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Lemon Basil Chicken Kebabs

These Lemon Basil Chicken Kebabs are a vibrant, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken marinated in a creamy yogurt blend with zesty lemon and fresh basil, perfect for summer grilling.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 1 cup plain, full-fat yogurt Can use Greek yogurt for a thicker marinade.
  • 2 tsp black pepper Adds a subtle heat.
  • 2 tsp kosher salt Essential for seasoning.
  • 2 Tbsp honey Counters acidity of lemon.
  • 4 cloves garlic, crushed Infuses the marinade with aroma.
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice + zest of 2 lemons For brightness and zing.
  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves Use fresh basil for the best flavor.
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil Helps the marinade adhere.
Main Ingredients
  • 2 lb chicken breast, cut into 1” cubes Choose organic for best flavor.
To Serve
  • 1 serving Basmati rice or crunchy bread Use pita or naan for scooping up extra marinade.
  • to taste fresh mint For garnish.

Method
 

Making the Marinade
  1. In a food processor, combine yogurt, black pepper, kosher salt, honey, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and basil leaves. Blend until mostly smooth, then add olive oil and pulse just to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Marinate the Chicken
  1. In a bowl or Ziploc bag, mix chicken with the prepared marinade. Seal tightly and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow flavors to penetrate.
Grill Prep
  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high. This ensures the chicken gets a nice sear.
Skewer the Chicken
  1. Thread marinated chicken cubes onto metal skewers, making sure not to overcrowd them for even cooking.
Cooking the Kebabs
  1. Oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Grill kebabs for 4–5 minutes per side, monitoring closely to avoid burning.
No Grill Option
  1. If you don’t have a grill, sear the kebabs in a cast-iron skillet or broil them in the oven for about 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through.
Serving
  1. Serve the kebabs over Basmati rice or with crunchy bread, garnished with fresh mint.

Notes

Always let chicken marinate longer for best flavor. 24 hours is ideal! Avoid overcooking the chicken using a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F.