Juicy Grilled Chicken Kebabs

Introduction

Grilled chicken kebabs are a classic crowd-pleaser, perfect for backyard barbecues or a quick and healthy weeknight dinner. Cooking them to perfection involves a simple marinade, fresh ingredients, and the right grilling technique. In this post, we’ll walk through how to create mouthwatering chicken kebabs in just a few easy steps.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup of plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh vegetables of your choice (bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, etc.), cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
• Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions

1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, olive oil, garlic, cumin, coriander, ginger, paprika, turmeric, cayenne, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate to prevent sticking.
5. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, alternating with your chosen vegetables.
6. Grill the kebabs, turning occasionally, until the chicken is nicely charred and cooked through, about 10-15 minutes depending on the size of the pieces.
7. Once done, remove the kebabs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
8. Serve the chicken kebabs hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken kebabs can be served on a bed of rice, with a side of flatbread, or a fresh salad. For an extra zing, offer a side of tangy tzatziki or a drizzle of lemon juice.

Tips and Tricks

1. Marinating the chicken for the full 2 hours will infuse it with more flavor and tenderness.
2. Cutting the chicken and vegetables into uniform sizes ensures even cooking.
3. Utilize a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Conclusion

These grilled chicken kebabs are incredibly versatile and a surefire hit for any occasion. By following this recipe, you’ll achieve delicious, juicy kebabs every time. Happy grilling!