Introduction
Middle Eastern cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors and aromatic spices. One of the most beloved dishes is Middle Eastern Chicken Kebabs, which combines tender and juicy chicken with a tantalizing blend of herbs and spices. Grilling these kebabs not only infuses them with a smoky essence but also adds a delightful charred flavor. Join us as we embark on a culinary journey and explore the art of preparing mouthwatering Grilled Middle Eastern Chicken Kebabs on your backyard grill.
Preparation Time
20 minutes Marinating Time: 2 hours (or overnight) Grilling Time: 10-15 minutes Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including marinating time) Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 2 pounds (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Sauce
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving
- Pita bread or flatbread
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced cucumbers
- Sliced red onions
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients: olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, Greek yogurt, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground paprika, ground turmeric, ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.
- Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss until they are well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto metal skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece.
- Place the skewers on the preheated grill, positioning them horizontally over direct heat. Close the grill lid.
- Grill the chicken kebabs for 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally to cook all sides evenly. The chicken should be cooked through, with a nicely charred exterior. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- While the kebabs are grilling, prepare the garlic sauce by combining plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well until smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- Once the chicken kebabs are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures tender and juicy kebabs.
- Heat the pita bread or flatbread on the grill for a minute or until lightly toasted.
- To assemble the Middle Eastern Chicken Kebabs, place a toasted pita bread on a plate. Spread a generous amount of the garlic sauce over the bread.
- Remove the chicken cubes from the skewers and place them on top of the sauce.
- Add sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and chopped fresh parsley or cilantro on top of the chicken.
- Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the kebabs for an extra burst of tangy flavor.
- Roll the pita bread tightly and serve the Grilled Middle Eastern Chicken Kebabs immediately.
Tip
- For an extra touch of smokiness, you can also add a small amount of smoked paprika to the marinade.
Indulge in the aromatic flavors of these Grilled Middle Eastern Chicken Kebabs and let your taste buds experience a culinary adventure straight from the vibrant streets of the Middle East.