Mediterranean Chicken Kebabs with Fresh Mint and Red Onion
Enjoy a burst of Mediterranean flavors with these vibrant chicken kebabs, infused with aromatic herbs and spices. The combination of juicy chicken, sweet red onions, and refreshing mint creates a delightful dish that's perfect for lunch or a light snack. Marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice, these kebabs are not only delicious but also visually appealing—ideal for serving over fluffy rice or alongside warm pita bread and a crisp Greek salad. Perfect for gatherings or a simple weeknight meal, these kebabs are sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1 1/2 lbs (cut into 1-inch pieces)
extra virgin olive oil
4 tablespoons (divided)
garlic cloves
4 (crushed)
dried mint
1 teaspoon (for marinating)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon (for marinating)
salt
1 teaspoon (divided)
ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (divided)
fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons (for basting)
fresh mint
1 bunch (leaves picked from stems)
red onion
1 (cut into 1-inch pieces)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, crushed garlic, dried mint, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
2
Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the barbecue grill and preheat to medium-high heat.
4
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and fresh lemon juice until well blended. Set aside.
5
Once marinated, remove the chicken from the refrigerator. Take large mint leaves off the stems.
6
Assemble the kebabs by alternating pieces of chicken, red onion, and fresh mint leaves on skewers. Season each skewer lightly with additional salt and pepper.
7
Place the kebabs on the preheated grill and cook for about 9 minutes, turning occasionally. Baste with the olive oil and lemon mixture to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
8
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the kebabs from the grill and serve hot alongside Greek salad and your choice of rice or pita bread.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mediterranean Chicken Kebabs with Fresh Mint and Red Onion?
They are vibrant chicken kebabs infused with Mediterranean flavors like garlic, lemon, mint, and oregano, served with grilled red onions.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
This recipe uses 1 1/2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breast halves cut into 1-inch pieces.
How long should the chicken marinate?
The chicken should marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What ingredients are in the kebab marinade?
The marinade consists of extra virgin olive oil, crushed garlic, dried mint, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
What vegetables are included on the skewers?
The kebabs feature red onion cut into 1-inch pieces and fresh mint leaves.
How do you prepare the grill for these kebabs?
Preheat your barbecue grill to medium-high heat before cooking.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 4 garlic cloves, which should be crushed before adding to the marinade.
What is used to baste the chicken while grilling?
A mixture of 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice is used for basting.
How do you assemble the chicken kebabs?
Assemble them by alternating pieces of marinated chicken, red onion, and large fresh mint leaves on skewers.
How long do the kebabs take to cook on the grill?
They take approximately 9 minutes to cook, and they should be turned occasionally during the process.
How do you keep the chicken moist during grilling?
Basting the kebabs with the olive oil and lemon juice mixture helps keep the chicken moist and adds extra flavor.
What should I serve with these Mediterranean kebabs?
They are ideal served over fluffy rice, alongside warm pita bread, or with a crisp Greek salad.
Does this recipe use dried or fresh mint?
Both; dried mint is used in the marinade, and fresh mint leaves are used on the skewers.
What is the total amount of olive oil used?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in total, divided between the marinade and the basting liquid.
How large should the chicken and onion pieces be?
Both the chicken and the red onion should be cut into 1-inch pieces for even cooking and assembly.
Are these kebabs suitable for a healthy lunch?
Yes, they are tagged as a healthy lunch option and feature lean protein and fresh herbs.
Can I make these on a weeknight?
Absolutely, they are described as an easy recipe that is perfect for a simple weeknight meal.
What kind of onion is used?
One red onion is used, which provides a sweet flavor and vibrant color to the kebabs.
How much lemon juice is required?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice for the basting mixture.
Should the fresh mint leaves be left on the stem?
No, the large mint leaves should be picked off the stems before being placed on the skewers.
Is this recipe considered Mediterranean?
Yes, it incorporates classic Mediterranean ingredients like olive oil, garlic, oregano, and lemon.
Do I need to season the skewers after assembly?
Yes, the instructions suggest seasoning each assembled skewer lightly with additional salt and pepper.
What is the count of unique ingredients in this dish?
There are 10 main ingredients used in this recipe.
Is this a good recipe for summer?
Yes, it is tagged for summer grilling and is perfect for outdoor gatherings.
Can I serve these kebabs cold?
The recipe recommends serving them hot immediately after removing them from the grill.
What herbs are used in the marinade?
Dried mint and dried oregano are the primary dried herbs used to flavor the chicken.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The 4 garlic cloves should be crushed to release their flavor into the marinade.
What are some suggested side dishes?
Greek salad, pita bread, and rice are the suggested accompaniments.
How much salt and pepper is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper, both divided between the marinade and seasoning.
Is this recipe suitable for guests?
Yes, they are visually appealing and flavorful, making them ideal for impressing guests at gatherings.