Juicy Mediterranean Chicken Kabob Recipe: Oven-Baked Perfection

Why You’ll Love This these Juicy Mediterranean Chicken Kabobs

These Mediterranean chicken kabobs are like a flavor vacation on a stick, with that perfect blend of lemon, olive oil, and cumin that makes your taste buds do a little happy dance.

You get all the smoky, grilled atmosphere without having to wrestle with an outdoor grill or worry about the weather ruining your dinner plans.

Plus, using dark chicken meat means these babies stay incredibly juicy and tender, even if you accidentally leave them in the oven a minute or two longer than planned.

Ingredients List

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to create these flavor-packed Mediterranean chicken kabobs that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

• 2 lbs dark chicken meat (well trimmed, cut into squares)
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

• 1 bell pepper (chopped)
• Dark chicken meat wins the juicy contest – thighs and drumsticks have more healthy fats and stay moist during cooking, plus they’re usually easier on your wallet
• Olive oil brings the good fats – you’re getting heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that actually help your body absorb those fat-soluble vitamins
• Cumin packs antioxidant power – this warming spice doesn’t just taste amazing, it also brings anti-inflammatory benefits to the party
• Bell peppers add vitamin C – one pepper gives you more vitamin C than an orange, so you’re basically getting your veggies and protein in one delicious bite

Step by Step Directions



Making these Mediterranean chicken kabobs is a straightforward process that delivers restaurant-quality results right from your home oven.

• Prepare the marinade – Combine lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, cumin, and Italian seasoning in a mixing bowl and whisk together until well blended.
• Marinate the chicken – Add the trimmed and cubed chicken pieces to the marinade bowl, mix until well coated, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
• Prep your equipment – Soak wooden skewers in cold water for 30 minutes while the chicken marinates, then preheat your oven to 425°F.
• Assemble the kabobs – Line a baking sheet with foil, then thread the marinated chicken and chopped bell pepper pieces onto skewers in your preferred pattern.
• Bake to perfection – Place the kabobs on the middle oven rack and cook for 35-40 minutes, optionally brushing with extra marinade 5 minutes before they’re done.
• Pro tip for prep – Use kitchen shears instead of a knife to cut the chicken into squares – it’s much faster and easier than struggling with a blade.

For the best results and even heat distribution, consider using professional stainless steel cookware like a heavy-duty baking sheet that won’t warp at high temperatures.

Substitutions and Variations

• Citrus swaps – Lime juice or even orange juice can sub for lemon juice, though you might end up with something that tastes more fusion than Mediterranean.
• Oil alternatives – Avocado oil works great if olive oil isn’t your thing, but to be frank, olive oil is kind of the whole point here.
• Make it dairy – A dollop of Greek yogurt mixed into the marinade creates a tangier, more tender result, perfect for when you want to get fancy.

Additional Things to Serve With This Dish

These Mediterranean chicken kabobs practically beg for some classic sides that’ll make your dinner table look like it belongs in a Greek taverna.

• Rice pilaf or fluffy basmati – Because you need something to catch all those gorgeous marinade drippings, and plain white rice just feels sad next to all these bold flavors.
• Warm pita bread or naan – Perfect for wrapping around the chicken pieces when you inevitably get tired of using a fork like a civilized person.
• Greek salad with cucumbers and feta – The cool, crisp vegetables balance out the warm, savory kabobs, plus it’s basically mandatory when you’re going Mediterranean.
• Roasted vegetables – Zucchini, eggplant, or more bell peppers tossed with olive oil and herbs, because why not double down on the whole Mediterranean thing.
• Tzatziki sauce or hummus – For dipping, drizzling, or just eating with a spoon when no one’s looking, though I won’t judge if someone is looking.
• Lemon rice or herbed couscous – Both soak up flavors beautifully and add that extra something-something to make this feel like a proper feast instead of just dinner.

Cooking Tips & Tricks (Chef’s Notes)

Here’s what I wish someone had told me before I started making these beauties.

• Soak those skewers like your dinner depends on it – Thirty minutes minimum in cold water, because nobody wants to explain to the fire department why their smoke alarm went off during dinner.
• Kitchen shears are your secret weapon – Forget struggling with a knife on slippery chicken, good scissors will cut through dark meat like butter and save your sanity.
• Don’t crowd the skewers – Leave some breathing room between pieces so everything cooks evenly, even though it’s tempting to cram as much chicken as possible onto each stick.
• Flip them halfway through – Around the 20-minute mark, give those kabobs a gentle turn so all sides get that golden-brown love.
• Save some marinade for basting – Set aside a portion before the raw chicken touches it, then brush it on during the last few minutes for extra flavor and that glossy finish.
• Let them rest for a few minutes – I know you’re starving, but five minutes on the counter lets the juices redistribute instead of running all over your cutting board.
• Check for doneness with a thermometer – Dark meat should hit 175°F, because nobody wants to serve rubber chicken or worry about food safety at dinner.

Nutritional Facts

These Mediterranean chicken kabobs pack serious nutritional value alongside their bold flavors.

• High protein powerhouse – Dark chicken meat delivers about 25-30 grams of protein per serving, supporting muscle maintenance and keeping you satisfied longer.
• Heart-healthy fats – Olive oil provides monounsaturated fats that support cardiovascular health and help absorb fat-soluble vitamins.
• Vitamin C boost – Bell peppers contribute significant vitamin C for immune support and collagen production.
• Iron rich – Dark chicken meat contains more iron than white meat, supporting healthy blood oxygen transport.
• B-vitamin complex – Chicken provides essential B vitamins including niacin, B6, and B12 for energy metabolism and nervous system function.
• Antioxidant herbs – Italian seasoning blend adds antioxidants from oregano, basil, and other herbs that fight inflammation.
• Cumin benefits – This spice provides iron and may help with digestion and blood sugar regulation.
• Low carb friendly – Each serving contains minimal carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb eating patterns.
• Moderate calories – Approximately 300-350 calories per serving depending on portion size, making it a satisfying yet reasonable meal option.

Fun “Did You Know?”

Did you know that kabobs (also spelled kebabs) date back over 4,000 years to ancient Mesopotamia, where soldiers would skewer meat on their swords and cook it over open fires?

I find it fascinating that this cooking method spread throughout the Mediterranean and Middle East, evolving into countless regional variations.

The word “kebab” comes from Arabic, meaning “to roast.”

What’s really cool is that skewering meat wasn’t just practical for cooking—it also helped preserve food during long military campaigns.

Today, we’re continuing this ancient tradition right in our modern ovens, connecting us to centuries of culinary history.