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Home » Chicken Recipes

Yummy Middle Eastern Chicken Kabobs

Published: May 29, 2018 · Modified: Jan 29, 2023 by Amira · This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

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This Middle eastern chicken kabobs are yogurt marinated chicken kebabs, tender and so tasty. These chicken skewers are so popular in the Middle East.
Total time 25 minutes
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This Middle eastern chicken kabobs are yogurt marinated chicken kebabs, tender and so tasty. These chicken skewers are so popular in the Middle East.
If you are more into skewers like us, check our latest ground chicken kabobs.

A close up of food, with Chicken kabob skewers on a plate

This is an easy yogurt marinated chicken kebabs recipe that results in a fabulous tender and spicy chicken. The marinade of this chicken was inspired by my recipe for Beef Shish Kabob.
Somehow the combination of yogurt, garlic, and lemon never fails me in any grilled meat and this recipe is no different.
In the Middle East, grilled meat or kabobs are wildly popular and loved. There are tons of recipes out there for it and every family has their own favorite spice mix, yet almost always you'll find yogurt, lemon(sometimes vinegar too), and garlic in the marinade.

Yogurt, lemon, and vinegar work as a tenderizer for the chicken plus giving the chicken a delicate tangy flavor.

Hands reaching out with a big platter of Middle Eastern chicken kabobs on a bed or rice.

So, What is traditional Kebab?

Kebab, Kabob, or Kabab is a wide variety of grilled meat usually on skewers. This includes beef, lamb, chicken and even shrimps. Kabobs can but made with ground meat or cut up ones.

What is the difference between shish kebab and doner kebab?

Doner Kebab is a sort of vertically layered meat like shawarma and being cut off with a long knife while traditional kebab is skewers of ground meat or cubed meat that is grilled.

Can I use wooden skewers?

Absolutely, just do not forget to soak them in water for like 30 minutes before threading and grilling.

What is the right temperature for grilling chicken kabob?

I thread both chicken and veggies on the skewers at the same time so I need to cook them both without getting the veggies to burn. As a rule of thumb, I Place my hand about 2 inches over the heated grill surface, if I can hold it there for 3 seconds then it is the right temperature, if not then maybe it is too hot and I reduce the temperature a notch.

A closer look on a big platter of Middle Eastern chicken kabobs arranged on yellow rice

How to bake chicken kabob in the oven?

It is easier than you think. Place skewers on a lipped baking pan lined with oiled foil and bake on 425F oven for 10 minutes then turn it to the other side and bake for more 10-15 minutes. Or, broil on high 5-7 inches from the flame for about 8-10 minutes on each side depending on the size of the chicken.

How to serve chicken Kabobs?

My favorite is to sandwich them in pita bread and topped with tahini, toumeya, baba ghanoush or hummus. My men like eating it right off of the skewers, they like holding the skewers and eating from it with rice.

Middle Eastern Chicken Kabobs

Steps for making the Middle eastern chicken kabobs marinade
  • We'll need to mix all the marinade ingredients in a deep bowl.
  • Add cubed chicken in tossing them and coating them well, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Threading chicken on metal skewers and getting them ready to be grilled to make Middle Eastern Chicken kabobs
  • Thread chicken with bell pepper in skewers then grill or bake in the oven as stated above until done thoroughly.
Metal skewers of Middle Eastern Chicken kabobs on a bed of yellow rice.

One last note: I've used harissa in the marinade and it was terrific. I've actually used 2 Tablespoons but stated only one in the recipe below in case you do not like heat that much. If you do not have harissa, you can use cayenne pepper for heat.

Related Recipes

  • This Chicken shawarma recipe is incredibly tasty infused with exotic Middle Eastern spices in citrusy marinade. A family and readers favorite recipe that you need to try.

This is a recipe that shows up frequently year-round on our dinner table, freezer friendly and so easy to make.
I hope you'll like this recipe and please if you make this recipe, snap a pic and hashtag it #amiraspantry — I love to see your creations on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter!

Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for the FREE Amira's Pantry newsletter delivered to your inbox with lots of tips and surprises! And stay in touch with me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram for all the latest updates.

 

A close up of food, with Chicken kabob skewers on a plate

Middle Eastern Chicken Kebab

This Middle eastern chicken kabobs are yogurt marinated chicken kebabs, tender and so tasty. These chicken skewers are so popular in the Middle East.
5 from 7 votes
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Course: dinner
Cuisine: Middle East
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Refrigerate for: 2 hours
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 312.7kcal
Author: Amira

Ingredients

  • 1 cup yogurt.
  • ¼ cup olive oil.
  • 3 Tablespoons lemon juice.
  • 6 Garlic cloves minced.
  • 1 Tablespoon Harissa.
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin.
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper.
  • ½ Tablespoon salt or to taste.
  • ½ teaspoon ground cardamom.
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon.
  • 2 pounds skinless boneless chicken breasts, cubed.*
  • 3 medium bell peppers any color you chose.

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, add all the ingredients except for the chicken and mix well.
  • Add chicken and toss to coat well.
  • Cover and refrigerate from 3 to 24 hours.
  • To cook:
  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat greasing very well.
  • Thread onto skewers alternating occasionally with the bell peppers.
  • Grill chicken until golden brown and cooked through, turning it occasionally.

Notes

* You are welcome to use chicken thighs in fact I recommend it more than the breasts as it is mush juicier and does not dry easily like breasts.
** For oven baking, see instructions on the post.
Nutrition Facts
Middle Eastern Chicken Kebab
Amount Per Serving
Calories 312.7
% Daily Value*
Saturated Fat 3.6g23%
Cholesterol 89.2mg30%
Sodium 731.2mg32%
Potassium 114.9mg3%
Protein 36.4g73%
Vitamin A 20IU0%
Vitamin C 0.7mg1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition

Calories: 312.7kcal | Protein: 36.4g | Saturated Fat: 3.6g | Cholesterol: 89.2mg | Sodium: 731.2mg | Potassium: 114.9mg | Vitamin A: 20IU | Vitamin C: 0.7mg
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About Amira

I’m overjoyed that you have stopped by! My hope is to introduce you to new flavors, creative ways and fresh takes on favorites. To help you create food with style that will bring everyone around your kitchen table. From weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean. One thing in common, they are all recipes that have been tried and tested by family and friends.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sommer Osman

    June 12, 2021 at 12:19 pm

    5 stars
    This is one of our tried and true recipes. Makes the juiciest chicken!! We follow the recipe to the letter except we add a couple of spoons of harissa because we like it spicy. Thank you Amira for such wonderful recipes!!

    Reply
  2. Zaina

    June 28, 2020 at 3:05 pm

    5 stars
    Thanks amira. This is an awesome recipe.
    After i baked and broiled in the oven. I put them in a pyrex and put heated charcoal, dropped oil and cover for few minutes.

    Kids and husband loved it.

    Thank you

    Reply
    • Amira

      June 29, 2020 at 3:40 pm

      Thank you Zaina so much for trying the recipe. I am familiar with the charcoal trick :), I love it tbh. Happy your family liked it.

      Reply
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Hey Y'all, I'm Amira.
I’m overjoyed that you have stopped by!
I send warm greetings from sunny Colorado. This blog combines weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean.
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