Fire up the grill for these irresistible Grilled Chicken Kabobs bursting with Mediterranean flavors. Juicy chicken, vibrant veggies, and aromatic spices come together for the ultimate summer meal.
These skewers make backyard grilling easy, quick, and delicious. Serve them with fluffy rice or a crisp salad for a meal that feels like a mini getaway.
Star Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast – The protein hero, tender and juicy when marinated and grilled to perfection.
Olive Oil – Adds richness and helps lock in moisture for succulent kabobs.
Lemon Juice – Brightens up the marinade with zesty acidity, balancing the warm spices.
Garlic – Fresh minced garlic infuses deep flavor into every bite.
Paprika – Gives a warm, smoky depth and beautiful color to the chicken.
Cumin – Earthy and aromatic, lending that signature Mediterranean touch.
Red Onion – Adds sweetness and slight char for extra flavor layers.
Bell Peppers – Bring crunch, color, and a fresh contrast to the savory chicken.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Marinate chicken breast pieces with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes—overnight is even better for deeper flavor.
Preheat the grill to medium-high and grease the grates well. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, alternating with red onion and bell pepper chunks. Brush with any remaining marinade for extra punch.
Grill skewers for about 10–15 minutes, turning every few minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Serve hot off the grill with rice, warm pita, or a crisp garden salad.
Tips & Easy Twists
For extra juicy Grilled Chicken Kabobs, don’t rush the marinating step—give the spices time to sink in. If you love a smoky touch, toss in a sprinkle of smoked paprika or swap chicken breast for boneless thighs for added richness.
Try mixing up the veggies too—zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms are all delicious choices that char beautifully. If you prefer a spicier kabob, add a pinch of cayenne to the marinade.
Pair these kabobs with a drizzle of garlicky yogurt sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon for a bright finish that makes the flavors pop.
Keeping Grilled Chicken Kabobs Fresh
Store leftover Grilled Chicken Kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the grill or in a hot skillet to revive that smoky char.
To freeze, remove the chicken and veggies from the skewers and store in freezer-safe bags for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat and enjoy a taste of summer anytime.
Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 large red onion thickly sliced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into generous bite-sized chunks
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 bell peppers diced into square pieces
- 4 garlic cloves finely minced
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Vegetable oil for grill greasing
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are thoroughly coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop fully, or keep marinated for up to 8 hours for deeper infusion. Preheat the grill to medium-high and lightly brush the grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Once ready to cook, thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, alternating with pieces of onion and bell pepper. Drizzle any remaining marinade over the assembled skewers. Arrange 6 to 9 skewers on the preheated grill and cook for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, rotating every few minutes to guarantee even charring and doneness. Once the chicken is thoroughly cooked and beautifully golden, remove from the grill and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm with Lebanese rice or a side of your choice.