13 May 2025
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 20 min
Ingredients:
8 chicken thighs
2 garlic cloves
2 lemon wedges
1/3 cup lemon juice
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tsp paprika
1 tbsp olive oil
1 red pepper
1 onion
4 pita breads
1 tbsp fresh parsley
Lemon and garlic chicken kebabs are a delicious and healthy meal option, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue. The combination of zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and savory spices infuses the chicken with rich flavors, while the red pepper and onion add a delightful crunch. Serve with warm pita breads and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a complete and satisfying dish.
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano, paprika, and olive oil. Mix thoroughly to ensure the chicken is well coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For the best flavor, let it marinate for up to 2 hours.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare the red pepper and onion by cutting them into chunks. These will be alternated with the chicken on the skewers.
3. Assemble the Kebabs:
- If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces, red pepper chunks, and onion chunks alternately onto the skewers.
4. Cook the Kebabs:
- Preheat your grill or barbecue to medium-high heat.
- Place the skewers on the grill. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char. If you’re using an oven, preheat to 200°C (390°F) and bake the skewers on a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
5. Warm the Pita Breads:
- While the kebabs are cooking, warm the pita breads on the grill for 1-2 minutes on each side until they are soft and lightly charred or warm them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 5 minutes.
6. Serve:
- Once the kebabs are cooked, remove them from the grill and place them on a serving platter.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of the remaining lemon wedges for added freshness and citrus burst.
- Serve the chicken kebabs alongside warm pita breads.
7. Enjoy:
- These lemon and garlic chicken kebabs pair well with a side salad, some tzatziki sauce, or simply enjoy them wrapped in the pita bread with fresh vegetables of your choice.
Tips:
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to fully develop. For even better results, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
- Cut the chicken, pepper, and onion uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat before adding the skewers for the best grilling results.
- Turn the kebabs frequently to ensure they cook evenly and don’t burn.
These lemon and garlic chicken kebabs are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Their robust flavors and vibrant colors make for an eye-catching and delicious presentation. Enjoy these kebabs with warm pita bread and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and savor the fresh, tangy, and aromatic flavors. Happy cooking!