Description
Delicious and authentic Turkish Chicken Kabobs featuring tender, marinated chicken skewers infused with a blend of aromatic herbs and spices. Perfectly grilled to juicy perfection, these kabobs are easy to prepare, versatile, and ideal for any occasion from weeknight dinners to BBQ parties.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until smooth and fragrant, creating a creamy marinade base.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse and tenderize the meat.
- Thread the Chicken onto Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Then, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers evenly, leaving small gaps between pieces for even cooking.
- Preheat Your Grill or Pan: Heat your grill to medium-high or preheat a grill pan over the stove until hot enough to sear the chicken, helping to lock in juices and develop a smoky crust.
- Grill the Kabobs: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side. Turn carefully to ensure even cooking and a slightly charred exterior. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Let the kabobs rest for a few minutes after grilling to seal in the juices. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier kabobs.
- Marinate for at least 2 hours; overnight is ideal for enhanced flavor and tenderness.
- Leave small gaps between chicken pieces on the skewers for even cooking.
- Soak wooden skewers before grilling to prevent burning.
- Ensure the grill or pan is hot to sear and lock in moisture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Turkish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 4 skewers)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg