Looking for a flavorful and easy dinner option that's guaranteed to impress? This chicken shish kebab recipe is exactly what you need! Tender chunks of marinated chicken breast paired with juicy tomatoes, all skewered and grilled to perfection. The secret is in the marinade – a blend of yogurt, olive oil, and aromatic spices that infuse the chicken with incredible flavor while keeping it moist.
I've been making these kebabs for years, and they're always a hit at family gatherings and backyard barbecues. There's something so satisfying about food on a stick, don't you think? Plus, these kebabs are versatile enough for a casual weeknight dinner or dressed up for entertaining guests.I'm not saying this is addictive, but I've made it three times this week. The combination of tender chicken, charred tomatoes, and that incredible marinade creates a dish that you'll want to make again and again. Trust me, once you try this chicken shish kebab recipe, it will become a regular in your meal rotation!
What You'll Love About This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation – Just marinate the chicken, thread onto skewers, and grill!
- Perfectly balanced flavors – The blend of yogurt, olive oil, and spices creates a kebab that's tender and bursting with flavor
- Versatile serving options – Serve with rice, in a wrap, or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal
Recipe Ingredients
These simple but flavorful ingredients come together to create the perfect chicken shish kebab:
- Chicken breast
- Tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Yogurt
- Red pepper paste
- Black pepper
- Ground red pepper
- Garlic powder
- Salt
Our Recommended Equipment
How to Make Chicken Shish Kebab Recipe
For the full detailed recipe with exact measurements, scroll down to the printable recipe card. Here's a quick overview of how to make these delicious chicken shish kebabs:
- Combine chicken, tomatoes, olive oil, yogurt, red pepper paste, and all spices in a bowl
- Mix thoroughly until chicken is well coated
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours for more flavor)
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 10 minutes
- Thread alternating pieces of chicken and tomato onto skewers
- Grill until chicken is golden brown and cooked through (about 10-15 minutes)
- Serve hot with your favorite sides
Pro Tips
This recipe is my go-to for a quick dinner fix, and I've picked up some tricks along the way! For the most tender, flavorful chicken shish kebabs, try marinating the chicken overnight and bringing it to room temperature before grilling.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store leftover kebabs in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Freezing – You can freeze the marinated, uncooked chicken separately from the vegetables for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before threading onto skewers and cooking.
- Reheating – For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwave reheating as it can make the chicken tough.
Additions & Substitutions
Additions:
- Add bell peppers, red onions, or zucchini for more vegetables and color
- Include a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving for brightness
- Sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or mint just before serving
Substitutions:
- Use chicken thighs instead of breast for more flavor and moisture
- Replace the yogurt with dairy-free yogurt for a lactose-free option
- Substitute tomato paste for the red pepper paste if needed (add a pinch of cayenne for heat)
- Use dried herbs like oregano or thyme if you don't have garlic powder
FAQs about this Chicken Shish Kebab
Yes! Chicken is excellent for shish kebabs and is often preferred for its lighter flavor and faster cooking time.
Cut vegetables slightly larger than the chicken pieces and don't overcrowd the skewers. For tomatoes specifically, using cherry tomatoes whole can help them stay intact.
Remove the meat and vegetables from the skewers and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What Can I Serve with Chicken Shish Kebab?
These chicken shish kebabs pair beautifully with fluffy rice pilaf, warm pita bread, and a crisp Greek salad. For a complete Mediterranean feast, add some tzatziki sauce, hummus, and tabbouleh on the side.
If you try this recipe, I'd love to hear what you think! Please leave a comment and rating below to let me know how it turned out for you.
Full recipe:
chicken shish kebab recipe
Equipment
- Skewers Wooden skewers soaked in water for 10 minutes or metal skewers
- Grill Electric grill or BBQ
Ingredients
Marinade
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoon yogurt
- 1 tablespoon red pepper paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground red pepper
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breast cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 4 tomatoes cut into 1.5-inch cubes
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, yogurt, red pepper paste, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and ground red pepper to create the marinade.
- Add the chicken breast cubes and tomato pieces to the marinade. Mix thoroughly until the chicken is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 10 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.
- Thread the marinated chicken and tomato pieces alternately onto the skewers. You can fit about 4-5 pieces of each per skewer, depending on its size.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the kebabs until all sides of the chicken are golden brown and cooked through, approximately 20 minutes, turning occasionally.
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