Juicy Baked Chicken Skewers – Easy Chicken Kabobs in Oven, Air Fryer & Grill for Ramadan Iftar

Alright, let’s talk about the ultimate crowd-pleaser—chicken skewers. Whether you call them chicken kebobs, chicken kabobs, or marinated chicken skewers, they’re a total game-changer, especially during Ramadan when you need something quick, delicious, and satisfying for iftar. My kids absolutely love them, and honestly, so do I, because they’re easy to prep and cook in so many ways—baked chicken skewers in the oven, grilled on the BBQ, or even in the air fryer for a crispy, juicy bite.

If you’re looking for easy iftar recipes, this chicken skewer recipe is a must-try. The chicken kebab marinade makes them extra tender and flavorful, and you can pair them with mint raita, naan, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Plus, they’re super versatile—perfect for an iftar platter, Ramadan iftar table, or even a light dinner when you’re not in the mood for something too heavy.

Whether you’re planning your Ramzan iftar menu, looking for quick snacks recipes, or just want some delicious starter recipes for your family, these baked chicken kabobs will not disappoint. Let’s get into how to make them—because trust me, once you do, you’ll be making them on repeat all Ramadan long!

Why These Skewers Are a Must-Try

• Easy to make – Minimal effort, maximum flavor.
• Juicy and flavorful – Thanks to the best-ever marinade.
• Customizable – Add veggies, change up the spices, make it your own.
• Cooks fast – Done in about 10-15 minutes.
• Perfect for picky eaters – My kids actually ask for these.

Alright, let’s get into it.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to make these skewers:

• Chicken – Thighs are juicier, but breasts work too.
• Olive oil – Helps keep the chicken from drying out.
• Garlic and lemon juice – Essential for that fresh, bold flavor.
• Yogurt (optional, but highly recommended) – This makes the chicken extra tender.
• Spices – I use paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper, but you can switch it up.
• Veggies (optional, but adds a nice touch) – Bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or whatever you have on hand.
• Wooden or metal skewers – If using wooden ones, soak them first so they don’t burn.

How to Make Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

This part is key. Grab a large bowl and toss in the chicken, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, yogurt (if using), and all the spices. Mix everything really well so the chicken is coated evenly. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, but if you have extra time, letting it marinate overnight makes it even better.

If you’re in a rush, poke the chicken a few times with a fork so the marinade soaks in faster.

Step 2: Skewer the Chicken

Take the marinated chicken and thread it onto skewers. If you’re adding veggies, alternate between chicken and vegetables to give it a nice balance.

Step 3: Cook the Skewers

Now you’ve got a few cooking options:

• Grill: Cook over medium-high heat for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Oven: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping once.
• Stovetop: Heat a little oil in a pan and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally so they get crispy on all sides.

Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once the skewers are golden and juicy, they’re ready to eat. I usually serve these with fluffy basmati rice, garlic naan, or a simple cucumber-tomato salad. If you want to take it up a notch, drizzle some tzatziki or garlic yogurt sauce on top.

Tips for the Best Chicken Skewers

• Soak wooden skewers – Otherwise, they might burn while cooking.
• Don’t skip the marinade – The longer the chicken sits, the more flavor it absorbs.
• Make extra – These taste just as good the next day, so double the batch for easy leftovers.
• Experiment with flavors – Try adding honey for sweetness or red pepper flakes for spice.

What to Serve With Chicken Skewers

You can’t go wrong with:

• Rice or naan – A simple, comforting side.
• Tzatziki or garlic yogurt sauce – Adds a creamy, tangy kick.
• Fresh salad – A light and refreshing balance to the dish.
• Fries – Because fries go with everything.

FAQs About Chicken Skewers

Juicy Baked Chicken Skewers

Juicy Baked Chicken Skewers

A quick and flavorful chicken skewer recipe that’s perfect for Ramadan iftar, weeknight dinners, or BBQ parties. These baked chicken kabobs are easy to make, packed with flavor, and can be cooked in the oven, air fryer, or on the grill.

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Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Marinate Time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Author: Fareeha

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Marinade:

• 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup plain yogurt optional, but makes it tender
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic , minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red chili powder optional, for spice

Optional Veggies:

• 1 bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 red onion, cut into chunks
• Cherry tomatoes or zucchini slices

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

• In a large bowl, mix olive oil, yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and spices. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (overnight is best for more flavor).

Step 2: Prep the Skewers

• If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the chicken onto skewers, alternating with veggies if using.

Step 3: Cook the Skewers

• Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil. Place skewers on a wire rack and bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway. Broil for an extra 2-3 minutes for a nice char.
• Grill: Heat grill to medium-high and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Air Fryer: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

• Serve hot with mint raita, naan, basmati rice, or a fresh salad.

Notes

Tips & Variations:

• For extra tenderness, marinate overnight.
• Swap yogurt for coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
• Want more spice? Add extra red chili or cayenne pepper.
• Make it a meal by serving with hummus, pita bread, and a side of cucumber-tomato salad.

Alright, if you’ve made it this far, you’re officially ready to whip up some baked chicken skewers that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re making baked chicken kabobs in the oven, firing up some BBQ chicken skewers, or tossing chicken skewers in the air fryer for a quick snack, this recipe is a total win. The chicken kebab marinade makes them juicy and flavorful, and they’re perfect for serving with mint raita and warm naan.

If you’re planning your Ramadan iftar table, these chicken kebabs in the oven are an easy and delicious option. Add them to your iftar platter, serve them alongside some quick recipes snacks, or pair them with other Ramzan cooking ideas for a full meal. Whether you need easy iftar recipes, dinner recipes, or just some delicious snacks recipes, these marinated chicken kabobs check all the boxes.

Honestly, my kids love them, and I love that they’re easy to make with minimal cleanup—because who has time for a messy kitchen during Ramadan? So whether you’re looking for Ramzan special recipes, Ramadan food ideas, or just a solid chicken skewer recipe to keep in rotation, this one’s a keeper. Let me know if you try it, and if your family fights over the last skewer like mine does!