Mediterranean chicken kebabs are all about big flavor, juicy bites, and easy prep. With the right marinade and a hot grill, you’ll have a go-to chicken kebab recipe that’s perfect for weeknights, weekends, and everything in between.
Chicken kebab recipe on your mind? You’re in the right place. Grilling doesn’t have to be complicated—this Mediterranean-inspired version is bursting with flavor, easy to prep ahead, and perfect for a laid-back weeknight dinner. Marinate the chicken the night before, then just fire up the grill and go. It pairs beautifully with a simple salad and makes delicious leftovers for next-day lunches. No fuss, no feast—just really good food.
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.
- Olive oil: 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 color 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 offers a hint of warm, sweet spice.
How to Marinate Chicken for the Best Kebabs
The secret to a mouthwatering chicken kebab recipe? It’s all in the marinade. This mix doesn’t just add flavor—it transforms everyday chicken into something unforgettable.
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Yogurt: Adds a tangy kick and helps tenderize the meat so it stays juicy on the grill.
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Olive Oil: A Mediterranean staple that locks in moisture and keeps the chicken from sticking.
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Red Wine Vinegar: Offers just the right acidity to balance the spices and further tenderize the chicken.
Together, they create a marinade that’s simple, powerful, and perfect for your next Mediterranean-inspired BBQ.
Tips for the Best Chicken Kebab Recipe
Getting those juicy, flavorful Mediterranean chicken skewers is about more than just tossing meat on the grill. Here’s how to make your chicken kebab recipe truly shine:
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Marination Time: Don’t rush it. Let the chicken marinate for at least 3 hours—overnight (up to 12 hours) is even better for deep flavor and tenderness.
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Choosing Skewers: Metal skewers are ideal—sturdy and reusable. If you’re using wooden ones, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning. Thread 5–6 pieces of chicken per skewer for even cooking.
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Cutting the Chicken: Use boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into equal-sized pieces. Consistent size ensures everything cooks at the same rate.
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Grilling Like a Pro: Use a kebab rack or place skewers on a lightly oiled, preheated grill for best results. Avoid flipping too soon—let one side develop a good sear before turning to get those signature grill marks.
What to Serve with Chicken Kebabs

Succulent chicken kebabs served over fresh pita bread, perfectly complemented by classic Mediterranean dips.
- Rice: Serve your kebabs over aromatic vermicelli or Greek yellow rice for a comforting touch.
- Flatbread: Lavash 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. Accompanied with hummus or tzatziki for a fulfilling meal.
Preparation
Prep the Chicken
Make the Marinade
Add paprika, Aleppo pepper (or black pepper if substituting), cumin, and a pinch of cinnamon. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir well to fully blend the spices into the marinade.
Marinate the Chicken
Skewer and Preheat
Grill the Kebabs
Rest and Serve

Ingredients:
4 boneless chicken breasts | |
1 cup plain yogurt | |
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice | |
1/4 cup olive oil | |
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar | |
2 tablespoons tomato paste | |
2 teaspoons paprika | |
1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper (or use black pepper if unavailable) | |
1 teaspoon ground cumin | |
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon | |
Salt and pepper to taste |
Preparation
Start by cutting 4 boneless chicken breasts into evenly sized cubes. Uniform pieces help ensure the chicken cooks evenly on the grill.
In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and tomato paste until well combined. Add paprika, Aleppo pepper (or black pepper if substituting), cumin, and a pinch of cinnamon. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir well to fully blend the spices into the marinade.
Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, tossing to ensure every piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours—overnight is ideal for deeper flavor.
Once marinated, thread about 5 pieces of chicken onto each skewer. Meanwhile, preheat your grill to high heat, making sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
Place the skewered chicken on the hot grill. Cook for 8–10 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and has nice grill marks on both sides.
Remove the chicken kebabs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes to keep the juices locked in. Then, dig in and enjoy your flavorful homemade Mediterranean chicken kebabs!
Recipe Tips & Suggestions
How to Store Leftover Chicken Kebabs
How to Reheat Chicken Kebabs
Freezing 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 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!