Authentic Lebanese Chicken Kebabs: Your Easy 30-Minute Grilled Chicken Recipe
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with these incredibly delicious Lebanese Chicken Kebabs! Far more than just a meal, these kebabs are a culinary journey, bringing the vibrant flavors of the Middle East straight to your table. Featuring tender chicken breast marinated in a zesty blend of fresh lemon, pungent garlic, and a symphony of aromatic spices and herbs, then perfectly charred over a hot grill, they are an absolute delight. What makes this recipe truly outstanding is its simplicity and speed, making it the perfect choice for a flavorful weeknight dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes. Easy to prepare and bursting with rich, authentic taste, these Lebanese Chicken Kebabs are destined to become a firm family favorite and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Embrace the Flavors of Lebanese Grilling
If you’re as passionate about Lebanese cuisine as I am, you’re in for a treat! As the weather warms up, there’s nothing quite like the smoky aroma of a grill. Today, I’m thrilled to share a quintessential Lebanese recipe that is perfect for outdoor cooking and delightful gatherings: authentic Lebanese Chicken Kebabs.
These exquisite kebabs are crafted using succulent lean chicken breast, meticulously coated in a rich, aromatic marinade infused with warm Middle Eastern spices, and then grilled to perfection. The result is unbelievably tender and juicy chicken with a beautifully charred exterior, making every bite an explosion of flavor.
I absolutely adore serving this grilled chicken alongside other traditional Lebanese dishes, transforming any meal into a lavish mezze spread. Imagine pairing them with a fresh, vibrant Tabbouleh, creamy Hummus, perfectly roasted Mediterranean Vegetables, and soft, warm pita bread. This combination creates a truly unforgettable dining experience that celebrates the heart of Lebanese culinary tradition.
Beyond a full mezze, this Lebanese Chicken also shines when tucked into a warm pita, much like these delightful Spiced Lamb Pitas. The versatility of this recipe means you can enjoy it in countless ways, adapting it to your mood and occasion.
One of the greatest advantages of making your own chicken kebab marinade from scratch is having complete control over every single ingredient. This empowers you to customize the flavors to your exact preference, adding as much or as little spice as your palate desires. The marinade isn’t just a coating; it deeply infuses the chicken, creating a truly flavorful and moist result that store-bought marinades simply can’t replicate.
If you’re a fan of grilled chicken and exploring diverse flavors, you’ll also love trying my Shish Taouk, a classic Middle Eastern grilled chicken, or perhaps the aromatic Tandoori Chicken, the zesty Margarita Grilled Chicken, or these wonderfully seasoned Grilled Greek Chicken Thighs.
Perfectly Spiced and Ready to Share
While I love a touch of heat, the inclusion of crushed red pepper flakes in the marinade is entirely optional. Feel free to omit them if your family prefers a milder flavor profile. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability!
These Lebanese Chicken Kebabs are a fantastic centerpiece for a delightful Meze-style dinner. I love creating a spread with various sauces, creamy dips, and refreshing salads to complement the rich flavors of the chicken, ensuring a complete and satisfying meal for everyone. This Middle Eastern-Style Grilled Chicken Kebab recipe is also incredibly easy to scale up. Whether you’re planning an intimate family dinner or feeding a large crowd, simply doubling or even trebling the recipe is a breeze, making it ideal for entertaining.
If you’re a true kebab enthusiast, I highly recommend exploring some of my other popular kebab recipes. You simply must try my Turkey Kofta Kebabs, the savory Chicken Kofta Kebabs, the robust Grilled Beef Kafta Kebabs, the flavorful Lamb Kofta, hearty Beef Kafta Meatballs, and these vibrant Mediterranean Beef Kabobs.
Key Ingredients for Your Flavorful Chicken Kebab Marinade:
The secret to truly sensational kebabs lies in a well-balanced and potent marinade. Here’s a closer look at the star ingredients that create the authentic Lebanese flavor profile:
- Chicken: For this recipe, I opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into uniform, bite-sized chunks. This cut cooks quickly and evenly, soaking up all the delicious marinade. However, feel free to substitute with boneless, skinless chicken thighs or even chicken tenderloins. Just remember to adjust your cooking times accordingly, as thighs may take slightly longer and tenderloins a bit less.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my go-to. Not only does it help to distribute the spices and herbs evenly throughout the chicken, but it also adds a wonderfully rich flavor and contributes healthy fats to the marinade.
- Garlic: A generous amount of freshly minced garlic (I suggest 5-6 cloves) is crucial for that bold, aromatic punch that is characteristic of Lebanese cuisine. If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, you can reduce it to 1-2 cloves, but for true depth, more is definitely better here!
- Spices: This blend is where the magic happens!
- Smoked Paprika: Imparts a beautiful smoky depth and a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements grilled meats. If you don’t have smoked paprika, sweet paprika makes a fine alternative, offering a lovely mild sweetness.
- Cumin: Earthy and warm, cumin is a staple in Middle Eastern cooking and gives the marinade an undeniable authenticity.
- Oregano: A fragrant herb that brings a classic Mediterranean essence to the chicken.
- Cinnamon: Don’t be surprised by cinnamon in a savory dish! A tiny hint of cinnamon adds incredible warmth, a subtle sweetness, and a complex aroma that elevates the entire spice blend, making it distinctly Lebanese.
- Thyme: Fresh and slightly floral, thyme rounds out the herbaceous notes in the marinade.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon is indispensable! The juice from a whole lemon provides essential acidity, which not only brightens the flavors but also works as a natural tenderizer for the chicken. The lemon zest adds an extra layer of concentrated citrus aroma, truly bringing a fresh burst to every bite.
- Tomato Paste: Often overlooked, tomato paste is a secret weapon in this marinade. It adds a wonderful umami depth and a subtle sweetness, contributing to a richer, more complex flavor profile and helping the chicken to achieve that beautiful charred color.
Crafting Your Lebanese Chicken Kebabs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making these flavorful kebabs is straightforward. Follow these simple steps for perfectly grilled, tender, and juicy chicken every time:
- Step 1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients: the diced chicken, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, cinnamon, thyme, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, tomato paste, and a good pinch of salt and black pepper. Ensure your chicken pieces are cut to a uniform size for even cooking.
- Step 2. Coat the Chicken: Using tongs or clean hands, thoroughly toss the chicken pieces in the bowl until each piece is evenly coated with the vibrant marinade. This ensures maximum flavor penetration.
- Step 3. Marinate for Flavor: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to marinate. For optimal flavor and juicy chicken, marinate for at least 1 hour. If you have more time, marinating for 4-6 hours, or even overnight, will yield an even more tender and deeply flavored result.
- Step 4. Prepare Your Skewers: While the chicken is marinating, prepare your skewers. If you are using wooden skewers, it’s crucial to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before threading to prevent them from burning on the grill. If you’re using sturdy metal skewers, no pre-soaking is required – simply have them ready.
- Step 5. Thread the Kebabs: Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Carefully thread 6 to 8 chicken pieces onto each skewer, ensuring not to overcrowd them. Leave a small space between each piece to allow for even cooking and charring. Set the prepared skewers aside as you preheat your grill.
- Step 6. Preheat Your Grill: Brush the grill grates generously with a non-stick oil (like vegetable or canola oil) to prevent sticking. Heat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat. If you’re cooking indoors, a cast iron skillet or a grill pan on the stovetop over medium-high heat works beautifully. The grill should be hot enough to sizzle when you place the chicken on it.
- Step 7. Grill the Chicken: Carefully place the chicken kabobs onto the hot grill grates. Cook for approximately 4 minutes per side, allowing them to develop beautiful grill marks and a slight char.
- Step 8. Finish Cooking: Flip the kebabs and cook for another 4 minutes. Repeat this process 1 or 2 more times, or until the chicken is completely cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The outside should be nicely charred, and the inside tender and juicy.
- Step 9. Serve Immediately: Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, remove the kebabs from the grill. Let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness. Serve these delightful kebabs immediately with warm pita bread, a refreshing Fattoush salad, and your favorite Lebanese garlic sauce, tahini sauce, or a cooling creamy dill sauce.
Creative Ways to Customize Your Chicken Kebabs
This Lebanese Chicken Kebab recipe is incredibly versatile and lends itself beautifully to various modifications. Feel free to get creative and adapt it to your taste and what you have on hand:
- Add Colorful Veggies: Enhance your chicken skewers by adding a medley of fresh vegetables! Bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), red onions, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms are excellent choices. Thread them alternately with the chicken pieces on the skewers for a vibrant and more complete meal.
- Cooking Chicken Kebabs in the Oven: No grill? No problem! This recipe is easily adaptable for oven cooking. Simply preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Arrange the prepared chicken kebabs on the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 20-30 minutes, turning them occasionally (every 8-10 minutes), until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For a slightly charred finish, you can broil them for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Yogurt Marinade for Extra Tenderness: For an extra layer of moisture and tenderness, consider adding yogurt to your marinade. Incorporating about 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt or regular plain yogurt will help to lock in the chicken’s juices and contribute a subtle tanginess that complements the other flavors beautifully.
- Explore More Spices: If you love experimenting with Middle Eastern flavors, try incorporating other traditional spices. Za’atar offers a unique blend of savory, earthy, and tangy notes, while sumac provides a distinct lemony tartness. A pinch of chili powder or even a touch of curry powder could also introduce an interesting twist, depending on your preferred flavor profile.
- Infuse with Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs are used in the marinade, a sprinkle of fresh herbs just before serving can elevate the freshness and aroma. Chopped fresh parsley, dill, mint, or basil would all make wonderful garnishes, adding a burst of color and vibrant flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lebanese Chicken Kebabs
The most accurate way to ensure your chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat is by using a food thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of a chicken piece (avoiding the skewer) and ensure the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).
Both long metal and wooden skewers work wonderfully for grilling these chicken kebabs. Metal skewers are incredibly convenient as they require no special preparation; just remember they will get very hot, so handle them with heat-resistant gloves or tongs. If you opt for wooden skewers, it’s essential to soak them in water for at least an hour prior to use. This prevents them from catching fire on the hot grill and ensures they cook evenly alongside your chicken.
While I’ve used boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe for their lean texture and quick cooking time, other cuts of chicken are also fantastic. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a popular choice as they tend to stay incredibly moist and flavorful due to their higher fat content. Chicken tenderloins are another excellent option, offering a similar lean profile to breasts but with a naturally tender texture. Whichever cut you choose, ensure it’s diced into uniform pieces for even cooking.
These flavorful chicken kebabs are incredibly versatile! They are fantastic served in warm pita bread as a wrap, or as part of a delicious rice bowl or Mediterranean Buddha Bowl. For a classic Lebanese meal, pair them with a refreshing salad like Fattoush or Lebanese Salad. You can also create a stunning mezze platter with various dips like my Tahini Yogurt Dressing or creamy Tahini Sauce. Don’t forget to add some grilled vegetables, such as red onion and bell pepper, directly onto the skewers to accompany your chicken.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Lebanese Chicken Kebabs
These flavorful Lebanese chicken kebabs are wonderfully versatile, making them a fantastic addition to almost any meal. They effortlessly complement a wide range of sides and dips, and truly shine as the star of any comprehensive mezze platter. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve them:
- Delicious Dips & Sauces: Elevate your kebabs with a drizzle of rich sauce or a creamy dip. I highly recommend a homemade Tahini Garlic Sauce, a smoky Baba Ghanoush, classic Lebanese Hummus, a vibrant Roasted Red Pepper Greek Yogurt Hummus, or even a savory White Bean Artichoke Dip.
- Fresh & Flavorful Salads: A crisp, refreshing salad is the perfect counterpoint to the rich chicken. My go-to choices include a bright Lebanese Salad, an earthy Mediterranean Eggplant Salad, a hearty Mediterranean Eggplant Chickpea Salad, the quintessential Fattoush Salad, or a protein-packed Mediterranean Bean Salad.
- Creative Meal Bases: Beyond skewers, these kebabs work beautifully as a component in various dishes. Wrap them in warm pita bread for a quick and satisfying lunch, or build them into a wholesome rice bowl, similar to my Chicken Shawarma Bowl. They also fit perfectly into Mediterranean Buddha Bowls or classic shawarma wraps.
More Delicious Chicken Recipes to Explore
If you’re looking for more inspiration for your chicken dishes, here are some other fantastic recipes you might enjoy:
- BAKED CHICKEN FINGERS
- CHICKEN LENTIL SOUP
- CHICKEN SLIDERS
- FRENCH ONION CHICKEN
- GREEK MARINATED CHICKEN THIGHS
- AIR FRYER CHICKEN TENDERS
- RANCH CHICKEN THIGHS
If you give this amazing Lebanese Chicken Kebab recipe a try, please be sure to leave me a star rating and a comment below! I love hearing your feedback and seeing your culinary creations. Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @acedarspoon for even more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration!
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Lebanese Chicken Kebabs
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Ingredients
- 2 to 2 1/2 pounds boneless and skinless chicken breast,, diced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 5-6 garlic cloves,, minced
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika {or sweet paprika works}
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes {optional}
- Juice from 1 lemon
- Zest from half of the lemon
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Yogurt sauce and pita for serving
Instructions
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In a large bowl combine the chicken with the olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, thyme, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, lemon juice, lemon zest, tomato paste, and salt and pepper.
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Toss the chicken to evenly coat it in the marinade.
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Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set it aside in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 1 hour, longer if you have time to create juicy chicken.
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If using wooden skewers soak them otherwise you can use metal skewers.
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Remove the marinated chicken pieces from the refrigerator.
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Then take one skewer and thread between 6 and 8 chicken pieces onto it. Set the kebabs aside until you are ready to grill.
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Brush the grill grates with non-stick oil. Heat a grill or cast iron skillet on the stove top over medium-high heat.
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Place all the chicken kabobs onto the hot grill. Cook for 4 minutes, flip and cook for 4 more minutes.
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Repeat the process 1 or 2 more times or until cooked completely and charred bits have formed around the outside.
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Once cooked through, remove the kebabs from the grill and serve immediately.
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Serve with a warm pita bread, a big fattoush salad and lebanese garlic sauce, tahini sauce or a creamy dill sauce.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.