Chicken Kebabs

Chicken Kebabs are one of the most delicious summer meal idea for grilling ! You are going to absolutely LOVE this simple, delicious chicken kebabs recipe.

The tender chicken pieces are marinated in yogurt and flavorful zesty spicy blend, then layered with colorful quartet of tender veggies. Great as an appetizer or a meal, these flavorful Kebabs, served with the spicy cilantro-mint chutney or any other dipping sauce will be a sure hit for your next family dinner, potluck or weekend BBQ!

This crowd pleaser is super easy to make and ready in under 30 minutes!

WHAT IS KEBAB, KEBOB, OR SHISH KEBAB?

These three terms are often used interchangeably. A kebab is a skewered meat or sea food dish that originated in the middle east. A shish kebab is a type of kebab originating in Turkey and meaning a skewer of roasted meat (often lamb) and vegetables.
Kebob is an American or Western way of pronouncing kebab, and both kebab and kebob refer to the delicious meal that is chunks of meat grilled on a skewer.

WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS YOU WILL NEED?

Here are the ingredients you will be needed:

• Chicken – Use Boneless Chicken. Preferably Chicken breast is best for this recipe
• Veggies – Use up any veggies like onion, bell peppers, Squash, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or parboiled potatoes
• Yogurt – I have used plain Greek yogurt or you can substitute with hung curd
• Lemon Juice – Fresh lemon or lime juice will do for this recipe
• Ginger Garlic paste – You can used store brought or homemade ginger-garlic paste for this recipe.
• Spices – You will need red chilli powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric, pepper powder and salt.

HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN KEBABS:

Here are the steps to follow:

• Cut the chicken – Cut the boneless chicken into 1 inch pieces
• Make the marinade – Add all the ingredients under marinate (yogurt, spices, salt, lemon juice) and chicken in a bowl. Marinate for 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
• Chop the vegetables – Chop the onion, bell peppers into 1 inch cubes
• Prepare your skewers – Thread the chicken and chopped vegetables alternately onto the wooden skewers, keeping a little space between each piece.
• Cook – Bake at 450 F for 15-20 minutes.

TIPS TO MAKE BEST CHICKEN KEBABS:

• Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hour, but overnight is ideal for more juicy and tender Chicken kebabs.
• You can marinate the veggies along with chicken or can be added while threading in skewers.
• Use up other veggies you might have like Squash, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or parboiled potatoes are good choices.
• If using wooden skewers be sure to soak in water for 30 minutes which will prevent them from burning up.
• Brush the chicken skewers lightly with oil before cooking.
• For best results cook the meat only until done. This will result in soft, juicy & tender chicken kebabs. Overcooked meat can result in chewy kebabs.

HOW TO SERVE CHICKEN KEBABS?

You can serves as follows:

• Serve as an appetizer with lime wedges, cucumber,cilantro and red onion. Serve with green chutney or yogurt sauce as a dip.
• Serve as chicken kebab bites by removing it from skewers and serve with green chutney or other dipping sauces as desired.
• Add it to your favourite salad by chopping these kebabs into smaller chunks.
• Roll it in wrap or pita with cucumber, onion, tomato along with green chutney and yogurt sauce for heart chicken kebab wrap.
• Add it to a curry for quick delicious chicken tikka masala in minutes.
• To make as wholesome meal, pair it with any pulao, briyani or flavored rice along with raita.

HOW TO STORE THE MARINATED CHICKEN?

Store the marinated chicken in an airtight container with a lid or an airtight gallon sized bag for upto 3-4 days in refrigerator and upto a month in freezer.

CHICKEN KEBABS RECIPE:

INGREDIENTS:

For Marinate:
2 tbsp plain yogurt
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tsp red chilli powder
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp pepper powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp salt or as per taste
pinch of turmeric

For kebabs:
1/2 kg boneless chicken, cut into cubes
1/2 cup red onion, cubed
1/2 cup green capsicum, cubed
1/2 cup bell pepper, cubed ( I have used red and orange)
oil for brushing

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a large mixing bowl, add all the ingredients for the marinate and mix well.
2. Add the boneless chicken pieces and mix until its coated thoroughly.
3. Marinate the chicken pieces in the refrigerator for 4-6 hours or overnight.
4. Chop the onion, capsicum and bell pepper into equal sized cubes.
5. Thread the marinated chicken, peppers and onions in the skewers alternatively.
6. Preheat the oven to 450 F and line the baking tray with foil.
7. Place the skewers on the tray, then bake for 15-20 minutes until chicken is well cooked.
8. Serve the kebabs with green chutney or yogurt sauce.

RECIPE NOTES:

1. Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hour, but overnight is ideal for more juicy and tender Chicken kebabs.
2. You can marinate the veggies along with chicken or can be added while threading in skewers.
3. Use up other veggies you might have like Squash, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or parboiled potatoes are good choices.
4. If using wooden skewers be sure to soak in water for 30 minutes which will prevent them from burning up.
5. Brush the chicken skewers lightly with oil before cooking.
6. For best results cook the meat only until done. This will result in soft, juicy & tender chicken kebabs. Overcooked meat can result in chewy kebabs.

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