As the sun dips lower in the sky and summer evenings beckon, there’s nothing quite like the enchanting scent of marinated chicken sizzling on the grill. I remember the first time I enjoyed Middle Eastern-style grilled chicken kabobs at a friend’s backyard barbecue. The smoky flavor danced on my palate, and the tender juiciness was simply irresistible.
This recipe captures that same magic, bringing together juicy chicken thighs and a rich yogurt marinade infused with warm spices, creating an unforgettable flavor experience. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just looking to elevate your weeknight dinners, these kabobs come together in 30 minutes or less, perfect for a quick meal that dazzles.
Ideal for gatherings, picnics, or just a cozy dinner at home, these grilled chicken kabobs are sure to impress your family and friends, all while keeping your kitchen cool. Let’s fire up the grill and get cooking!
Why are Middle Eastern-Style Grilled Chicken Kabobs a must-try?
Bold flavors: Each kabob is infused with a tantalizing marinade that includes yogurt and warm spices – a true taste sensation!
Quick preparation: With just 30 minutes needed, you can whip up this impressive dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
Versatile options: Feel free to customize them by swapping in your favorite veggies or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Crowd pleaser: Perfect for summer barbecues or a cozy family dinner, these kabobs are sure to impress everyone at your table.
Minimal cleanup: With the grilling method, you’ll keep your kitchen cool and avoid messy pots and pans – more time to enjoy the meal!
Middle Eastern-Style Grilled Chicken Kabobs Ingredients
For the Marinade
- Plain Whole Milk Greek Yogurt – Acts as a tenderizing marinade; substitute with dairy-free yogurt for a non-dairy option.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – Adds richness and helps the marinade adhere to the chicken; avocado oil can work as a substitute.
- Paprika – Provides color and mild sweetness; smoked paprika can be used for a spicier flavor.
- Ground Cumin – Adds a warm, earthy flavor; reduce the quantity for sensitivity to strong spices.
- Ground Cinnamon – Offers subtle sweetness and depth to the marinade.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Contributes heat; reduce for a milder dish.
- Lemon Zest & Juice – Adds brightness and acidity; fresh is best for flavor.
- Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Essential for flavor enhancement; use kosher salt for a coarser texture.
- Garlic Cloves – Provides aromatic flavor; feel free to omit for a milder taste.
For the Kabobs
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs – Juicy and flavorful, perfect for grilling; chicken breasts can be substituted but may dry out.
- Large Red Onion – Adds sweetness and depth when grilled; cut into chunks for easy threading on skewers.
These ingredients come together to create delicious Middle Eastern-style grilled chicken kabobs that you and your loved ones will talk about long after the last bite!
How to Make Middle Eastern-Style Grilled Chicken Kabobs
- Whisk together: In a medium bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, extra-virgin olive oil, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, crushed red pepper flakes, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Mix until well-blended.
- Prepare the chicken: Trim any excess fat from the boneless skinless chicken thighs and cut them into 1½-inch pieces. This size allows for even marinating and grilling.
- Marinate: Place the chicken chunks in the yogurt mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 8 hours, or up to 30 hours to enhance the flavor.
- Preheat the grill: Set your grill to medium-high heat. Grease the grill grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking and ensure a beautiful char on the kabobs.
- Assemble the kabobs: Thread the marinated chicken along with large chunks of red onion onto skewers, alternating chicken and onion pieces for a delightful mix of flavors.
- Grill kabobs: Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook them for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Optional: Serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Middle Eastern-Style Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Fridge: Store cooked kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and juicy.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooked kabobs in a freezer-safe container, spaced to prevent sticking, for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheat on the grill or in an oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, ensuring they are heated through.
Make-Ahead: Marinate the chicken up to 30 hours in advance, then assemble and grill when ready to serve for quick and tasty Middle Eastern-style grilled chicken kabobs.
Make Ahead Options
These Middle Eastern-Style Grilled Chicken Kabobs are a fantastic choice for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the chicken thighs in the yogurt mixture up to 30 hours in advance, ensuring the flavors deeply penetrate for mouthwatering results. Simply cover the marinated chicken and refrigerate it until you’re ready to grill. The wooden skewers can be soaked in water overnight to prevent burning on the grill. When you’re set to serve, just thread the marinated chicken and onion onto skewers and grill for about 10-15 minutes. This way, you can enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor, even on the busiest weeknights!
Expert Tips for Middle Eastern-Style Grilled Chicken Kabobs
- Choose the Right Chicken: Opt for boneless skinless chicken thighs over breasts. They provide better flavor and juiciness, ensuring your kabobs are tender and delicious.
- Marinating Time Matters: Aim for at least 8 hours of marinating for maximum flavor absorption. If you have the time, marinate for up to 30 hours to intensify the taste.
- Skewer with Care: Alternate chicken and onion pieces on the skewers for a beautiful presentation and balanced flavor. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.
- Grill Temperature: Preheating your grill to medium-high is crucial. Too low can lead to steaming rather than grilling, while too high can char the kabobs before they’re cooked through.
- Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of 165°F. This keeps your Middle Eastern-style grilled chicken kabobs safe and perfectly cooked.
What to Serve with Middle Eastern-Style Grilled Chicken Kabobs?
As you dive into the savory world of grilled chicken kabobs, consider these delightful pairings to create an unforgettable meal.
- Fluffy Rice Pilaf: The light, aromatic rice complements the kabobs, soaking up juices for a flavorful bite.
- Refreshing Greek Salad: Crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy feta provide a bright contrast to the smoky chicken.
- Creamy Hummus: Serve as a dip to add a satisfying richness that echoes the flavors of the marinade.
- Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Colorful bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes can balance the meatiness of the kabobs wonderfully.
- Tzatziki Sauce: This cool, creamy yogurt sauce enhances the dish with a refreshing tang that elevates every bite.
- Warm Pita Bread: Perfect for wrapping around the kabobs, offering a delightful texture and making each bite more engaging.
- Cilantro-Lime Quinoa: A protein-packed alternative to rice, this nutty quinoa brings freshness to the table with a zesty kick.
- Mint Lemonade: This vibrant, refreshing drink beautifully contrasts the rich flavors of the kabobs, leaving you feeling invigorated.
- Baklava Dessert: End the meal with this sweet, flaky dessert – a perfect finale that echoes Middle Eastern flavors.
- Baba Ghanoush: A smoky eggplant dip that pairs perfectly with the kabobs, delivering a creamy, rich flavor experience.
Middle Eastern-Style Grilled Chicken Kabobs Variations
Feel free to personalize these scrumptious kabobs with these delightful twists that elevate their flavor and make them uniquely yours!
- Vegetarian Delight: Swap chicken thighs for cubed firm tofu marinated in the same spices. A hearty option for veggie lovers!
- Veggie Boost: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to your skewers for a colorful, nutritious punch. These vibrant veggies will soak up the marinade’s flavors!
- Extra Spicy: Increase the crushed red pepper flakes for a fiery kick, or throw in some jalapeño slices on the skewers for added heat.
- Smoky Flavor: Substitute paprika with smoked paprika to bring an even deeper, richer flavor profile to your kabobs. It will make your taste buds dance!
- Herb Infusion: Mix fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley into the marinade for a burst of brightness. It adds a refreshing, aromatic note to each bite.
- Citrus Zing: Try using lime juice and zest instead of lemon for a zesty twist that brightens the dish with a new layer of flavor.
- Sweet Touch: Sprinkle some honey in the marinade for a touch of sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. The result? A balancing act of flavors that is simply divine!
- Nutty Crunch: Top your grilled kabobs with toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds just before serving for a delightful crunch that adds texture. Each bite will be a surprise!
Middle-Eastern Style Grilled Chicken Kabobs Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best chicken for kabobs?
Absolutely! When it comes to kabobs, boneless skinless chicken thighs are a fantastic choice. They offer juiciness and flavor which can be lost with chicken breasts due to their lower fat content. If you prefer chicken breasts, it’s important to marinate them well to prevent drying out during grilling.
How should I store cooked kabobs?
Very simply! Once your grilled kabobs are cooled, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy them later, freeze the kabobs in a freezer-safe container, making sure they don’t stick together, and they will last for up to 2 months.
Can I freeze my marinated chicken before grilling?
Yes, you can! For best results, marinate the chicken in your yogurt and spice mixture, then place it in a zip-lock freezer bag. Label the bag and freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to grill, thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge before threading onto skewers and grilling as normal.
What should I do if my kabobs are drying out on the grill?
If your kabobs are drying out, make sure you’re not overcooking them. Grill at medium-high heat and check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F. Also, consider basting them with a little olive oil or the leftover marinade during cooking to help retain moisture.
Are these kabobs suitable for dietary restrictions?
Yes! This recipe is quite versatile. It’s inherently gluten-free since it doesn’t contain any gluten-based ingredients. Plus, you can swap chicken for firm tofu for a vegetarian option, or adjust the spices and omit any allergenic ingredients based on your preferences. Just make sure to check the labels for any hidden gluten if you’re using store-bought items!
How do I know when my kabobs are perfectly cooked?
The key is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken without touching the skewer. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F. If you prefer a visible indicator, the chicken should be golden brown on the outside, and juices should run clear rather than pink.
Savory Middle Eastern-Style Grilled Chicken Kabobs in 30 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk together the yogurt, olive oil, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and garlic in a medium bowl until well-blended.
- Trim excess fat from chicken thighs and cut into 1½-inch pieces.
- Marinate the chicken in the yogurt mixture for at least 8 hours or up to 30 hours.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and grease the grates with vegetable oil.
- Thread the marinated chicken and onion onto skewers, alternating between chicken and onion.
- Grill the kabobs for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown with an internal temperature of 165°F.
