Crafting the perfect Mediterranean Chicken Kebab is an art; here’s how to elevate each bite with the perfect sides.
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Sun-soaked beaches, fragrant spices, and the hum of a bustling bazaar are the images the word ‘Mediterranean’ evokes. But today, I’m taking you on a culinary journey to the heart of this region with our Mediterranean Chicken Kebab recipe. Growing up, the chicken kebab platter was the showstopper at our family gatherings. As I watched elders expertly marinate the meat, the aroma of Mediterranean spices for Chicken wafted through the air, creating memories I still cherish.
Now, as I curate my chicken kebab recipe, those same Mediterranean spices for Chicken take center stage, infusing every bite with a blend of tradition and nostalgia. Ready to embark on this flavorful ride?
Ingredients for Mediterranean Chicken Kebabs:
- Boneless Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy boneless chicken breasts serve as the star of this dish.
- Yogurt: Creamy yogurt helps to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a zesty and citrusy kick to the marinade.
- OliveChickenigh-quality olive oil provides richness and helps the chicken cook to perfection.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Red wine vinegar Chicken is tangy and has a slightly sweet note to balance the flavors.
- Tomato Paste: Tomato paste enriches the marinade with a deep, umami undertone.
- Paprika: Paprika imparts a vibrant chicken and a subtle smokiness to the chicken.
- Aleppo Pepper: Aleppo pepper adds a gentle heat and fruity aroma.
- Cumin: Ground cumin brings an earthy warmth to the marinade.
- Cinnamon: A pinch of cinnamon offers a hint of warm, sweet spice.
- Salt and Pepper: Season with salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors.
These flavorful ingredients create tender chicken Kebabs with savory, aromatic goodness.
The Perfect Marinade
The magic of flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Kebabs is in the marinade. It’s not just a flavor boost; it’s the essence of this chicken kebab recipe, transforming plain chicken into memorable.
- Yogurt: Adds tanginess and is a natural meat softener. Its acid breaks down proteins, letting the chicken absorb the marinade and stay juicy after grilling.
- Olive Oil: Essential in Mediterranean cuisine, olive oil ensures chicken doesn’t stick on the grill. It also deepens the kebabs’ flavor.
- Vinegar (Red Wine Vinegar): It adds a touch of acidity, balancing the spices. Like yogurt, it tenderizes the chicken.
Together, they form a marinade that makes ordinary chicken extraordinary—a must-try Mediterranean Chicken Kebab Recipe for BBQ lovers.
Grilling to Perfection
Getting those perfect grilled Mediterranean chicken skewers Chickens more than a grill and ingredients. Here are some tips to enhance your chicken kebab platter:
- Marination Time: Let the chicken marinate. Don’t rush. Ideally, three hours, but up to 12 hours is best for tenderness.
- Choosing Skewers: Metal skewers are my choice – durable and heat-resistant. Thread 5-6 chicken pieces per skewer. Using wooden skewers? Soak them for 20 minutes to avoid burning.
- Cutting the Chicken: I use boneless chicken breast cut uniformly for even cooking. Chicken thighs work, too. Just cut them evenly and marinate similarly.
- The Grilling Process: To avoid burns, consider using a chicken kebab rack. Alternatively, put skewers directly on a cooled-down, oiled grill. Don’t flip skewers too soon. Let them cook evenly, achieving those lovely grill marks.
What to Serve with Chicken Kebabs
- Rice: Serve your kebabs over aromatic vermicelli or Greek yellow rice for a comforting touch.
- Flatbread: Taboon or pita Chicken can be a base for your kebabs, soaking up the flavorful juices and creating a kebab-infused sandwich delight.
- Dips: Traditional Middle Eastern dips like Hummus and Toum enhance the kebab’s flavors, bringing creamy and garlic notes that meld with the grilled chicken.
- Salad: Pair your kebabs with a crisp fattoush or Greek Salad, a blend of tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta to refresh the palate.
- Grilled Veggies: Grilled corn on the cob, zucchini, or asparagus, seasoned and grilled, adds a summer flair to your dish.
- Kebab Wrap: Transform your kebabs into wraps, blending grilled chicken with fresh veggies and sauce. Accompany with hummus or tzatziki for a fulfilling meal.
Preparation
Introduce the spices to your mix: paprika, Aleppo pepper, cumin, and cinnamon. Season with salt and pepper as per your liking, and give it a good mix to ensure the spices are fully assimilated into the marinade.
Allow the chicken to marinate for a minimum of 3 hours. For the best flavor, consider letting it marinate overnight.
Preheat your grill to high heat.
Enjoy your homemade chicken kebabs!
Ingredients:
Adjust Servings
4 boneless chicken breasts | |
1 cup yogurt | |
1/4 cup lemon juice | |
1/4 cup olive oil | |
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar | |
2 tablespoons tomato paste | |
2 teaspoons paprika | |
1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper | |
1 teaspoon ground cumin | |
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon | |
Salt and pepper to taste |
Preparation
Recipe Tips & Suggestions
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Mediterranean Chicken Kebabs
Nutrition Information
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.
I would love to hear your experience!
I hope you enjoyed this Mediterranean grilled chicken recipe. Please share your experiences and variations in the comments below! I would love to hear your feedback and any tips you have for making these delectable Mediterranean Chicken Kebabs even more amazing!