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    Home » Chicken Kebab Recipe & Marinade

    Chicken Kebab Recipe & Marinade

    Published: Jun 6, 2022 · Modified: Jan 17, 2023 by Laura · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    These lemon chicken kebabs are infused overnight with the best kebab marinade and grilled to perfection. This chicken kabob recipe is my go-to when we're grilling for a crowd.

    3 chicken kebabs on a plate with a salad and tzatziki

    This lemon chicken kebab recipe is my favorite dish to make on the grill. The chicken kebabs are marinated overnight (or at least 6 hours) in the most delicious, flavorful chicken kabob marinade made with lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, turmeric, fresh dill and more.

    Since the chicken is prepared the day before and marinated overnight, these chicken kabobs are my favorite main dish to serve at a summer party or barbecue.

    We love serving them with homemade tzatziki, homemade hummus, Mediterranean chickpea salad, Greek salad, and freshly made naan bread or pita bread.

    4 chicken kabobs on a plate

    Chicken Kebabs: Ingredients & Substitutions

    ingredients in this Chicken Kebab Recipe & Marinade
    • Lemon juice. Bottle and freshly squeezed lemon juice both work well in this recipe.
    • Olive oil. Avocado oil is a good substitute if necessary.
    • Dijon mustard. Use your favorite variety, just consider how it will impact the final flavor.
    • Turmeric. There are no substitutions for turmeric, however it needs to be noted that due to the addition of turmeric the marinade will stain anything it touches. Use rubber gloves when handling the chicken and try not to spill on your counters.
    • Smoked paprika. regular paprika works too!
    • Minced garlic. jarred minced garlic or freshly minced garlic are both great options. You can substitute 1 tablespoon minced garlic with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, if you prefer.
    • Fresh dill. I only recommend fresh or freeze-dried dill in this recipe.
    3 chicken kabobs on a plate with a salad and tzatziki

    How to Make Chicken Kebabs

    There are two things to note in this chicken kebab recipe: 1) The chicken needs to marinate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight. and 2) You need to soak the bamboo skewers in hot water for at least 1 hour before assembling the kabobs for the best results (and no charred skewers).

    Marinate chicken

    Begin this recipe by making the kabob marinade and marinating the chicken for 6-24 hours. Start by cutting the chicken breasts into 1” cubes or strips (your preference for kebabs).

    Then, put the chicken breast pieces into a glass container with a lid or in a plastic bag inside another container (in case the bag leaks, the marinade stains).

    two photos showing How to Make Chicken Kebabs - marinating chicken

    Then make the chicken kabob marinade by whisking the ingredients together in a medium-sized bowl.

    Next, pour the marinade over the chicken and turn to coat the chicken.

    Then, marinate the chicken in the refrigerator overnight (or for at least 6 hours).

    one photo showing how to make chicken kabob marinade, and one photo showing the chicken marinating.

    Assemble the Chicken Kebabs

    Once the chicken has finished marinating, it's time to assemble the kebabs. Remember, you need to soak the bamboo skewers in warm water for at least 1 hour before assembling.

    Or, you can use fire wire to grill the kabobs, then transfer the meat/veggies to a serving dish to serve. I like this option because it's reusable and there is no need for soaking.

    Important note: Due to the addition of turmeric the marinade will stain anything it touches, including your hands, counter tops, etc. I suggest wearing plastic or rubber gloves when handling the chicken, assembling the kabobs, etc.

    Assemble the kabobs alternating between chicken, bell peppers and onion until all the meat/veggies are used.

    two photos showing How to Make Chicken Kebabs - chicken marinating then assembled kebabs

    Grill

    Grill over medium heat for about 5 minutes on the first side, and 3-5 on the second side, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.

    chicken kabobs being cooked on a grill pan

    Serve

    Serve the chicken kebabs warm with your favorite sides. Here are some suggestions:

    • I always serve these chicken kabobs with homemade tzatziki and homemade hummus and freshly made naan bread or pita bread.
    • A fresh salad pairs well with this chicken kebab recipe. Try our favorite Greek salad, chickpea salad, burrata salad, or kale salad.
    • Quinoa salad and coleslaw are also great side dishes.

    Store/Freeze

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Or in the freezer for up to 1 month. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

    Chicken Kebabs on a plate with naan, salad and tzatziki

    Recipe FAQs

    What goes with chicken kebabs?

    I suggest homemade tzatziki, homemade hummus, and freshly made naan bread or pita bread. Also grains like quinoa, rice etc. And green salads like this Greek salad.

    How long should I marinate chicken?

    I suggest marinating the chicken for 6 hours or overnight. I always marinate overnight.

    What skewers should I use to make kebabs?

    I suggest bamboo skewers if you're making kebabs for a crowd or want to easily serve them as individual portions. When I make this recipe for just our family, I grill the kabobs on this fire wire, and then remove the chicken and veggies from the wire into a serving dish. I like this option because it's reusable and there is no need for soaking.

    Can I double this recipe?

    You can double and even triple this recipe if you'd like! I do this often because I love making this recipe for large parties with lots of guests.

    3 chicken kabobs on a plate with a salad and tzatziki

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    Best Chicken Kebabs

    Chicken Kebabs Recipe & Marinade

    Laura
    These lemon chicken kebabs are infused overnight with the best kebab marinade and grilled to perfection. This chicken kabob recipe is my go-to when we're grilling for a crowd.
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    Prep Time 30 mins
    Cook Time 10 mins
    Marinating 12 hrs
    Total Time 12 hrs 40 mins
    Course Appetizer, Main Course
    Cuisine American, Mediterranean
    Servings 10 people
    Calories 171 kcal

    Equipment

    • measuring cups
    • measuring spoons
    • glass batter bowl
    • spatula
    • bamboo skewers
    • fire wire (metal grilling skewer)

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
    • ½ cup lemon juice
    • ¼ cup olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
    • 1 ½ teaspoons ground turmeric
    • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
    • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
    • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
    • ¼ teaspoon lemon pepper or regular pepper
    • ½ cup fresh dill finely chopped (or freeze-dried)
    • 2 bell peppers cut into 1” pieces
    • 1 onion red, yellow, etc. cut into 1” pieces
    • 20 bamboo skewers soaked in warm water for at least 1 hour.

    Instructions
     

    Marinate chicken

    • Cut chicken breasts into 1” cubes or strips (your preference for kabobs).
    • Place chicken breast pieces into a glass container with a lid or in a plastic bag inside another container (in case the bag leaks, the marinade stains).
    • In a medium bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, mustard, turmeric, paprika, onion powder, minced garlic, sea salt, pepper and dill.
    • Pour the marinade over the chicken turn to coat the chicken.
    • Marinate in the refrigerator overnight (or for at least 6 hours).

    Assemble Kebabs

    • (I suggest using plastic gloves to handle the marinated chicken, because it will stain your hands if you do not).
    • Soak bamboo skewers in warm water for at least 1 hour.
    • Assemble the kabobs alternating between chicken, bell peppers and onion until all the meat/veggies are used.

    Grill

    • Grill over medium heat for about 5 minutes on the first side, and 3-5 on the second side, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.

    Serve

    • Serve warm with tzatziki, pita, naan, hummus, a Greek salad, etc.

    Video

    Notes

    Ingredient Substitutions

    • Lemon juice. Bottle and freshly squeezed lemon juice both work well in this recipe.
    • Olive oil. Avocado oil is a good substitute if necessary.
    • Dijon mustard. Use your favorite variety, just consider how it will impact the final flavor.
    • Turmeric. There are no substitutions for turmeric, however it needs to be noted that due to the addition of turmeric the marinade will stain anything it touches. Use rubber gloves when handling the chicken and try not to spill on your counters.
    • Smoked paprika. regular paprika works too!
    • Minced garlic. jarred minced garlic or freshly minced garlic are both great options. You can substitute 1 tablespoon minced garlic with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, if you prefer.
    • Fresh dill. I only recommend fresh or freeze-dried dill in this recipe.

    Store/Freeze

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Or in the freezer for up to 1 month. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 2kebabsCalories: 171kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 20gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 58mgSodium: 184mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 981IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 19mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase a product through a link you clicked on here, I receive a portion of the sale. Thank you for supporting JoyFoodSunshine! 

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Annette

      January 24, 2023 at 6:57 pm

      5 stars
      Since I'm only cooking for myself now, I wanted something easy and quick, this is fabulous on both counts. Thank you, it's a beautiful recipe.

      Reply
    2. Susana

      June 22, 2022 at 3:17 pm

      5 stars
      I made this recipe last night and my husband and kids love it. They says it’s a recipe to keep, thank you

      Reply
      • Laura

        June 23, 2022 at 7:26 am

        I'm so glad you love it as much as we do, Susana! it's one of my all-time favorite summer recipes!

        Reply

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    About Laura

    I’m Laura, a former chemistry teacher turned homeschooling mom of six beautiful babies! I create simple and delicious recipes that are tested and perfected to make cooking and baking joyful and fun!

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