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Chicken Shish Kabob Marinade: The Ultimate Recipe for Flavorful Grilling

These grilled chicken kabobs are marinated in a zesty mix of lemon juice, garlic, and spices, resulting in juicy, tender pieces perfect for summer barbecues or weeknight meals. Easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite vegetables, they are sure to impress at any gathering!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil and fresh lemon juice.
  2. Add the minced garlic to the bowl.
  3. Sprinkle in the ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Whisk all the ingredients together until well combined.
  5. Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs or breasts.
  6. Cut the chicken into 1.5-inch cubes.
  7. Place the chicken cubes into the bowl with the marinade and ensure they are well coated.
  8. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to a resealable plastic bag, squeezing out as much air as possible before sealing.
  9. Refrigerate the marinating chicken for at least 1 hour, preferably 4 to 6 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
  10. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  11. If using a gas grill, allow it to heat for about 10-15 minutes.
  12. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
  13. Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and discard the marinade.
  14. Thread the chicken cubes onto the skewers, alternating with pieces of bell peppers, onions, or cherry tomatoes if desired.
  15. If using wooden skewers, ensure they have been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes.
  16. Place the assembled kabobs on the preheated grill.
  17. Grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
  18. Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
  19. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight.
  • Feel free to customize the kabobs with your favorite vegetables.
  • Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.