Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Kebabs are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish, perfect for grilling or roasting. Marinated in a blend of spices, herbs, and yogurt, these juicy and tender kebabs are ideal for summer barbecues, casual dinners, or meal prep. Serve with flatbreads, fresh salads, or your favorite dips for a delicious and satisfying meal.
What is Jamie Oliver Chicken Kebab?
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Kebab features marinated chicken chunks threaded onto skewers and cooked to perfection. The marinade combines yogurt, spices, and fresh herbs, creating a tender and aromatic dish that’s full of flavor.
Other Popular Recipes
- Jamie Oliver Mushroom Pearl Barley Risotto
- Jamie Oliver Lemon Tzatziki Chicken
- Jamie Oliver Microwave Chili Con Carne
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Packed with Flavor: A perfect blend of spices and herbs.
- Versatile: Can be grilled, roasted, or pan-fried.
- Healthy and Light: High in protein and low in fat.
- Great for Entertaining: Perfect for barbecues and parties.
- Customizable: Adjust the spices and add vegetables to suit your taste.
Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Chicken Kebab
For the Marinade
- Chicken Thighs or Breast (500g, cut into chunks): Tender and juicy protein.
- Greek Yogurt (200g): Adds creaminess and helps tenderize the chicken.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For aromatic depth.
- Lemon Juice (2 tbsp): Adds tanginess and helps tenderize.
- Ground Cumin (1 tsp): Adds earthiness.
- Ground Coriander (1 tsp): Provides citrusy notes.
- Smoked Paprika (1 tsp): Adds smoky flavor and color.
- Chili Powder (optional, 1/2 tsp): For a mild kick.
- Fresh Mint or Cilantro (2 tbsp, chopped): Adds freshness.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
For the Kebabs
- Bell Peppers (2, cut into chunks): Adds color and sweetness.
- Red Onion (1, cut into wedges): Adds flavor and texture.
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp): For brushing.
- Skewers (wooden or metal): For threading the kebabs.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Grill, grill pan, or oven
- Skewers (soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)
Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Chicken Kebab
Step 1: Prepare the marinade
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, chili powder (if using), chopped mint or cilantro, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Step 2: Marinate the chicken
Add the chicken chunks to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for the best flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the kebabs
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, alternating with chunks of bell peppers and red onion. Brush lightly with olive oil.
Step 4: Cook the kebabs
- Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Cook the kebabs for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the skewers on a baking tray and bake for 15-20 minutes, turning once, until fully cooked.
- Pan-Fry: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning frequently.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the kebabs hot with flatbreads, a side of salad, and your favorite dips like tzatziki, hummus, or garlic sauce.
What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver Chicken Kebab
- Flatbreads or Pita: Perfect for wrapping the kebabs.
- Tzatziki or Hummus: Creamy dips that complement the flavors.
- Fresh Salad: Cucumber, tomato, and onion salad adds freshness.
- Rice Pilaf: A hearty side dish.
- Grilled Vegetables: Enhance the smoky flavors.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Chicken Kebab
- Use Thighs for Juiciness: Chicken thighs stay juicier during cooking compared to breasts.
- Marinate Longer: Marinating overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Leave space between pieces on the skewers for even cooking.
- Check for Doneness: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
- Experiment with Spices: Adjust spices to suit your taste preferences.
Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver Chicken Kebab
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with tofu, paneer, or mushrooms.
- Spicy Version: Add more chili powder or cayenne pepper.
- Herbaceous Twist: Add rosemary or oregano to the marinade.
- Citrusy Flavor: Add orange or lime zest for a refreshing twist.
- Sweet and Savory: Thread pineapple chunks between the chicken pieces.
Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver Chicken Kebab
- Refrigerate: Store leftover kebabs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze the marinated chicken before cooking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling.
- Reheat: Warm kebabs in the oven at 180°C (350°F) or on a grill pan until heated through.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
FAQs
Can I cook chicken kebabs without a grill?
Yes, chicken kebabs can be cooked in an oven or on a grill pan. Bake them at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes, turning once, or cook in a grill pan over medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes, turning frequently.
How long should I marinate chicken for kebabs?
For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour. If time allows, marinating overnight enhances the taste even more.
What vegetables work best with chicken kebabs?
Bell peppers, red onions, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and mushrooms are excellent choices for threading alongside chicken on kebabs.
Can I freeze marinated chicken for kebabs?
Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Kebabs are a versatile and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
Give this recipe a try and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean!
Print
Jamie Oliver Chicken Kebab Recipe
- Prep Time: 20
- Marinating Time: 60
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, baking, or pan-frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Kebab features marinated chicken chunks threaded onto skewers and cooked to perfection. The marinade combines yogurt, spices, and fresh herbs, creating a tender and aromatic dish that’s full of flavor.
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- Chicken Thighs or Breast (500g, cut into chunks): Tender and juicy protein.
- Greek Yogurt (200g): Adds creaminess and helps tenderize the chicken.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For aromatic depth.
- Lemon Juice (2 tbsp): Adds tanginess and helps tenderize.
- Ground Cumin (1 tsp): Adds earthiness.
- Ground Coriander (1 tsp): Provides citrusy notes.
- Smoked Paprika (1 tsp): Adds smoky flavor and color.
- Chili Powder (optional, 1/2 tsp): For a mild kick.
- Fresh Mint or Cilantro (2 tbsp, chopped): Adds freshness.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
For the Kebabs
- Bell Peppers (2, cut into chunks): Adds color and sweetness.
- Red Onion (1, cut into wedges): Adds flavor and texture.
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp): For brushing.
- Skewers (wooden or metal): For threading the kebabs.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the marinade
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, chili powder (if using), chopped mint or cilantro, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Step 2: Marinate the chicken
Add the chicken chunks to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for the best flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the kebabs
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, alternating with chunks of bell peppers and red onion. Brush lightly with olive oil.
Step 4: Cook the kebabs
- Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Cook the kebabs for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the skewers on a baking tray and bake for 15-20 minutes, turning once, until fully cooked.
- Pan-Fry: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning frequently.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the kebabs hot with flatbreads, a side of salad, and your favorite dips like tzatziki, hummus, or garlic sauce.
