Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken Kabobs
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a taste of the Mediterranean? This chicken kabob marinade is your express ticket! It's packed with flavour and dead easy to make. You won't regret it.
Brief Overview
These kabobs bring the sunshine to your plate. Mediterranean chicken kabob recipes are simple and delicious. This one is super easy, needing just 20 mins of prep and 12- 15 mins cooking.
It serves 4-6 people.
Main Benefits
This recipe is special because the lemon herb chicken marinade makes the chicken super tender. It's perfect for a BBQ with mates.
Plus, it's lean protein, making it a healthy choice. Who wouldn't want this?
Marinating Magic: Unlocking the Flavor
Let's be honest, nobody likes dry chicken! The secret is a good marinade. Our easy chicken kabob marinade is a game changer. It infuses flavour and keeps the chicken juicy.
What's so special about this recipe
Seriously, are you a busy person? You want something quick, tasty, and healthy. This ticks all the boxes. The best chicken marinade for skewers exists and now you can prepare it.
It's way better than a takeaway.
Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken Kabobs Recipe
This recipe is a winner because it's so versatile. You can grill, bake, or pan-fry the kabobs. Plus, the lemon herb chicken marinade is adaptable.
It's a blank canvas for your own flavours. Try it and see!
The Greek Yogurt twist
Adding Greek yogurt to chicken kabob marinade Greek yogurt version creates another layer of depth and tenderisation.
I remember the first time I made these for a potluck. Honestly, everyone raved about them! People were practically fighting over the last skewer.
One guest even asked for the recipe. It's that good!
Now, let's dive into those ingredients.
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Chicken Kabobs
Right, let's talk about what you'll need to make these amazing Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken Kabobs . Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward.
I've seen some fancy Mediterranean Chicken Kabob Recipes out there, but we're keeping it real.
Main Ingredients Breakdown
Here's what you need, measured out perfectly:
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Quality matters! Look for chicken that's pink, firm, and doesn't smell funky. Fresh is best!
- Olive Oil: 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin. The good stuff adds flavour.
- Lemon Juice: 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh. That’s about two medium lemons. Bottled works in a pinch, but fresh is so much better!
- Garlic: 3 cloves , minced. Don't be shy!
- Oregano: 2 tablespoons fresh, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried).
- Rosemary: 2 tablespoons fresh, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried).
- Parsley: 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon .
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon .
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a kick).
- Veggies (Optional): 1 red bell pepper, 1 yellow bell pepper, 1 red onion, and 1 zucchini.
This Easy Chicken Kabob Marinade recipe is flexible though, so swap out the veggies for your faves!
Seasoning Secrets: The Flavour Powerhouse
This is where the magic happens! The lemon, garlic, and herbs are the stars. We want a Lemon Herb Chicken Marinade , after all.
The combo of oregano and rosemary is what gives it that authentic Mediterranean vibe. If you don't have fresh herbs, dried ones will do, but halve the amount.
Oh my gosh, you wanna spice it up? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper. A bit of red pepper flakes is also a good choice.
Experiment and find your Best Chicken Marinade for Skewers !
Essential Equipment: Keep It Simple
Don't need fancy gadgets for these Grilled Kabob Recipes . Here's what you actually need:
- Large bowl: For mixing that killer chicken kabob marinade .
- Whisk: To get everything nicely combined.
- Cutting board and knife: Obvious, right?
- Grill, baking sheet, or skillet: Your weapon of choice for cooking.
- Skewers: Wooden or metal. If using wooden, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. This step is key!.
Honestly, you probably have everything already. If you don't have skewers, you can just grill or pan-fry the chicken and veggies separately.
Easy peasy! And this recipe is super similar to a Garlic Lemon Chicken Kabob Recipe , so you can definitely adjust the flavours to your liking.
Some folks even add Chicken Kabob Marinade Greek Yogurt for extra tenderness!
Zesty Chicken Kabobs: Your Mediterranean Dream
Fancy a trip to Greece? Me too. But until then, these Mediterranean Chicken Kabob Recipes are the next best thing.
Honestly, this chicken kabob marinade is so good, it's almost therapeutic. We are going to use my secret weapon. It is not really a secret, just simple ingredients in perfect harmony.
Let's dive in.
Prep Steps: Mise en Place, Sorted!
Okay, first things first. Let's chop, measure and prep everything before we start. I think I read somewhere that proper prep is 90% of the work, and honestly, it's true.
We need 1.5 lbs of chicken, cut into cubes, and our marinade ingredients ready. Got your lemon juicer handy? You'll need it.
Safety tip: keep your cutting board stable.
step-by-step: From Marinade to Magic
- Whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 1/4 cup of lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons each of fresh oregano and rosemary, 1 tablespoon parsley, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you're feeling brave.
- Add the chicken to the bowl. Make sure it's all coated evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate. For at least 2 hours, but overnight is better. Trust me. This chicken kabob marinade needs time to do its thing.
- Thread the chicken onto skewers with the bell peppers, red onion, and zucchini. Remember to soak wooden skewers in water for 30 mins to avoid burning.
- Grill those bad boys! Aim for 12- 15 minutes over medium high heat, turning often. Chicken needs to hit 165° F ( 74° C) . Don't guess, use a thermometer.
Pro Tips: Secret Agent Kabob Skills
Want to avoid dry kabobs ? Overcrowding the skewers is a big no-no. Give the chicken some space.
I swear by it, marinating overnight makes a massive difference for flavor and tenderness.
To prep ahead, marinate the chicken, thread your kabobs, and keep in fridge until you cook.
Other things you could try
If you don't have lemons, lime juice can be used instead. Also try with Greek Yogurt. A great Chicken Kabob Marinade Greek Yogurt will make a great impact.
If you wanna try a Garlic Lemon Chicken Kabob Recipe , add a few more garlic cloves! Just play around.
Recipe Notes
Alright, so you've got the recipe for these awesome Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken Kabobs , but let's chat about some extras, yeah? These are the bits and bobs that'll take your cooking from "meh" to "OMG, this is amazing!".
It's all about making it your own, innit?
Serving Suggestions
Honestly, presentation is half the battle. Plating matters. Think about a nice platter with some vibrant colours. Serve these Mediterranean Chicken Kabob Recipes with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
A dollop of Greek yogurt on the side? Absolute winner! They are screaming out for some pita bread.
For sides, a simple couscous salad is always a good shout. Or maybe some grilled halloumi? That would be a perfect partner for this Garlic Lemon Chicken Kabob Recipe ! And to drink? A crisp white wine or even just a sparkling lemonade does the trick.
Storage Tips
So, you've made a batch of these beauts, but you've got leftovers. No worries! Let them cool completely. Then, pop them in an airtight container.
In the fridge, they'll be good for about 3-4 days. That chicken skewers marinade really helps keep them moist.
Fancy freezing them? Go for it! Just be aware the texture might change a bit. Reheating is easy too. Oven, microwave, even back on the grill.
Just make sure they're piping hot all the way through. Internal temperature of 74° C ( 165° F) is crucial! .
Variations
Want to mix it up? Course you do! Fancy making these gluten-free? Just make sure your kabob marinade doesn't contain any sneaky gluten-y ingredients. Easy peasy.
Seasonal swaps? Oh my gosh, yes! In the summer, think juicy peaches or nectarines on your grilled kabob recipes . Autumn? How about some butternut squash? Yum!
Nutrition Basics
Right, let's talk health. These easy chicken kabob marinade recipes are actually pretty good for you. Loads of lean protein from the chicken, plus all those lovely vitamins and minerals from the herbs and veggies.
The best chicken marinade for skewers isn't just about flavour. It's about adding good stuff too. This recipe is relatively low in fat and carbs.
Perfect if you're trying to be a bit healthier.
So, there you have it, some extra tips to make these chicken kabob marinade truly special. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with it. You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavour? I'm a bit of a novice in the kitchen, so any advice is welcome!
For the most flavourful chicken kabobs, aim to marinate them for at least 2 hours. Ideally, marinating overnight will really allow the chicken to soak up all those delicious zesty lemon herb flavours. Think of it like letting a good cuppa brew properly - it's worth the wait!
Can I make this chicken kabob marinade ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good whisk before adding the chicken to ensure all the flavours are nicely combined.
It's a bit like prepping your ingredients for a full English breakfast the night before - saves time and effort!
What's the best way to cook these kabobs - grill, bake, or pan-fry? What if it is raining, as it often is here?
Each method has its merits! Grilling gives a lovely smoky char, baking is hands off and good for rainy days (think of it as a "Great British Bake Off" moment but with chicken), and pan-frying is quick and convenient.
Just ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) no matter which method you choose.
I'm trying to cut down on carbs. What are some healthy sides to serve with these chicken kabobs? And is the chicken kabob marinade healthy?
These kabobs are relatively healthy, especially when grilled or baked! For low-carb sides, try a fresh Greek salad, a colorful grilled vegetable medley, or some steamed asparagus. The marinade itself is primarily made of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs, offering healthy fats and plenty of flavour without piling on the calories.
Can I freeze leftover chicken kabobs?
Yes, you can freeze cooked chicken kabobs. Let them cool completely, then remove the chicken from the skewers (this helps prevent freezer burn) and place in a freezer safe bag or container. They'll keep for up to 3 months.
When reheating, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then warm them gently in a skillet or oven - a good way to keep the leftovers for a "rainy day" situation.
Is there any way to modify this chicken kabob marinade for different diets?
Yes, absolutely! The marinade is naturally gluten-free and can be easily adapted for other dietary needs. For a Whole30 or Paleo version, ensure your herbs are fresh and avoid any processed ingredients in your sides. Vegetarians can substitute chicken with halloumi cheese or firm tofu.
Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 275 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 12.5g |
| Fiber | 7.5g |