Grill the juiciest, tastiest chicken kabobs! The secret is in the sauce! I make a punchy chicken kabob marinade loaded with Mediterranean spices, lemon juice, and 15 cloves of garlic! It infuses this chicken kabob recipe with so much bold flavor your family will ask for second helpings!
During the hot summer months, my go-to meals often involve grilled kabobs (or kebabs) with simple sides like mustardy potato salad or sweet-meets-salty watermelon salad. Depending on the mood, my grill is loaded with marinated and skewered salmon, steak, or lamb and fresh veggies. I cook them hot and fast, just until they’re tender and charred. When I want something light and nutritious, I go for these easy chicken kabobs. They pack bold flavor perfect for an extra hot day when you’re craving a super healthy dinner that’s far from boring.
Garlicky Chicken Kabob Marinade
The secret to these juicy, flavor-packed chicken kebabs is in the marinade, made with fresh garlic, a few bold Mediterranean spices, citrus, and good olive oil. Here is what you need to make the best chicken kabob marinade:
- Citrus: Lemon or lime juice adds a bright, zesty flavor to balance the earthy spices.
- Extra virgin olive oil: EVOO helps to transfer flavors into the chicken. I use about 1/4 cup of peppery, full-flavor Spanish Hojiblanca.
- Garlic: You’ll need 15 cloves of minced garlic. See my tips and tricks for how to mince garlic.
- Seasonings: A mixture of warming Mediterranean spices, including paprika, ground nutmeg, cardamom, and thyme. Salt and pepper to taste.
How Long to Marinate Chicken Kabobs?
For best results, marinate the chicken for 2 to 4 hours in the fridge. If short on time, marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature before grilling. Avoid marinating for more than 4 hours, as the citrus can toughen the meat.
How to Make Chicken Kabobs
- Make the spice blend: Mix 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp thyme, 1 tsp nutmeg, and 1/4 tsp cardamom.
- Season the chicken: Cut chicken into 1 1/2-inch cubes and coat with the spice blend.
- Marinate: Mix 15 minced garlic cloves with lemon juice, add sliced onion, and drizzle with olive oil. Let the chicken marinate for 2-4 hours.
- Grill: Grill the chicken kabobs for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through.
Tips for Juicy Chicken Kabobs
- Cut evenly: Ensure the chicken pieces are of similar size for even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers: Leave a bit of space between the meat and vegetables for even heat distribution.
- Room temperature: Let the meat come to room temperature before grilling for more even cooking.
