Spicy Chicken Shish Kebabs with Charred Bell Pepper Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken chunks marinated in a spicy blend, grilled and served with a smoky charred bell pepper sauce. This middle eastern-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes blends chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes, paprika, cayenne pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to form the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb chicken breast cubes to the marinade and toss well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  3. Step 3: While marinating, preheat oven broiler to high. Place 2 large red bell peppers on a baking sheet and broil for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes until skin is blackened and blistered.
  4. Step 4: Transfer charred peppers to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap for 10 minutes to steam, then peel off skins and remove seeds.
  5. Step 5: Blend peeled peppers with 1 tsp smoked paprika and 1 tbsp red wine vinegar until smooth to make the sauce.
  6. Step 6: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (400°F). Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
  7. Step 7: Grill chicken skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes until cooked through and slightly charred.
  8. Step 8: Serve chicken kebabs drizzled with the smoky charred bell pepper sauce.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Chicken Shish Kebabs with Charred Bell Pepper Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Spicy Chicken Shish Kebabs with Charred Bell Pepper Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Chicken Shish Kebabs with Charred Bell Pepper Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Spicy Chicken Shish Kebabs with Charred Bell Pepper Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Spicy Chicken Shish Kebabs with Charred Bell Pepper Sauce?

Middle Eastern chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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