Looking for a simple yet incredibly flavorful meal? Look no further than these delightful Mediterranean Chicken Kebabs. Lean chicken thighs marinated in Greek yogurt and a medley of fragrant spices create incredibly tender and flavorful bites. Skewered with colorful red bell pepper and grilled until succulent, these kebabs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
There's something so satisfying about the simple joy of grilled food, especially when it's bursting with the bright and sunny flavors of the Mediterranean. These Mediterranean Chicken Kebabs have become a go-to in my own kitchen, especially when I'm looking for a meal that's both healthy and exciting.
If you enjoyed the fresh, aromatic notes in my oven cooked chicken kebabs, you're going to love the similar profile in this chicken. The marinade is key to that authentic Mediterranean taste! And for the perfect accompaniment? Look no further than my recipe for Greek village salad. The crispness and tang of that salad truly elevate these kebabs to another level.
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Ingredients
These Mediterranean Chicken Kebabs are all about simple, vibrant flavors brought together by a quick marinade and the grill. A handful of key ingredients is all you need to create incredibly juicy and flavorful chicken paired with sweet red bell pepper. Let's get started with what you'll need:
Skewers Ingredients:
- 600g Chicken Thighs (deboned and skin off, diced): We're using chicken thighs here because they stay wonderfully moist and tender on the grill, unlike chicken breasts which can sometimes dry out.
- 1 Red Bell Pepper: The sweetness and slight char of grilled red bell pepper provide a delightful contrast to the savory chicken. Its vibrant color also makes the kebabs visually appealing.
Marinade Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon Salt: A fundamental flavor enhancer, salt brings out the natural taste of the chicken and helps the marinade penetrate the meat.
- 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper: For that subtle warmth and a little bit of a spicy kick that complements the other Mediterranean flavors beautifully. Freshly ground pepper, if you have it, will offer an even more aromatic touch.
- 1 teaspoon Paprika: This adds a lovely sweet and slightly smoky note to the marinade, contributing to the vibrant color of the chicken as it grills. You can use sweet paprika for a mild flavor or smoked paprika for a deeper intensity.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Granules: The convenience of garlic granules provides a fantastic savory base for our marinade, infusing the chicken with that classic Mediterranean aroma. If you prefer, you can certainly use fresh minced garlic for an even bolder flavor (about 2 cloves).
- ½ teaspoon Turmeric: This golden spice not only adds a beautiful warm hue to the chicken but also a subtle earthy and slightly peppery note that's characteristic of Mediterranean cooking.
- 2 tablespoon Greek Yogurt: The secret ingredient for incredibly tender and juicy chicken! The acidity of the yogurt helps to break down the muscle fibers, while its richness adds a lovely creaminess to the marinade. Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the best results.
- 3 tablespoon Olive Oil: A cornerstone of Mediterranean cuisine, olive oil adds richness and helps to carry the flavors of the marinade into the chicken. It also helps to prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill. Extra virgin olive oil will provide the most authentic flavor.
- ½ Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for that bright, zesty Mediterranean lift! It not only adds a wonderful flavor but also helps to tenderize the chicken.
How to Make the Mediterranean Chicken Kebabs?
Now for the fun part: bringing these Mediterranean Chicken Kebabs to life! The process is incredibly simple, and the reward is a dish bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion. If you're more of a visual learner, I've also created a step-by-step video recipe that you can follow along with.
But don't worry, the written instructions below are just as easy to follow!
Preparing the Ingredients
First, lay your deboned and skinless chicken thighs on a clean cutting board. To ensure even cooking on the skewers, we want to dice the chicken into roughly 2-3 inch pieces.
You can start by slicing the thighs lengthwise into strips, and then cut those strips crosswise into cubes. Try to keep the pieces as uniform in size as possible. Don't worry if they're not perfectly identical, but consistency will help them cook at the same rate on the grill.
For the red bell pepper, wash it thoroughly and then carefully remove the stem and the core. Slice the pepper in half lengthwise and scrape out any seeds and white membranes.
Now, cut each half into roughly 2-3 inch squares – again, aiming for a size similar to your chicken pieces. These squares will be threaded onto the skewers along with the chicken.
Important note: If you plan to marinate your chicken for more than a couple of hours, it's best to cut the bell pepper just before you're ready to assemble the skewers. This will help the pepper retain its crispness and prevent it from becoming too soft during the extended marinating time.
Marinade the Chicken Thighs
Place all the diced chicken into a medium-sized bowl, ready for the flavorful marinade.
Now comes the part where we infuse our diced chicken with all those wonderful Mediterranean flavors. Take your bowl of prepared chicken thighs and sprinkle over it the salt, ground black pepper, paprika, and garlic granules. Next, add the turmeric, followed by the creamy Greek yogurt, the rich olive oil, and finally, the bright and zesty lemon juice.
With all the marinade ingredients now nestled with the chicken, it's time to get your hands involved! Using clean hands, gently massage the marinade into the chicken, ensuring that every piece is thoroughly coated. This hands-on approach helps to distribute the flavors evenly and really get them working their magic.
Once the chicken is well coated, cover the bowl with cling film or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least one hour. This resting time is crucial as it allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Kebabs. If you have more time, you can even marinate it for up to a few hours for an even deeper flavor infusion!
Make and Fry the Kebabs
With your beautifully marinated chicken and vibrant red bell pepper squares ready, it's time to thread them onto skewers. If you're using wooden skewers, you might want to soak them in water for about 30 minutes beforehand to help prevent them from burning on the grill.
Now, take your skewers and begin threading on the chicken and pepper pieces alternately. Start with a piece of chicken, followed by a piece of red bell pepper. Continue this pattern, ensuring each skewer has a balanced mix of both.
For this recipe, the amount of chicken and pepper should be enough to make approximately four generous skewers. Leave a little space at the ends of each skewer for easy handling on the grill. These colorful skewers are now ready for their turn on the heat!
Grill the skewers over medium heat (not direct flames), turning every 3-4 minutes. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred, about 12-15 minutes total. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the pepper is tender. Avoid burning by managing the heat and turning frequently.
And there you have it – vibrant and flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Kebabs, fresh off the grill! This recipe is proof that delicious doesn't have to be complicated. With a simple marinade and quick grilling, you can create a taste of the Mediterranean that's perfect for a weeknight meal or a weekend gathering.
The juicy chicken and sweet bell peppers are a match made in culinary heaven, promising a truly satisfying and easy grilling experience. Enjoy
Variations
There are lots of delicious ways you can play around with this Mediterranean Chicken Kebabs recipe. Here are a few ideas for using different vegetables:
- Yellow or Orange Bell Peppers: For a slightly different sweetness and color.
- Red Onion: Adds a bit of a pungent and sweet bite. Cut it into wedges or chunks similar in size to the chicken.
- Zucchini or Yellow Squash: Offer a mild flavor and tender texture when grilled. Cut them into thick rounds or half-moons.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Thread them whole onto the skewers for a burst of juicy sweetness. Be mindful they cook faster than the chicken and pepper.
- Mushrooms: Button or cremini mushrooms hold up well on the grill and absorb the marinade nicely.
How to Serve the Mediterranean Kebabs
These vibrant kebabs are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are a few ideas to make your meal complete:
- Classic Pairing: Fries and Greek Salad: As mentioned earlier, a side of crispy golden French fries and a refreshing Greek salad is a truly classic and satisfying combination. The saltiness of the fries and the fresh, tangy flavors of the salad perfectly complement the grilled chicken and pepper.
- Pita Bread and Dips: Warm, fluffy pita bread is ideal for scooping up the chicken and vegetables. Serve with a selection of Mediterranean dips like creamy hummus, smoky baba ghanoush, or cool and tangy tzatziki.
- Grain Bowls: Create a wholesome and satisfying bowl by serving the kebabs over a bed of fluffy couscous, quinoa, or rice. Add some extra vegetables like chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives, and a drizzle of lemon-herb dressing.
- Lemon-Herb Potatoes: Roasted or grilled baby potatoes tossed with olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs like oregano and rosemary make a wonderful earthy side dish.
- Grilled Vegetables: Keep the grill going and add some other seasonal vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or asparagus alongside the kebabs. A light drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper are all they need.
How to Store the Kebabs?
Once your grilled Mediterranean Chicken Kebabs have cooled down to room temperature, the best way to store them is to remove the chicken and bell peppers from the skewers and place them in an airtight container. Storing them off the skewers prevents the metal or wood from potentially affecting the texture and flavor over time.
You can keep the cooked chicken and peppers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Make sure the container is sealed properly to maintain freshness and prevent any cross-contamination.
When you're ready to enjoy them again, you have a few options for reheating:
- Microwave: This is the quickest method. Simply place the chicken and peppers on a microwave-safe plate and heat in short intervals until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as the chicken can become dry.
- Oven: For more evenly reheated and slightly crispier results, preheat your oven to around 175°C (350°F). Place the chicken and peppers on a baking sheet and cover with foil to prevent drying. Reheat for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Skillet: You can also reheat the kebabs in a skillet over medium-low heat with a little olive oil. This can help to restore some of their grilled texture.
Try Different Marinades
Explore other Mediterranean-inspired flavor profiles:
- Herbaceous Marinade: Add fresh oregano, thyme, and rosemary to the marinade. You can even include some minced fresh garlic instead of granules.
- Spicy Marinade: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the current marinade for a little heat.
- Lemon-Herb-Garlic Marinade: Omit the paprika and turmeric and increase the lemon juice, adding minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs like parsley and oregano.
- Balsamic Marinade: Whisk in a tablespoon or two of balsamic vinegar for a touch of sweetness and tang.
FAQ
While there isn't one single 'Mediterranean spice' for kebabs, the flavor profiles often include a vibrant mix of aromatic spices and fresh herbs. Common elements you'll often find in Mediterranean kebab marinades include:
- Earthy and Warm Spices: Paprika (sweet, smoked, or even a touch of spicy), cumin, coriander, and sometimes a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg add depth and warmth.
- Aromatic Herbs: Oregano is a very common Mediterranean herb, along with thyme, rosemary, and sometimes mint or parsley for freshness.
- Garlic: Fresh or granulated garlic is almost always included for its pungent and savory flavor.
- Lemon: The bright, zesty flavor of lemon juice (and sometimes even the zest) is a hallmark of Mediterranean cooking.
If you prioritize incredibly juicy and flavorful kebabs that are more forgiving on the grill, go for chicken thighs. If you prefer a leaner option and are careful with marinating and cooking, chicken breasts can also work well. You might consider cutting them into thicker pieces or even using chicken tenderloins.
In our Mediterranean Chicken Kebabs recipe, I specifically chose chicken thighs for their superior moisture and flavor, which really complements the vibrant marinade and grilling process.
I hope you're inspired to make these easy and delicious Mediterranean Chicken Kebabs! They're perfect for any occasion, and I know you'll love the vibrant flavors. If you do make them, please share your experience! You can find me and share your photos on Instagram and Facebook. Save this recipe for future grilling sessions on Pinterest. And for more cooking fun and recipe videos, head over to my YouTube channel! Happy cooking!
Related
Looking for other delicious chicken recipes like this? Try these:
Mediterranean Chicken Kebabs: Easy Grilled Recipe
Equipment
- 1 bowl
- 1 cutting board
- 4 skewers
- 1 BBQ Charcoal Grill
Ingredients
- 600 g chicken thighs no skin, deboned
- 1 pc bell pepper red or other colour
For Marinade
- 1 teaspoon sea salt kosher
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon paprika mild
- 1 teaspoon garlic granules or powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 2 tablespoon yogurt Greek
- 2 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
- ½ pc lemon juice freshly squeezed
Instructions
- Dice the chicken thighs into roughly 2-3 inch pieces. Place all the diced chicken into a medium-sized bowl.
- Take your bowl of prepared chicken thighs and sprinkle over it the salt, ground black pepper, paprika, and garlic granules. Add the turmeric, Greek yogurt, the olive oil, and finally, the lemon juice.
- Using clean hands, gently massage the marinade into the chicken, ensuring that every piece is thoroughly coated.
- Cover the bowl with cling film or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least one hour.
- Cut the bell pepper into roughly 2-3 inch squares, aiming for a size similar to your chicken pieces.
- Take your skewers and begin threading on the chicken and pepper pieces alternately.
- Grill the skewers over medium heat (not direct flames), turning every 3-4 minutes. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred, about 12-15 minutes total.
- Serve with fries and Greek salad.
Laci says
Delicious skewers!