Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Kabobs

Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Kabobs are loaded with flavor, colorful, and easy to make! Marinate chicken in some simple spices to add lots of flavor and then thread on skewers with veggies. They cook on the grill in as little as 10 minutes for an easy summer dinner!

The chicken is marinated in a blend of olive oil, lemon, and simple spices to add lots of flavor to the grilled kabobs! For other grilled chicken recipes, try these grilled sesame chicken thighs, grilled buffalo chicken, or Caesar Grilled Chicken Sandwiches.

Ingredients You'll Need for Grilled Mediterranean Kebabs:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts - you could also use chicken thighs.
• Olive Oil
• Lemon - Juiced
• Spices - paprika, cumin, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, pepper
• Red Onion - You can use a yellow or white onion as well, but I like the milder, sweeter flavor of red onions.
• Bell Peppers - Use your favorite color or a combination to make a rainbow!

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Kabobs on the Grill

Even if you're not a grilling expert, you can totally make grilled chicken kabobs! See the instructions below:

1. Marinate Chicken Thighs - In a medium/large bowl, mix together marinade ingredients. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat. Allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge (perfect amount of time to preheat the grill) or up to 8 hours.
2. Assemble Kabobs - Using either metal skewers or wooden skewers that have been soaked in water, start threading on the chicken and veggies. I like to alternate for a pretty presentation.
3. Preheat Grill - Preheat the grill to medium heat (450 degrees F) for direct grilling (ie. the kabobs will go directly over the flame).
4. Grill - Grease your grill grates, if desired, with vegetable oil on a paper towel using grilling tongs. Then add kabobs to the grill. Close the grill and grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning every few minutes so they cook evenly. They are ready to turn when they release easily from the grill. They are done when the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reads 165 degrees F).
5. Serve - Removed from the grill and allow to rest for a few minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I marinate kabobs before grilling?

Marinating the meat for kabobs is a great way to give the meat extra flavor but it also helps tenderize the meat. Even if you can only marinate the chicken for 20-30 minute while the grill preheats is better than nothing!

What kind of onion is best for kabobs?

My favorite onions to use for kabobs are either sweet yellow onions or red onions as they are both slightly sweeter and not as strong. You can also use white onions but they do have a stronger onion flavor.

How do you keep chicken from sticking to the grill?

I like to grease my grill grates right before adding the chicken. I add some canola oil or vegetable oil to a paper towel and use the grilling tongs to carefully grease the grates. But the biggest key to not having food stick when grilling is to not turn the kabobs too soon. Once the chicken is cooked on the outside with nice grill marks it will easily release from the grill so the kabobs can be rotated.

How do you know if grilled chicken is cooked?

The best way to tell if grilled chicken is cooked is to check the internal temperature with a thermometer. Chicken should be cooked to 165 degrees F (I prefer 170 degrees F for thighs). If you don't have a thermometer, you can also cut the chicken to make sure there is no pink and the juices run clear but checking the temperature is the safest option.

Leftovers and Storage

Grilled mediterranean chicken kabobs are a great option for meal prep! Leftover chicken and veggies can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep fresh for up to 5 days.

Recipe Notes and Tips

• Ready to Turn - Chicken is ready to flip when it easily releases from the grill. If they're still really stuck on, then give them a little more time before turning the kabobs.
• Discard Marinade - It's important to discard any excess marinade as it has been contaminated from the raw chicken.
• Kabobs getting too charred? If the chicken or veggies are getting too charred before the chicken is cooked through you can do two things 1. Lower the grill heat 2. Move the kabobs away from the direct heat on the grill and close the lid again so they cook over indirect heat.

Variations

Mediterranean kebabs are super customizable! Here are some of my favorite ways to mix it up:

• Chicken Thighs - You can swap in boneless, skinless thighs for the breasts. Cut them into large chunks and continue with the recipe. Thighs can take a little bit longer to cook, but grill them until they are at least 165 degrees F (I prefer 170 degrees for thighs).
• Other Veggies - You can swap in other favorite veggies instead of or in addition to the bell peppers.
• Spicy - This chicken marinade is not spicy, but if you want a kick you can add a little ground cayenne pepper.

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