Chicken Kebab Marinade

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Last Updated on March 20, 2025 by Toya

Ready to enjoy juicy grilled chicken? Then you must try out my simple chicken kebab marinade made with easy to find ingredients like yogurt, olive oil and ingredients you likely have in your kitchen.

This chicken marinade recipe adds the perfect flavor, and easily turns bland, boring chicken into a delicious, mouthwatering meal in just a few simple steps.

Plus, the marinade is fairly easy to make, requires minimal prep and makes clean up super easy afterwards!!

Why This Marinade Works:

The secret to this marinade is its balance of ingredients. The olive oil used in this recipe helps to keep the chicken moist and tender, while the lemon juice and yogurt adds tang and richness to the chicken. Also, the garlic, cumin, and paprika imparts a deep flavor to the chicken, and the fresh herbs bring a touch of freshness to your meal.

In addition, another great thing about this marinade is its versatility. If you wanted to, you could use this marinade for either grilled, baked or pan-fried chicken. And it doesn’t just stop there as you can also use this easy kebab marinade for other proteins like lamb, pork, or even tofu. Finally, it’s very easy to adjust or add other seasonings to suit your tastes. For example, you can add extra or different herbs and spices to make this marinade yours!

Ready to learn how to make my homemade chicken kebab marinade? Keep reading for the full recipe!

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• ½ tbsp ground cumin
• ½ tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless and cut lengthways

How to make chicken kebab marinade

Start by combining all the ingredients including the olive oil, yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, chopped parsley, and, if using, honey or maple syrup in a large bowl and whisk until well combined.

Place your chicken pieces (or other protein) in the bowl or into a large resealable plastic bag and coat the chicken well.

Seal the bag or cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes, though 2-4 hours or overnight (for best results).

Thread the marinated chicken and chopped onions onto skewers, placing two pieces of chicken for every piece of onion.

Cook for approximately 20 minutes, or until the chicken is golden on the outside and fully cooked inside.

Serve hot with your favorite sauce!

How to cooked marinated chicken kebabs

• Grilling: Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and allow any excess to drip off. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (or 74°C).
• Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (or 200°C). Then arrange the marinated chicken pieces on a baking tray and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (or 74°C).
• Pan-Frying: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor? For optimal flavor, you should marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but ideally 2-4 hours or overnight for the best results.
2. Can I use bone-in chicken for kebabs? While boneless, skinless chicken works best for even cooking on skewers, you can use bone-in chicken, but it may require longer cooking time.
3. Can I make the marinade ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the marinade up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Just be sure to stir the marinade well before using as the ingredients may separate.
4. What can I substitute for yogurt in the marinade? If you need a dairy-free option, you can substitute the yogurt with coconut milk or a dairy-free yogurt alternative like

So, next time you’re craving juicy, flavorful chicken kebabs, skip the store-bought marinades and whip up this easy homemade chicken kebab marinade in no time at all! You’ll never go back to plain, boring chicken again.

And, if you’re on the lookout for more flavorful chicken marinade, then you must try out my easy cajun Chicken Marinade, Greek Chicken Marinade or my popular Chicken Drumstick Marinade.