Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill and enjoy some flavorful chicken skewers. But if you’re tired of the same old grilled chicken, we have a recipe that will bring a tantalizing twist to your next barbecue. Our smoky spicy yogurt chicken kebabs are marinated in a blend of tangy yogurt, aromatic spices, and the secret ingredient that keeps the chicken juicy and tender over high heat.
Many people opt for chicken breasts when making kebabs, but we’ve discovered that using chicken thighs instead adds an extra level of juiciness and flavor. The combination of smoky and hot paprika gives the marinade a delicious hint of spiciness, as well as an attractive red color to the finished dish. And the best part? The marinating time for this recipe is only 4 hours, allowing all those flavors to infuse the chicken and make it even more tender and flavorful.
Grilling kebabs is not only a fun and interactive way to cook, but it also imparts a smoky flavor that perfectly complements the spices in our yogurt marinade. The result is a dish that will leave your taste buds begging for more. So, are you ready to fire up the grill and try our smoky spicy yogurt marinated chicken kebabs?
Ingredients and Preparation
In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the ingredients and preparation process for these delicious and smoky chicken kebabs. With an easy chicken kebab recipe, you’ll be grilling skewers of perfectly grilled chicken kebabs in no time. Let’s get started!
For these smoky chicken kebabs, you’ll need:
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon hot paprika
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for an extra kick)
- 1.5 pounds chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes
To prepare the marinade, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, ginger, salt, smoked paprika, hot paprika, minced garlic, black pepper, cumin powder, and cayenne pepper (if using) in a bowl. Make sure all the ingredients are well combined.
Place the chicken cubes in a large ziplock bag and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag tightly and massage the marinade into the chicken, ensuring that all the pieces are well coated. Refrigerate the bag of marinated chicken for 4-8 hours, allowing the flavors to penetrate the chicken and make it tender and flavorful.
After the marinating time, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece for even cooking.
Now, it’s time to grill the chicken kebabs to perfection! Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is well browned and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Allow the kebabs to rest for a few minutes before serving, which helps to retain their juices and ensure maximum flavor.
These easy chicken kebabs are perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to backyard barbecues. The combination of the smoky paprika and tangy yogurt marinade creates a succulent and flavorful grilled chicken dish that will surely impress your guests.
Now that we’ve covered the ingredients and preparation process, let’s move on to grilling tips and serving suggestions to make your smoky chicken kebabs even more enjoyable!
Grilling Tips and Serving
Now that you have marinated your chicken in the flavorful yogurt mixture, it’s time to fire up the grill and grill these delicious skewers to perfection. To get started, you’ll need a charcoal grill. Light the charcoal until it is covered with grey ash and spread it evenly over the coal grate.
Before placing the skewers on the grill, make sure to clean and oil the grilling grate. This will prevent the chicken from sticking and ensure even cooking. Once the grill is ready, place the marinated chicken skewers on the grilling grate and let them cook. Turn them occasionally until they are well-browned on all sides, and the center of the chicken registers between 160-165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
Once the chicken skewers are cooked to perfection, transfer them to a platter and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures that the chicken remains tender and juicy. The smoky and spicy flavors from the marinade will give a delicious boost of flavor to the grilled chicken skewers.
These yogurt marinated chicken kebabs make a perfect addition to any summer barbecue or as a flavorful main dish for a weeknight dinner. Serve them alongside a refreshing side of yogurt sauce or squeeze some fresh lemon juice over them to add a burst of freshness. The grilled chicken skewers, with their smoky, spicy, and tender goodness, are sure to be a hit at your next grilling get-together.