Easy & Flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Kebab Recipe

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Crafting the perfect Mediterranean Chicken Kebab is an art; here’s how to elevate each bite with the perfect sides.

Sun-soaked beaches, fragrant spices, and the hum of a bustling bazaar – these 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 own 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?

The Origins of Chicken Kebabs:

Have you ever found yourself musing over the history behind your favorite dishes? Chicken kebabs have a rich tapestry of heritage. The term “shish kebab” originates from the Turkish words “şış” (skewer) and “kebap” (roasted meat). While today they grace menus globally, their roots are firmly planted in the culinary traditions of the Middle East.

In ancient times, nomadic tribes found that skewering meat was a practical approach to cooking—it was quicker and required less fuel. This innovation birthed the beloved dish known today as kebabs. Over the years, regional variations emerged, each with its unique twist. Our Mediterranean recipe, inspired by Middle Eastern culinary arts, marries select spices, yogurt, and olive oil, infusing the chicken with an unforgettable flavor reminiscent of sun-kissed Mediterranean shores.

The Perfect Marinade: Yogurt, Olive Oil, and Vinegar for Mediterranean Chicken Kebabs

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 a dish to remember.

  • 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): Gives 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 involves more than just a grill and ingredients. Here are some tips to enhance your chicken kebab platter:

  1. Marination Time: Let the chicken marinate. Don’t rush. Ideally, three hours, but up to 12 hours is best for flavor and tenderness.
  2. 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.
  3. Cutting the Chicken: I use boneless chicken breast cut uniformly for even cooking. Chicken thighs work too. Just cut them evenly and marinate similarly.
  4. The Grilling Process: Consider a chicken kebab rack to avoid burns. Or, put skewers directly on a cooled-down, oiled grill. Don’t flip skewers too soon. Let them cook evenly, achieving those lovely grill marks.

Is Chicken Kebab a Healthy Choice?

When you think of delicious BBQ dishes, you might wonder: “Is chicken kebab healthy?” The good news is that, when prepared thoughtfully, chicken kebab can be a nutritious addition to your diet. Chicken is an excellent protein source, vital for muscle growth and repair, and is also rich in iron which plays a crucial role in transporting oxygen throughout our body.

For calorie-conscious individuals, a typical serving of chicken kebab packs approximately 581 calories. This can vary based on preparation and serving size. And for those on a gluten-free diet, rest easy! Our Mediterranean Chicken Kebab Recipe is gluten-free, though it’s always a good practice to check all ingredients if you’re strictly avoiding gluten.

Chicken Shawarma vs. Chicken Kebab

The age-old query, chicken kebab vs. shawarma, has intrigued many food enthusiasts. At a glance, both might seem similar, but they have distinct preparation methods and presentations.

Shawarma, a cherished Middle Eastern delicacy, is made of thin slices of marinated chicken grilled on a vertical rotisserie. Often, it’s served wrapped in pita bread accompanied by various toppings.

Kebabs, on the other hand, are a universal favorite. They are essentially meat (in our context, chicken) skewered and grilled, often over an open flame. Our discussion today, centered on the Mediterranean Chicken Kebab Recipe, illustrates this delicious skewered preparation.

In essence, while both shawarma and kebabs utilize grilled meat, the cooking method and presentation set them apart.

What to Serve with Chicken Kebabs

  1. Rice: Serve your kebabs over aromatic vermicelli or Greek yellow rice for a comforting touch.
  2. Flatbread: Taboon or pita bread can be used as a base for your kebabs, soaking up the flavorful juices, creating a kebab-infused sandwich delight.
  3. 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.
  4. Salad: Pair your kebabs with a crisp Fattoush or a Mediterranean blend of tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta to refresh the palate.
  5. Grilled Veggies: Grilled corn on the cob, zucchini, or asparagus, seasoned and grilled, adds a summer flair to your dish.
  6. Kebab Wrap: Transform your kebabs into wraps, blending grilled chicken with fresh veggies and sauce. Accompany with hummus or tzatziki for a fulfilling meal.
Ingredient List

Preparation

1.
Begin by preparing your chicken. Cut the 4 boneless chicken breasts into cubes, trying to make them as evenly sized as possible.
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2.
Begin the marinade. In a sizable bowl, blend the yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and tomato paste, stirring them until they merge seamlessly.
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.



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3.
Once the marinade is ready, add the cubed chicken. Ensure all pieces are coated thoroughly with the marinade.
Allow the chicken to marinate for a minimum of 3 hours. For the best flavor, consider letting it marinate overnight.
Mark as complete
4.
After the chicken has marinated, thread about 5 pieces of chicken onto each skewer..
Preheat your grill to high heat.
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5.
Place the skewered chicken on the hot grill. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes on each side or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and has nicet grill marks.
Mark as complete
6.
Once cooked, remove the chicken kebabs from the grill. Allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy your homemade chicken kebabs!
Mark as complete

Ingredients:

1X 2X 3X
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

1
Begin by preparing your chicken. Cut the 4 boneless chicken breasts into cubes, trying to make them as evenly sized as possible.
2
Begin the marinade. In a sizable bowl, blend the yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and tomato paste, stirring them until they merge seamlessly. 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.
3
Once the marinade is ready, add the cubed chicken. Ensure all pieces are coated thoroughly with the marinade. Allow the chicken to marinate for a minimum of 3 hours. For the best flavor, consider letting it marinate overnight.
4
After the chicken has marinated, thread about 5 pieces of chicken onto each skewer.. Preheat your grill to high heat.
5
Place the skewered chicken on the hot grill. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes on each side or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and has nicet grill marks.
6
Once cooked, remove the chicken kebabs from the grill. Allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade chicken kebabs!

Recipe Tips & Suggestions

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Mediterranean Chicken Kebabs

Storing and reheating your Mediterranean BBQ chicken kebabs is easy and ensures you can enjoy your delicious meal even after the BBQ has ended. Storage:Allow the kebabs to cool completely before storing them. Storing warm food can cause condensation and make your chicken soggy.Once cooled, remove the chicken from the skewers and place it in airtight containers.Store the containers in the refrigerator. They should keep for about 3-4 days

Reheating:Reheating your kebabs is best done in the oven to maintain their texture and flavor. Preheat your oven to 350°F .Place the kebabs in a baking dish and cover it with foil to prevent the chicken from drying out.Heat the kebabs for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry out the chicken.

Freezing If you have a large amount of leftover chicken kebabs, freezing is also an option.Allow the kebabs to cool completely before freezing.Once cooled, remove the chicken from the skewers and place in a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag.Chicken kebabs can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then follow the reheating instructions above. Please note: Always ensure the chicken is heated thoroughly before consuming. Enjoy your 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.

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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!

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