Turkish Chicken Skewered Kebab: Your New Family Favorite!

Are you ready for a quick dinner that comes together in about 30 minutes? This Turkish Chicken Skewered Kebab is perfect for busy weeknights! Plus, you’ll love that it all happens on the grill, giving you that smoky flavor without too much fuss. Your family will adore these juicy, flavorful kebabs packed with veggies, and the best part? You can easily switch up the ingredients based on what you have in your fridge! This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftovers and create a delicious meal your family will be asking for again and again!

The Best Ingredients for Your Turkish Chicken Skewered Kebab

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano (dried)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large red bell pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces)
  • 1 large green bell pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces)
  • 1 large red onion (cut into 1-inch pieces)

Let’s Get Cooking!

Now that you’ve prepped your ingredients, let’s jump into the cooking process! It’s really simple, I promise.

  1. Marinate the Chicken (10 minutes) In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, cumin, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to create a delicious marinade. Trust me, the aroma alone is going to have you salivating!
    Tip: If you’re making this ahead, you can always prepare your marinade the night before!

  2. Add the Chicken (2 minutes) Add the chicken cubes to your marinade and stir until they’re well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Letting it marinate for longer up to 8 hours, really enhances the flavor!

  3. Prep the Grill (5 minutes) Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C). Brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking. I can’t be the only one who’s faced the whole chicken falling apart situation, right?

  4. Skewering Time! (10 minutes) Now for the fun part! Thread the marinated chicken, red pepper, green pepper, and red onion onto the skewers, alternating each ingredient. Grab those kabob skewers and make sure not to overcrowd them. Leave a little space for even cooking!

  5. Grill the Kebabs (12-15 minutes) Grill the kebabs for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and beautifully charred. You’ll know the chicken is done when its internal temperature reads 165°F (75°C). The smell wafting off the grill? Sooo good!

  6. Rest and Enjoy! (5 minutes) Remove the kebabs from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps lock in those juicy flavors. Serve them with warm pita or over a whole grain rice, nobody said we can’t be healthy!

Turkish Chicken Skewered Kebab

Why I Love This Recipe

This is my go-to recipe whenever I need something quick and delicious for dinner! It’s such a comfort food for me because, growing up, we always gathered around the grill during family barbecues. Plus, I love how versatile it is. You can throw together whatever veggies or marinades you have lying around. And the best part is, it’s packed with flavor that everyone yes, even my picky 7-year-old, adored!

If you loved this Turkish Chicken Skewered Kebab, be sure to check out my Turkish Bulgur Pilaf and Adana Kebab, my Flavorful Turkish Pasta, or my Homemade Turkish Salad!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This Turkish Chicken Skewered Kebab comes together in under 30 minutes! Marinating the chicken ahead of time makes it super convenient for busy evenings.

Crowd-Pleaser

Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love kebabs? They’re perfect for a family meal or a backyard gathering! The vibrant colors and delicious smells will have everyone rushing to the table.

Customizable

You can use whatever ingredients you have. Got some extra zucchini or yellow squash? Toss them on! You don’t have red onion, use what you’ve got or just skip it entirely. You do you!

Perfect for Meal Prep

These kebabs are fantastic for meal prep. Grill a big batch, and you’ll have delicious leftovers for lunch the next day! Plus, they taste great cold or warmed up.

Budget-Friendly

Using everyday ingredients, this recipe won’t break the bank. Chicken is a budget-friendly protein, and you can use any veggies currently hanging out in your fridge!

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions

Serve your kebabs with fluffy couscous, a refreshing salad, or warm pita bread. I also love pairing them with a tangy tzatziki sauce for dipping. SO good!

Storage

These kebabs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, simply place them on a grill or pan over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. You can microwave them for a quick fix, but they won’t have that grilled flavor.

Freezer Friendly

Yes, you can freeze these kebabs! Just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn, and they’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling!

Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated, and this Turkish Chicken Skewered Kebab is a fantastic example of how deliciousness can be easy! I can’t wait for you to give it a try, trust me, it’s going to become your new favorite weeknight dinner! Happy Cooking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!

Turkish Chicken Skewered Kebab

Turkish Chicken Skewered Kebab

A quick and easy recipe for Turkish Chicken Skewered Kebab that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy chicken packed with flavorful veggies brings a smoky taste without too much fuss.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Turkish
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts Can substitute with chicken thighs or shrimp.
  • 1/4 cup olive oil Avocado oil can be used as a substitute.
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed) Fresh lemon juice is recommended.
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced) Add more for extra garlicky flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon paprika Smoked paprika or cayenne can be used for a spicy kick.
  • 1 teaspoon cumin Can substitute with coriander.
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano (dried) Fresh oregano can be used; double the amount.
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Optional for added heat.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Adjust according to sodium preference.
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Use freshly cracked for best flavor.
For the Skewers
  • 1 large red bell pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces) Can substitute with yellow or orange peppers.
  • 1 large green bell pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces) Substitute with your favorite veggies.
  • 1 large red onion (cut into 1-inch pieces) Soak in water for less sharpness if desired.

Method
 

Marinate the Chicken
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, cumin, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and stir until well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Prep the Grill
  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C) and brush the grates with oil.
Skewering Time
  1. Thread the marinated chicken, red pepper, green pepper, and red onion onto the skewers, alternating each ingredient.
Grill the Kebabs
  1. Grill kebabs for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Rest and Enjoy
  1. Remove kebabs from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve with pita, rice, or a salad. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. These kebabs can be frozen for up to 2 months.

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