Chicken Shish Kabob is a tasty dish that features marinated chicken pieces grilled to perfection. It’s juicy, flavorful, and served on skewers, making it fun to eat!
These kabobs are perfect for barbecues and family meals. Just toss in some veggies for extra color and taste. I love pairing them with rice or pita bread—so satisfying! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here, tender and easy to cube. If you’re looking for something different, chicken thighs can add more flavor and remain juicy.
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the marinade. If you need an alternative due to flavor preference, avocado oil works well too.
Plain Yogurt: Yogurt tenderizes the chicken. For a dairy-free option, use coconut yogurt or a splash of almond milk with a bit of vinegar to mimic the acidity.
Spices: The cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika elevate flavor. Use curry powder for a twist, or if you’re out of any spice, just a bit of salt and pepper can still yield tasty results.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic packs a punch in flavor. You might substitute 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder if you’re out of fresh, but fresh is always best!
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Cooked Chicken Kabobs?
Getting the chicken just right on the grill is key. Start by making sure the chicken is marinated long enough to absorb all that flavor, ideally overnight. This also helps tenderize the meat.
- Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers; leave space between pieces for even heat distribution.
- Grill on medium-high heat for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. Look for clear juices when poked; no pink means it’s done!
- Let the kabobs rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep them juicy.
How to Make Chicken Shish Kabob
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Skewers (metal or soaked wooden skewers)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare plus at least 1 hour to marinate the chicken. You can marinate overnight for the best flavor but it’s not a must. Grill the chicken for about 10-15 minutes once you’re ready, making this a perfect dish for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed. This flavorful marinade is what makes your chicken super tasty!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, tossing them gently to make sure every piece is nicely coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight if you have the time. The longer, the better!
3. Prepare the Grill and Skewers:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for about 30 minutes beforehand. This helps to prevent them from burning on the grill.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Now it’s time to thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers! Leave a little space between each piece, as this helps them cook evenly. Once all the chicken is on the skewers, place them on the hot grill.
5. Grill the Kabobs:
Cook the kabobs for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally so they get nice grill marks and cook through evenly. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is no longer pink inside.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, take the skewers off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. To serve, sprinkle the kabobs with chopped fresh parsley and add some lemon wedges on the side. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the kabobs for a refreshing touch. Enjoy your delicious chicken shish kabobs!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more juiciness and flavor to your shish kabobs. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a couple of additional minutes to cook through compared to breasts.
What If I Don’t Have Yogurt? Can I Substitute It?
Yes, you can substitute the yogurt with sour cream or buttermilk for a similar tangy flavor and creaminess. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using unsweetened coconut yogurt or a non-dairy yogurt alternative.
How Can I Store Leftover Chicken Shish Kabobs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, ensuring they heat through evenly without drying out.
Can I Grill These Kabobs Indoors?
If you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can use a grill pan on your stovetop. Just make sure to preheat the pan and cook the kabobs over medium-high heat for the same amount of time, turning occasionally for even cooking.
