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Middle Eastern Chicken Kebab skewers on a bed of yellow rice
Easy Mediterranean Dishes

Middle Eastern Chicken Kebabs

5 from 2 votes
Middle Eastern chicken kebabs are made with tender chunks of chicken marinated in yogurt, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and warm spices. Grilled to juicy perfection with lightly charred edges, these flavorful skewers are perfect for easy weeknight dinners or summer gatherings. Serve with rice, salad, or warm pita for a complete Middle Eastern meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinating Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 330
Ingredients Method Video

Ingredients
  

For Chicken Marinade
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs - cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup plain yogurt or milk
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 4 tbsp tomato sauce
  • 3 tbsp yellow mustard sauce
  • 1 tsp salt - or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper - or to taste
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp Middle Eastern chicken spices - You can substitute with extra salt, white pepper, coriander, ginger, cloves, and cardamom.
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme - optional
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano - optional
For Skewers
  • 1 large red bell pepper - cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes
  • 1 large green bell pepper ( or green zucchini) - cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes
  • 1 medium red onion - cut into wedges or 1 1/2 inch cubes
  • 1 large yellow bell pepper - cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes
  • 1 large orange bell pepper - cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes
For Serving
  • 1 fresh lemon - cut into wedges
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley - chopped
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Method
 

Middle Eastern Chicken Kebab Marinade
  1. Place the chicken cubes in a big bowl.
    Raw chicken cubes in a bowl
  2. Add yogurt or milk, olive oil, lemon juice, tomato sauce, yellow mustard, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, chicken spices, thyme, and oregano.
    Chicken covered with spices in a bowl
  3. Toss to coat thoroughly.
    Marinated Chicken cubes in a bowl
  4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour ( 4 to 8 hours for deeper flavor).
    Bowl covered with plastic wrap
Assemble the Chicken Kebabs Skewers
  1. Thread chicken into skewers, alternating with red bell pepper, zucchini, or green bell pepper, yellow or orange bell pepper, and red onion.
    Raw Chicken Kebab Skewer
    2. if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes first.
Cook the Chicken Kebabs
  1. Grill method ( for best flavor):
    Preheat grill to medium-high (400-425 F).
    Grill skewers 10-15 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes, until internal temp reaches 165 F.
    Chicken Kebab skewers on the grill
  2. Oven Method:
    Preheat oven to 425 F.
    Place skewers on a lined baking sheet.
    Bake 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through.
    Broil 2-3 minutes at the end for char.
    Middle Eastern Chicken Kebab on a bed of yellow rice
    3. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a drizzle of olive oil.
    Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley right before serving.

Video