Mediterranean Chicken Shish Kabob Recipe [Video]

Easy chicken shish kabob recipe made on the grill or in the oven. This Mediterranean chicken kabobs are flavored with delicious spices and are quick to make. 

Another day, another shish kabob recipe. Now you can have a kabob extravaganza with the best beef shish kabob, veggie shish kabob and of course, our  delicious salmon shish kabobs. It’s going to be the best, no one has ever said no to food on a stick! 

What cut of chicken should I use for chicken kabobs

There has always been a debate between kabob enthusiasts about what cut of chicken works best for kabobs: breast or thighs? 

Both chicken breast and chicken thigh work well. It really depends on your own taste and preference. For this chicken shish kabob recipe I have used chicken breast but you can also use boneless skinless thighs cut into 1 inch pieces. The steps will be the same, however the cooking time may vary depending on the texture and thickness of the chicken pieces. 

Mediterranean flavors for chicken shish kabob marinade

If you’ve been a long time reader, you know we live for the Mediterranean flavors and spices. This chicken kabob marinade is probably one of the best chicken marinades out there and once you try it, you’ll know what I’m saying. 

To make this chicken shish kabob marinade, I used olive oil, garlic, paprika, cumin, sumac, cayenne, salt and lemon juice. The combination of warm spices is balanced with lemon and garlic and makes the chicken very flavorful. You can use the same marinade for other kinds of meat as well

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How long should I marinate the chicken for?

At least one hour. The longer the chicken is marinated the more flavorful it’s going to be. However, I don’t advise marinating the chicken for more than 24 hours as it will affect the texture of the chicken. 

How to make chicken shish kabob on grill

Mix the spices, garlic, lemon juice and olive oil in a large bowl. Add in the chicken pieces and stir well to make sure they all are covered with the marinade. You can also do this step using a gallon size ziploc bag and put the marinade and the chicken pieces in the ziploc bag, seal and shake well. Marinate for at least one hour. 

Heat the grill and once the grill is ready, thread the marinated chicken and vegetables on skewers and grill until fully cooked. Serve warm. 

How long do you cook chicken kabob?

This completely depends on the size of the chicken pieces and the heat of the grill. I usually grill chicken kabobs on medium heat for 9-10 minutes on each side. 

How to make chicken kabob in the oven 

Whether it’s cold or you don’t own a grill, oven is always a good option when you want to make kabobs. The steps are similar. Make the marinade and marinate the chicken. Threqad them on skewers and place them on a baking sheet lines with aluminum foil. Heat the oven to 400F and bake them in the oven for about 25 minutes until fully cooked. Turn them once halfway through the cooking time and turn on the broiler for about 2-4 minutes at the very end right before serving. 

Chicken kabob on stove top 

If you’re looking for an easy chicken dinner, these chicken shish kabobs can easily be made on the stove top using a grill pan. Marinate the chicken pieces and then thread them on skewers. Place the grill pan over medium heat and once hot, place the chicken kabobs on the pan, don’t move them for about 4 minutes until they’re cooked on one side and are golden brown. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes. 

What to serve with chicken kabobs 

Mediterranean chicken shish kabobs can be served with different side dishes such as Greek potatoes, couscous salad, Tabbouleh salad or fattoush salad. I also like to serve them with Mediterranean oven roasted vegetables or a light Greek salad. 

Notes and tips to make chicken shish kabobs

• If you don’t like the spices used in this marinade, you can always change or leave them out. This marinade has a Mediterranean flavor with a good kick from sumac and if you like it to be spicy, increase the amount of cayenne pepper. 
• Marinade the chicken for at least one hour for great flavor. Don’t marinade the chicken for over 24 hours. 
• Store the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can have the leftovers as a wrap, with rice or on salad. 
• Shish kabob is traditionally made on the grill but you can also make it in the oven or on the stove. If making chicken kabobs on the stove, I suggest you use a grill pan. 
• You can grill shish kabobs with or without veggies. I also like to garnish them with chopped parsley, cilantro or basil for a fresh kick of flavor. 

Looking for more delicious chicken recipes?

• Persian chicken with saffron 
• Easy lemon butter chicken 
• Moroccan chicken recipe
• Mediterranean chicken recipe
• Joojeh kabab (Persian saffron chicken kabob)