Easy Grilled Chicken Kebabs
These super easy Chicken Kebab Skewers are the perfect addition to any summer barbecue! They combine tender chicken with charred veggies for a healthy and filling meal.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate, if you purchase through those links, I earn a small commission. Thank you! Read our disclosure policy here.
Featuring juicy and tender chicken in a flavorful marinade, these chicken kebab skewers will have the whole neighborhood coming to your backyard once you put them on the grill!
Why This Recipe Works
With a homemade marinade, perfectly cooked chicken, and your choice of fresh veggies, these grilled chicken kebabs are the ultimate summer recipe like my Spicy Teriyaki Grilled Steak Kebabs!
You'll love the bold and savory flavors and the simple steps required to make these super simple and tasty chicken skewers. Customize with all your favorite veggies to grill for the ultimate meal like this Grilled Zucchini Salad.
Ingredients Needed
- Greek Yogurt: Helps form the base for the marinade and helps break down the protein fibers in the chicken to leave it perfectly juicy and tender.
- Olive Oil
- Seasonings: I use a combination of smoked paprika, cumin, cinnamon, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to flavor the chicken.
- Lemon Juice: Balances all the warm and savory spices with a slightly sour and tangy citrus flavor.
- Fresh Garlic Cloves
- Cilantro: Adds a lot of flavor but you can certainly leave it out if you dont like the taste.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: You can also use boneless skinless chicken breasts if you prefer lighter meat.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Kebabs
- Step 1: Combine the yogurt and olive oil with paprika, salt, pepper, cumin, cinnamon, onion powder, red peppers flakes, garlic, fresh lemon juice, and cilantro.
- Step 2: Dice the chicken thighs into bite sized pieces.
- Step 3: Add the chicken pieces to a large bowl with the marinade and toss until well combined. Allow the chicken to sit for at least an hour, or overnight.
- Step 4: Add the marinaded chicken to skewers with chunks of your chosen veggies.
- Step 5: Heat a grill to medium high heat and place the chicken kebab skewers over direct heat. Cook for 13 to 15 minutes, turning every couple of minutes.
- Step 6: Allow the skewers to rest for 5 minutes off heat, then serve and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Add chopped veggies like red bell peppers, green bell peppers, yellow peppers, red onion, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini.
- If you're using bamboo skewers or wooden skewers, soak them in some water first to prevent them from getting burnt or blackened on the grill. You can also use metal skewers--just be aware they'll be hot when you take them off the grill!
- Be sure to let the chicken marinate for as long as you can. I like to prepare mine the day before so the flavors can really soak in and help tenderize the chicken.
- Using chicken breasts instead? They don't take as long to cook as chicken thighs, so be sure not to overcook them.
- Feel free to add more of whatever seasonings you like in the marinade, or omit anything you don't want to add.
- Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. You can remove it from the skewers once it's cooked for easier storage. Microwave to reheat.
- Chicken is fully cooked at an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
Recipe FAQ's
I think chicken thighs are the best for these kebabs since they're naturally nice and tender and full of flavor. You can learn how to debone your own chicken thighs here. Marinating them doubles down on the rich flavor and juicy tenderness!
Serve your kebabs with your choice of veggies to make a complete meal. I like to pair mine with some grilled zucchini and a baked potato for a nice filling dinner. You could also pair these with a tasty Chopped Greek Salad and some Ciabatta Garlic Bread!
Make sure to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for all my latest recipes!
Grilled Chicken Kebab
Equipment
- Skewers
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped
- 2 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Instructions
- In a small bowl whisk together the yogurt, olive oil, paprika, salt, pepper, cumin, cinnamon, onion powder, red pepper lemon garlic, and cilantro until combined.
- Cut the chicken thighs into 1 1/2 inch pieces and place into a large bowl and pour the marinade over the chicken and toss until coated. Place into the refrigerator for at least 1 hour but overnight for optimal flavor.
- Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and thread the chicken pieces into the skewers, don't over crowd the skewers.
- Heat a grill on medium high heat, grease the grates with a little olive oil and place the kebabs over direct heat grill for 13-15 minutes turning every couple of minutes.
- Remove from the grill and let rest 5 minutes then serve!
So happy you enjoyed it Gigi!
So flavorful and yummy!
These kabobs are perfect for a summer barbecue! Everyone love them and loved the addition of the veggies!
My husband enjoyed this My husband enjoyed this (Name of Recipe)..
Glad they were a hit!
These cooked up so quick and were delicious. I love the hint of spice from the cayenne and the cinnamon. Will make again.
Marinated the chicken kebabs in a lemon herb sauce. Turned out amazing - the chicken was so juicy and flavorful. Definitely adding this to my regular grilling rotation!