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Juicy Grilled Chicken Shish Kebabs

Close-up of beautifully charred paneer and vegetable skewers, similar to chicken kebabs, on a white plate.

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Follow these steps to make perfectly cooked, juicy chicken shish kebabs using a simple, flavorful marinade. This recipe works well for grilling or oven baking.

Ingredients

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  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • Wooden or metal skewers (if using wood, soak for 30 minutes)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Add the cubed chicken to the marinade. Toss to coat completely. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours, for best flavor. Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts.
  3. If using wooden skewers, drain them after soaking. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, alternating with pieces of red onion, green pepper, and cherry tomatoes. Leave a small space between each item.
  4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Lightly oil the grates. Alternatively, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking.
  5. Grilling: Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, turning every 3 to 4 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice char marks.
  6. Oven Baking: Place skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, turning halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  7. Remove the chicken kebabs from the heat. Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For the juiciest results, use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
  • If you prefer a different flavor profile, substitute the marinade spices with 2 tablespoons of your favorite store-bought barbecue rub or a simple chicken tikka kebab seasoning blend.
  • Serve these perfectly cooked chicken skewers over basmati rice or with a fresh cucumber yogurt dip.

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