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August 16, 2023

Chicken Kebabs

These flavorful chicken kebabs are easy to assemble and even easier to cook on the grill. Get your meat and veggies all on one skewer!

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chicken kebabs with bell pepper and red onion on a serving plate served with bowls of dill sauce and romesco sauce
Photography by Gayle McLeod

The Best Chicken Kebabs

Looking for a dinner recipe that’s fun for the whole family? Bring in the chicken kebabs! They’re fun to assemble, fun to grill, and fun to eat—especially with an assortment of dipping sauces and a variety of salads. Serve these chicken kebabs with Couscous, a big Italian Salad or Mediterranean Wedge Salad, and a Roasted Cauliflower with Whipped Feta. Our favorite part of making kebabs is the dipping sauces! We recommend our Dill Sauce and Romesco, but Tzatziki, Hummus or Tahini Sauce would also be delicious!

diced raw chicken breast, bell peppers, red onion, spices, olive oil, lemon juice, romesco sauce and dill sauce in prep bowls

Ingredients You’ll Need To Make Grilled Chicken Kebabs

  • Herbs and seasoning – Big and bold flavors come from fresh dill, dried oregano, dried basil, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper.

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breast.

  • Veggies – We call for bell peppers and red onion, but mushrooms and cherry tomatoes also work well. Basically, the rule is, if you like the vegetable and can skewer it, you can thread it onto the kebabs.

  • Dipping sauces – The world is your oyster, but our Dill Sauce and Romesco are both great.

lemon juice, olive oil, dill, oregano, basil, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a glass bowl
raw chicken tossed with lemon juice, olive oil, dill, oregano, basil, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
marinated chicken, bell pepper and red onion being threaded on metal skewers
chicken kebabs with bell pepper and red onion being cooked on a grill

How to Make Chicken Kebabs

  • Prepare the kebab ingredients. Using a sharp knife, cut 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1½-inch pieces. Pro tip: We like to use different color cutting boards to help us keep meat and veggie surfaces separate. Cut 2 bell peppers and 1 red onion into 1-inch pieces.

  • Make the marinade. In a large bowl combine the lemon juice, olive oil, dill, oregano, basil, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

  • Marinate the chicken. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Cover and let marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or in the refrigerator for up to 3 hours.

  • Turn on the grill when ready to cook the kebabs.

  • Assemble the kebabs. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Thread the chicken, bell pepper, and onion onto metal or soaked bamboo skewers, dividing evenly.

  • Grill the kebabs. Place the skewers on the grill and cook. To cook evenly, it’s best to turn each kebab skewer about every minute, until the chicken is browned and the veggies are beginning to char, about 4 minutes. Reduce the heart to low and cook, turning often, until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F on an instant read thermometer, about 10-12 minutes more.

  • Serve! Arrange the skewers on a serving platter and sprinkle with dill. Serve with your favorite sauces on the side.

chicken kebabs with bell pepper and red onion on a serving plate served with bowls of dill sauce and romesco sauce

How to Store Leftover Kebabs + Tips

  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to four days, and freeze leftover kebabs for up to two months.

  • If you use bamboo skewers, be sure to soak them for an hour before using to prevent them from catching fire on the grill! To avoid soaking, we just love metal skewers and they’re reusable!

  • Would this be good with chicken thighs? Yes! Just make sure you’re always checking your cook temp.

  • Can these be made in the oven? You bet. Just cook at 375°F on a rimmed baking sheet that has a cooling rack set in it so you get crispy edges! Cook for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

  • Making the marinade for chicken kebabs: Because there is so much citrus in the marinade you want to avoid prepping too far in advance, but that doesn’t mean you can’t chop everything, make the marinade, and have it ready to grill.

chicken kebabs with bell pepper and red onion on a serving plate served with bowls of dill sauce and romesco sauce

There’s Plenty Of Kebab Recipes At The Modern Proper

Summer Isn’t Over Yet, So Keep That Grill Hot!

For more recipe inspiration, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest or order our cookbook. We love when you share your meals. Tag us on Instagram using #themodernproper. Happy cooking!

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Chicken Kebabs

  • Serves: 6
  • Prep Time:  45 min
  • Cook Time:  20 min
  • Calories: 292

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (from 2 lemons)
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill, plus more for serving
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1½-inch pieces
  • 2 bell peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • Dill sauce, homemade or store-bought, for serving
  • Romesco, homemade or store-bought, for serving

Method

  1. In a large bowl combine the lemon juice, olive oil, dill, oregano, basil, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Cover and let marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or in the refrigerator for up to 3 hours.

  2. Preheat the grill on high (see Note). Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Thread the chicken, bell pepper, and onion onto metal or soaked bamboo skewers, dividing evenly. Place the skewers on the grill and cook, turning about every minute, until the chicken is browned and the veggies are beginning to char, about 4 minutes. Reduce the heart to low and cook, turning often, until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F on an instant read thermometer, about 10-12 minutes more.

  3. Arrange the skewers on a serving platter and sprinkle with dill. Serve with the dill sauce and romesco on the side.


Note: If you use bamboo skewers, be sure to soak them for an hour before using to prevent them from catching fire on the grill!

Nutrition Info

  • Per Serving
  • Amount
  • Calories292
  • Protein35 g
  • Carbohydrates8 g
  • Total Fat13 g
  • Dietary Fiber2 g
  • Cholesterol110 mg
  • sodium713 mg
  • Total Sugars2 g

Chicken Kebabs

Questions & Reviews

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  • Bub

    This recipe has been part of my regular rotation of chicken dishes I make for I don't know how long. With the dill sauce recipe, it makes killer sandwiches.

    Thanks Bub, glad you love it! Love to hear when something makes regular rotation!

  • Colleen

    SUPER flavorful. Made the dill sauce with the meal. Skipped the skewers and made the chicken and veggies, separated in their own cast iron skillets. Would definitely make this again.

    Thanks Colleen, we are so happy you loved it!

  • Jenn

    These were a big hit in my house! They were fairly simple to make, super delicious and super healthy. I served with the dill sauce which was also delicious!

    Glad your family loved them! Thanks Jenn!