Go Back
Chicken Kabob Marinade Recipe

Chicken Kabob Marinade Recipe - Easy Meal Recipe

Today, we’re diving into a crowd-pleaser: chicken kabobs. These tasty skewers of marinated chicken are not just full of flavor. They’re also incredibly simple to make, making them perfect for both busy weeknights and lazy weekend afternoons.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients
  

  • - 1 cup plain whole milk Greek yogurt
  • - 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley for an extra fresh twist
  • - 2 tablespoons high-quality extra-virgin olive oil
  • - ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • - 2 teaspoons paprika
  • - 1 teaspoon cumin
  • - 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional: use ½ teaspoon for a milder touch
  • - Zest from one juicy lemon
  • - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • - 1¾ teaspoons salt
  • - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • - 5 cloves of garlic, finely minced
  • - 2½ to 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 1½-inch pieces
  • - 1 large red onion, chopped into 1-inch chunks
  • - Vegetable oil, for greasing the grill

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare your Marinade
  1. Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl. In the bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, and crushed red pepper flakes for that touch of heat. Next, add lemon zest and juice, salt and pepper, along with the minced garlic. Blend these ingredients until you have a rich, creamy marinade that smells heavenly!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
  1. Now, in a large mixing bowl, or directly in a zip-top bag, add the chicken pieces. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure all pieces are generously coated. This is where the magic happens! Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate the chicken. For best results, allow it to marinate for at least 8 hours, but overnight is ideal for max flavor.
Step 3: Get Skewering
  1. Once marinated, it’s time to prep for the grill. First, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Thread the chicken pieces onto your metal skewers, alternating each chicken piece with chunks of red onion to add sweetness and texture. Make sure to leave some space between the pieces; overcrowding the skewers can hinder proper cooking. You should aim for 6-8 skewers based on the amount of chicken.
Step 4: Chill Out!
  1. Before you start grilling, make sure to take a moment and let your skewers hang out. Cover them with foil and let them rest in the fridge while you preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Step 5: Grease the Grill
  1. To prevent your kabobs from sticking, take a wad of paper towels, dip it lightly in vegetable oil, and use tongs to carefully rub the oil over the grill grates. This will help create a non-stick surface for your kabobs.
Step 6: Grill Those Kabobs
  1. Once your grill is ready, place the skewers on it. Let them cook for about 13 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. You might want to use a metal spatula to gently lift the kabobs if they stick a bit.
Step 7: Serve
  1. When done, transfer the kabobs to a serving platter and watch them disappear. You’ll want to show them off because they look just as good as they taste!