Name: Middle Eastern-Style Grilled Chicken Kabobs Recipe: A Flavorful Journey to the Heart of the Mediterranean
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1½-inch pieces; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 tbsp lemon zest; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tsp paprika; 1 tsp ground cumin; ½ tsp cinnamon; ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference); 1½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 large red onion, cut into 1-inch chunks; Vegetable oil, for greasing the grill

Description

Middle Eastern-style grilled chicken kabobs are skewers of marinated chicken, often paired with vegetables like onions, peppers, and tomatoes, grilled to perfection. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of yogurt, lemon, garlic, and a variety of spices, which tenderizes the meat while adding deep, bold flavors. The key to a delicious kabob lies in the balance of spices and the time given to marinate the meat, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1½-inch pieces
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)
1½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 large red onion, cut into 1-inch chunks
Vegetable oil, for greasing the grill

Instructions

Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
Thread onto skewers: Alternate chicken pieces with red onion chunks on metal or soaked wooden skewers.
Preheat the grill: Set to medium-high heat and grease the grates with vegetable oil.
Grill the kabobs: Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Serve and enjoy: Pair with rice pilaf, pita bread, or a fresh cucumber salad.

Notes

These kabobs pair beautifully with warm pita bread, garlic sauce, or a fresh cucumber yogurt salad. Don’t forget a squeeze of lemon for that extra zing! Perfect for BBQ nights or family dinners—simple, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Keywords: Middle Eastern-Style Grilled Chicken Kabobs Recipe