Turkish Chicken Kabobs
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
- In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until smooth and fragrant, creating a creamy marinade base.
- Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse and tenderize the meat.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Then, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers evenly, leaving small gaps between pieces for even cooking.
- Heat your grill to medium-high or preheat a grill pan over the stove until hot enough to sear the chicken, helping to lock in juices and develop a smoky crust.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side. Turn carefully to ensure even cooking and a slightly charred exterior. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the kabobs rest for a few minutes after grilling to seal in the juices. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.