dried oregano in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and let them sit for at least an hour, or overnight for the best flavor.
4.2 Grilling to Perfection
Greek chicken kebabs are best cooked on a grill to achieve that perfect charred exterior. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, along with chunks of red onion and bell pepper. Grill the kebabs over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Serve the Greek chicken kebabs with a side of tzatziki sauce, a Greek salad, and warm pita bread for a delicious and authentic Greek meal. The combination of juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and creamy tzatziki is simply unbeatable.
5. Exotic Moroccan Chicken Kebab
5.1 The Aromatic Marinade
Moroccan chicken kebabs are known for their rich and aromatic flavors. The marinade typically includes a blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, paprika, and cinnamon, along with olive oil and lemon juice. This spice blend gives the chicken a warm and complex flavor profile.
To make the marinade, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a blend of Moroccan spices. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and let them soak for at least an hour, or overnight if possible, to allow the flavors to develop.
5.2 Cooking Techniques
Moroccan chicken kebabs can be cooked on a grill or in an oven. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, alternating with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes. Grill the kebabs over medium-high heat, or bake them in a preheated oven, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Serve the Moroccan chicken kebabs with a side of couscous and a fresh salad for a complete meal. The combination of spiced chicken, roasted vegetables, and fluffy couscous is a feast for the senses.
6. Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken Kebab
6.1 The Fresh Marinade
Lemon herb chicken kebabs are a refreshing and light option that’s perfect for summer grilling. The marinade includes lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and a mix of fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and rosemary. This combination adds a bright and zesty flavor to the chicken.
To make the marinade, combine freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and chopped herbs in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and let them sit for at least an hour, or overnight for the best results.
6.2 Grilling Tips
Grilling lemon herb chicken kebabs is quick and easy. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, alternating with vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes.
Grill the kebabs, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Serve the lemon herb chicken kebabs with a side of rice pilaf and a fresh green salad for a light and flavorful meal.
7. Spicy Cajun Chicken Kebab
7.1 The Bold Marinade
Cajun chicken kebabs are packed with bold and spicy flavors. The marinade typically includes a blend of Cajun spices such as paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, along with olive oil and lemon juice. This spice blend gives the chicken a robust and zesty flavor.
To make the marinade, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a blend of Cajun spices. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and let them soak for at least an hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
7.2 Grilling Instructions
Grilling Cajun chicken kebabs is a great way to achieve a smoky, charred flavor. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, along with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes.
Grill the kebabs, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Serve the Cajun chicken kebabs with a side of dirty rice and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. The combination of spicy chicken, roasted vegetables, and flavorful rice is simply delicious.
8. Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Chicken Kebab
8.1 The Tropical Marinade
Pineapple chicken kebabs are a delightful blend of sweet and spicy flavors. The marinade typically includes pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and a touch of chili flakes. This combination adds a tropical twist to the chicken, making it juicy and flavorful.
To make the marinade, mix together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and chili flakes in a bowl. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and let them sit for at least an hour, or overnight for the best results.
8.2 Grilling Tips
Grilling pineapple chicken kebabs is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious meal. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, alternating with chunks of fresh pineapple and bell peppers.
Grill the kebabs, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the pineapple is caramelized. Serve the pineapple chicken kebabs with a side of coconut rice and a fresh green salad for a tropical-inspired meal.
9. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Kebab
9.1 The Savory Marinade
Garlic parmesan chicken kebabs are a delicious and savory option that’s perfect for any occasion. The marinade includes olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and grated parmesan cheese. This combination adds a rich and savory flavor to the chicken.
To make the marinade, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and grated parmesan cheese in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and let them sit for at least an hour, or overnight for the best results.
9.2 Grilling Instructions
Grilling garlic parmesan chicken kebabs is a quick and easy way to enjoy a flavorful meal. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, alternating with vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes.
Grill the kebabs, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Serve the garlic parmesan chicken kebabs with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
10. Honey Mustard Chicken Kebab
10.1 The Sweet and Tangy Marinade
Honey mustard chicken kebabs are a delicious blend of sweet and tangy flavors. The marinade includes honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and lemon juice. This combination adds a delightful sweetness and tanginess to the chicken.
To make the marinade, combine honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and lemon juice in a bowl. Stir until the ingredients are well combined. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and let them sit for at least an hour, or overnight for the best results.
10.2 Grilling Tips
Grilling honey mustard chicken kebabs is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious meal. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, alternating with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes.
Grill the kebabs, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Serve the honey mustard chicken kebabs with a side of rice pilaf and a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
11. Smoky Chipotle Chicken Kebab
11.1 The Spicy Marinade
Chipotle chicken kebabs are known for their smoky and spicy flavor. The marinade typically includes chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, lime juice, garlic, and a touch of honey. This combination adds a rich and smoky flavor to the chicken.
To make the marinade, blend together chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, freshly squeezed lime juice, minced garlic, and honey. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and let them sit for at least an hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
11.2 Grilling Instructions
Grilling chipotle chicken kebabs is a great way to achieve a smoky, charred flavor. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, along with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes.
Grill the kebabs, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Serve the chipotle chicken kebabs with a side of Mexican rice and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. The combination of smoky chicken, roasted vegetables, and flavorful rice is simply delicious.
12. Lemon Garlic Chicken Kebab
12.1 The Fresh Marinade
Lemon garlic chicken kebabs are a refreshing and light option that’s perfect for summer grilling. The marinade includes lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and a touch of thyme. This combination adds a bright and zesty flavor to the chicken.
To make the marinade, combine freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and thyme in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and let them sit for at least an hour, or overnight for the best results.
12.2 Grilling Tips
Grilling lemon garlic chicken kebabs is quick and easy. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, alternating with vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes.
Grill the kebabs, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Serve the lemon garlic chicken kebabs with a side of rice pilaf and a fresh green salad for a light and flavorful meal.
13. Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Kebab
13.1 The Creamy Marinade
Greek yogurt marinated chicken kebabs are a tender and flavorful option. The marinade includes Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and a blend of Mediterranean herbs. This combination adds a rich and creamy texture to the chicken.
To make the marinade, combine Greek yogurt, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, and a blend of Mediterranean herbs in a bowl. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and let them sit for at least an hour, or overnight for the best results.
13.2 Grilling Instructions
Grilling Greek yogurt marinated chicken kebabs is a great way to achieve a tender and juicy texture. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, along with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes.
Grill the kebabs, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Serve the Greek yogurt marinated chicken kebabs with a side of rice pilaf and a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
14. Thai Peanut Chicken Kebab
14.1 The Creamy Peanut Marinade
Thai peanut chicken kebabs are a delicious and exotic option. The marinade includes peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and a touch of honey. This combination adds a rich and creamy flavor to the chicken.
To make the marinade, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, freshly squeezed lime juice, and honey in a bowl. Stir until the ingredients are well combined. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and let them sit for at least an hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
14.2 Grilling Tips
Grilling Thai peanut chicken kebabs is a quick and easy way to enjoy a flavorful meal. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, alternating with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes.
Grill the kebabs, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Serve the Thai peanut chicken kebabs with a side of jasmine rice and a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
15. Garlic Lemon Chicken Kebab
15.1 The Zesty Marinade
Garlic lemon chicken kebabs are a refreshing and light option that’s perfect for summer grilling. The marinade includes lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and a touch of thyme. This combination adds a bright and zesty flavor to the chicken.
To make the marinade, combine freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and thyme in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and let them sit for at least an hour, or overnight for the best results.
15.2 Grilling Instructions
Grilling garlic lemon chicken kebabs is quick and easy. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, alternating with vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes.
Grill the kebabs, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Serve the garlic lemon chicken kebabs with a side of rice pilaf and a fresh green salad for a light and flavorful meal.
FAQs
- What is the key to making juicy chicken kebabs? The key to making juicy chicken kebabs is to marinate the chicken for at least an hour, preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and helps tenderize it.
- Can I use other meats for these kebab recipes? Yes, you can substitute chicken with other meats such as beef, lamb, or shrimp. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is cooked through.
- How do I prevent chicken kebabs from sticking to the grill? To prevent chicken kebabs from sticking to the grill, lightly oil the grill grates before cooking. You can also brush the kebabs with a little oil before grilling.
- Can I bake chicken kebabs instead of grilling them? Yes, you can bake chicken kebabs in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the kebabs on a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
- What vegetables work best with chicken kebabs? Vegetables like bell peppers, onions, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and pineapple work well with chicken kebabs. They add flavor and texture to the dish.
- Can I freeze marinated chicken kebabs? Yes, you can freeze marinated chicken kebabs. Place the marinated chicken pieces on skewers and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- How long should I cook chicken kebabs on the grill? Cook chicken kebabs on the grill for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- What is the best way to serve chicken kebabs? Serve chicken kebabs with a side of rice, a fresh salad, and a variety of dipping sauces. Warm pita bread or naan is also a great accompaniment.
- Can I prepare chicken kebabs in advance? Yes, you can prepare chicken kebabs in advance. Marinate the chicken and thread it onto skewers. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
- What are some dipping sauces that go well with chicken kebabs? Some popular dipping sauces for chicken kebabs include tzatziki, hummus, peanut sauce, mint chutney, and garlic aioli. These sauces add extra flavor and complement the kebabs perfectly.
