As a home cook, there are some dishes I return to time and time again, and a Marinated Chicken Kebab sit comfortably at the top of that list. They are one of those wonderfully flexible meals that feel just as right on a sunny weekend barbecue as they do cooked under a grill on a quiet weeknight. Simple, colourful, and packed with flavour, Marinated Chicken Kebabs are the kind of food that brings people together without causing any stress in the kitchen.
What I love most about Marinated Chicken Kebab is how straightforward they are, yet how impressive they look when served. Chunks of chicken are given plenty of time to soak up a delicious marinade, allowing the flavours to really sink in. Once skewered with chopped green bell peppers and chunky pieces of red onion, they already look inviting before they even touch the heat. There’s something very satisfying about threading everything onto skewers, knowing that each bite will have a bit of everything.
A Marinated Chicken Kebab is also a great reminder that simple ingredients can go a long way. Chicken is a brilliant base for marinades because it absorbs flavour so well without overpowering anything else. The green bell peppers add a gentle sweetness and a slight crunch, while the red onion softens as it cooks, becoming almost jammy with a hint of caramelised flavour. Together, they create a balance that feels both hearty and fresh.
Cooking a Marinated Chicken Kebab is a joy in itself. On the barbecue, they pick up that unmistakable smoky flavour that instantly makes a meal feel special. The gentle charring on the edges of the chicken and vegetables adds depth and a touch of nostalgia, especially if you associate barbecues with relaxed evenings and good company. If the weather isn’t on your side, grilling them indoors still produces excellent results. The marinade sizzles, the chicken browns beautifully, and your kitchen fills with an aroma that makes waiting very difficult.
Another reason what a Marinated Chicken Kebab are such a favourite in my home is how adaptable they are. They can be dressed up for guests or kept casual for a family meal. Serve them straight from the skewer for a rustic feel, or slide everything off onto a platter for easier sharing. They work equally well as the main event or as part of a spread where everyone helps themselves.
A Marinated Chicken Kebab also suit a wide range of eaters. They’re lighter than many meat dishes but still filling, and they appeal to both adults and children. You can make them mild and crowd-pleasing or give them a little more punch depending on the marinade you choose. Either way, they always seem to disappear quickly, which I take as the best kind of compliment.
For me, Marinated Chicken Kebab represent relaxed cooking, food made to be shared, and meals that don’t demand perfection. They encourage you to enjoy the process, whether that’s preparing them earlier in the day or standing by the barbecue, turning skewers and chatting as they cook. There’s an ease to them that makes cooking feel enjoyable rather than like a chore.
If you’re looking for a dish that feels cheerful, reliable, and full of flavour, then a Marinated Chicken Kebab is hard to beat. They’re proof that you don’t need complicated techniques or fancy ingredients to create something truly satisfying. Sometimes, all you need is good seasoning, a bit of heat, and the pleasure of sharing a meal with others.
What to Serve with s Marinated Chicken Kebab
- Fluffy basmati rice or fragrant pilau rice
- Warm flatbreads or soft pitta bread
- A crisp green salad with a light dressing
- Creamy coleslaw for a cooling contrast
- Grilled corn on the cob with butter
- Chunky potato wedges or herby roasted potatoes
- Tzatziki, garlic yoghurt, or a simple yoghurt dip
- Tomato and cucumber salad with a squeeze of lemon
A Marinated Chicken Kebab fits effortlessly into so many meals, making them a dependable favourite that never seems to lose its charm.
Marinated Chicken Kebab
Ingredients
The kebabs:
- 700 g chicken breast cut into chunky pieces
- 1 large green bell pepper chopped into chunks
- 1 large red onion cut into wedges
The Marinade:
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic finely chopped or crushed
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp chilli flakes
- salt to taste
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, chilli flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well until fully combined.4 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3 cloves garlic, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp chilli flakes, salt, freshly ground black pepper
- Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and stir until every piece is well coated in the marinade.700 g chicken breast
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, though longer marinating will result in deeper flavour.
- While the chicken marinates, chop the green bell pepper and red onion into similar-sized chunks so they cook evenly on the skewers.1 large green bell pepper, 1 large red onion
- Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, alternating with pieces of green bell pepper and red onion. Continue until all ingredients are used.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high and line a grill tray with foil. Place the Marinated Chicken Kebabs on the tray and cook for 12–15 minutes, turning every few minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
- Preheat the barbecue to a medium heat. Place the kebabs on the grill and cook for 12–15 minutes, turning regularly, until the chicken is golden, slightly charred, and fully cooked.
- Remove the Marinated Chicken Kebabs from the heat and allow them to rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Serve hot with your chosen sides and sauces.
20 comments
Simple ingredients done well, ideal for a relaxed family dinner
I could eat these all year round. Actually I do.
Cooked these under the grill and they turned out surprisingly smoky and delicious
The marinade was tasty but a bit mild, I’d probably add more spice next time
These were a hit at our barbecue and disappeared very quickly
Flavours were good but I would have liked a bit more seasoning on the chicken
Enjoyed the kebabs but found the peppers slightly undercooked for my taste
Nice simple dish but still felt like something a bit special for a weekend meal
Loved how colourful they looked on the plate, very inviting
Easy to make and perfect for a barbecue, everyone went back for seconds
Nice flavour overall but I felt it needed a sauce to really shine
Easy to prepare ahead of time which made cooking stress-free
Decent kebabs but I would add more vegetables next time to bulk them out
Great balance between the meat and vegetables, nothing overpowered anything else
The chicken was tender and not dry at all, which is always a win
Really tasty and full of flavour, the chicken stayed juicy and the peppers added a nice crunch
The marinade soaked into the chicken beautifully and worked really well with the red onion
Worked really nicely with flatbreads and a yoghurt dip
Good everyday meal but didn’t really stand out compared to other kebabs I’ve had
Perfect for feeding a crowd and very easy to serve straight from the skewers