Chicken Kabobs

A Flavor-Packed Recipe with a Delicious Sauce

Chicken kabobs are a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish, perfect for everything from backyard barbecues to family dinners. This recipe will guide you through the process of making juicy, flavorful chicken kabobs with an accompanying sauce that will elevate the dish to new heights. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this easy-to-follow guide will help you create a meal that’s sure to impress.

Chicken Kabobs

Prep: 20 min

Cook: 15 min

Ingredients

For the Chicken Kabobs:

  • 1 ½ lbs (680 g) chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares
  • 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares
  • 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch squares
  • 2 zucchinis, sliced into ½-inch rounds
  • 8-10 wooden or metal skewers

For the Marinade:

  • ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

  • ½ cup (120 g) Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons tahini
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
  2. Add the cubed chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated.
  3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For best results, marinate for up to 2 hours.

Step 2: Assemble the Kabobs

  1. While the chicken is marinating, soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
  2. Once marinated, thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, alternating with chunks of bell peppers, onion squares, and zucchini slices.

Step 3: Grill the Kabobs

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan on your stovetop.
  2. Place the kabobs on the grill, cooking for about 15-20 minutes. Rotate the skewers every 4-5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
  3. The kabobs are done when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and has a nice char on the outside.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

  1. While the kabobs are grilling, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and pepper.
  2. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  3. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Once the chicken kabobs are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
  2. Serve the kabobs hot, drizzled with the yogurt-tahini sauce or with the sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips for Success

  • Marinate Longer: If time permits, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to fully penetrate.
  • Uniform Pieces: Cut the chicken and vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
  • High Heat: Grill over medium-high heat to achieve a nice char without overcooking the chicken.
  • Resting Time: Let the kabobs rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute within the chicken, making it juicier.

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