Mouthwatering Gluten-Free Shish Kebabs Recipe
If you’re looking for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing meal, my naturally gluten-free shish kebabs are about to become your new favourite!
Bursting with colour, flavour, and wholesome ingredients, these grilled skewers are a feast for the eyes and the taste buds, without any gluten worries.
Whether you’re planning a summer barbecue, a weeknight dinner, or a picnic in the park, gluten-free shish kebabs are as versatile as they are delicious.
What makes these kebabs truly special? They’re endlessly adaptable: you can mix and match your favourite meats and veggies, whip up a zesty marinade, and have dinner sizzling on the grill in no time.
Plus, with simple swaps and naturally gluten-free ingredients, you’ll enjoy all the smoky, charred goodness, minus the gluten. Ready to discover how easy and flavourful gluten-free grilling can be? Let’s fire up the grill and get started!
Table of Contents
What you’ll love about this recipe
Naturally Gluten-Free and Adaptable
Shish kebabs are naturally gluten-free since they mainly consist of grilled meats and vegetables on skewers. You can enjoy them without the traditional wheat-based pita bread, or simply wrap them in lettuce for a fresh, gluten-free twist. Plus, you can easily swap the meat and veggies to suit your taste—chicken, lamb, beef, or even shrimp, with your favourite colourful peppers, mushrooms, and onions.
Healthy and Nutritious
These kebabs are a fantastic way to get a balanced meal with lean protein and plenty of veggies, all grilled to perfection. Many recipes are also free from dairy, grains, soy, and refined sugars, making them ideal for those seeking a wholesome, low-inflammation diet.
Quick and Easy to Prepare
Gluten-free shish kebabs are brilliant for busy days. You can marinate the meat in the morning and just pop them on the grill in the evening. They cook quickly, often in about 15 minutes, and the prep is straightforward—just chop, skewer, and grill. Perfect for a fuss-free dinner or a summer BBQ with friends.
Deliciously Flavourful
Thanks to marinades featuring ingredients like Greek yoghurt, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, and gluten-free soy sauce, these kebabs are bursting with flavour. The grilling adds a smoky char that makes every bite mouthwateringly good. They’re so tasty, your family might well fight over the last one!
Great for Entertaining and Picnics
Gluten-free shish kebabs are crowd-pleasers that suit all ages and dietary needs. They’re easy to make in batches, freeze, and reheat on the grill, making them perfect for picnics, garden parties, or casual get-togethers. Add a few simple sides like coleslaw or potato salad, and you’ve got a delightful, stress-free feast.
Ingredients
- 6 free-range chicken breasts
- 2 red peppers
- 2 yellow peppers
- 2 orange peppers
- 2 red onions
- Warm gluten-free flat breads
For the Marinade
- 2 garlic cloves, finely grated
- 300g Greek yoghurt
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp paprika
Instructions
- Make the marinade by mixing all of the ingredients in a large bowl. Remove about a third of the marinade and chill.
- Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces
- Stir the diced chicken into the marinade and leave for 20 minutes.
- Soak some wooden skewers in water for about an hour.
- Cut up all of the peppers and red onion into bite-sized pieces.
- To make your kebabs, alternatively, thread a chicken piece, followed by a piece of pepper, followed by a piece of red onion, onto the wooden skewers. Repeat this process until all the chicken and vegetables are used up.
- Cook on a hot barbecue for 10-15 minutes, ensuring the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
- Serve your kebabs with the warm gluten-free flat breads, tomato wedges, yoghurt and lemon wedges.
What To Serve With Gluten-Free Shish Kebabs
Rice Pilaf or Greek Rice Salad
A fragrant rice pilaf or a tangy Greek rice salad with cucumber, tomato, olives, and feta cheese pairs beautifully with kebabs. The rice adds a lovely, filling base, while the salad brings fresh, zesty flavours that complement the grilled meat and veggies perfectly.
Grilled or Roasted Vegetables
Serve alongside extra grilled vegetables such as peppers, mushrooms, courgette (zucchini), or asparagus. Roasted lemon garlic Brussels sprouts or spicy honey garlic roasted carrots are great gluten-free veggie sides that add texture and taste.
Fresh Salads
Light, refreshing salads like a summer salsa, fennel-mango salad, or a cucumber lentil salad offer a crisp contrast to the smoky kebabs. A simple green salad with a lemony vinaigrette or a Mediterranean-style salad with herbs and olives also works wonderfully.
Gluten-Free Flatbreads or Garlic Bread
If you fancy some bread, gluten-free flatbreads or garlic bread made in an air fryer can be a nice accompaniment. They’re perfect for wrapping kebab pieces or mopping up any juices and dips.
Potato or Sweet Potato Sides
Cheesy mashed potatoes, fries, or roasted marinated potatoes on skewers are hearty, comforting sides that go well with kebabs. Sweet potato fries add a slightly sweet note that contrasts nicely with the savoury meat.
For a complete, gluten-free feast, you might combine a rice or potato side with a fresh salad and some grilled veggies. Adding a garlic yoghurt dip or a tangy sauce can also elevate the meal beautifully.
Are you ready to try my gluten-free shish kebabs recipe? Then let’s get started:
Mouthwatering Gluten-Free Shish Kebabs Recipe
Equipment
- Sharp Knife
- Chopping Board
- Wooden skewers
- Small mixing bowl
- Tablespoon
- Garlic press
Ingredients
- 6 Free-range chicken breasts
- 2 Red peppers
- 2 Yellow peppers
- 2 Orang peppers
- 2 Red onions
- Gluten-free flat breads/pittas
- 2 Garlic cloves
- 300 g Greek yoghurt
- 3 tbsp Ketchup
- 1 tbsp Paprika
Instructions
- Make the marinade by mixing all of the ingredients in a large bowl. Remove about a third of the marinade and chill.
- Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces
- Stir the diced chicken into the marinade and leave for 20 minutes.
- Soak some wooden skewers in water for about an hour.
- Cut up all of the peppers and red onion into bite-sized pieces.
- To make your kebabs, alternatively, thread a chicken piece, followed by a piece of pepper, followed by a piece of red onion, onto the wooden skewers. Repeat this process until all the chicken and vegetables are used up.
- Cook on a hot barbecue for 10-15 minutes, ensuring the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
- Serve your kebabs with the warm gluten-free flat breads, tomato wedges, yoghurt and lemon wedges
Nutrition
4th Of July Recipe Collection
These shish kebabs are part of our 4th of July recipe collection. Here are the other recipes in this collection👇
- Gluten-free flag cake recipe
- Gluten-free potato salad recipe
- Gluten-free coleslaw recipe
- Gluten-free chocolate chip cookies recipe
Gluten-Free Shish Kebab Tips
1. Marinate for Flavour and Tenderness
Marinate your meat and vegetables for at least 30 minutes, ideally up to 6-8 hours or even overnight in the fridge. This not only infuses wonderful flavour but also helps tenderise the meat. Use gluten-free ingredients like coconut aminos or tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and add fresh herbs, lemon or lime juice, and garlic for a tasty marinade.
2. Soak Wooden Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 10-30 minutes before threading. This prevents them from burning or catching fire on the grill.
3. Cut Ingredients Evenly and Thread Loosely
Cut your meat and vegetables into similar-sized pieces (about 1-2 inches) to ensure even cooking. Thread them loosely on the skewers rather than tightly packed, so heat circulates and everything cooks evenly without burning on the outside while remaining raw inside.
4. Preheat and Oil the Grill
Make sure your grill or grill pan is preheated to medium-high heat before placing the kebabs on. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking and help achieve those lovely char marks.
5. Turn Frequently and Baste
Turn the kebabs every few minutes to cook them evenly on all sides. If you have leftover marinade, brush it on during grilling to keep the meat juicy and add extra flavour. Cooking time is usually around 10-15 minutes, depending on the heat and size of the pieces.
If you don’t have a grill, you can also bake the kebabs in the oven or cook them on a grill pan indoors with great results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are shish kebabs naturally gluten-free?
Yes, shish kebabs made from skewered and grilled cubes of meat (like beef, chicken, or lamb) and vegetables are naturally gluten-free, as long as you avoid gluten-containing marinades, sauces, and sides like pita bread or bulgur.
How can I ensure my shish kebabs are safe if dining out?
Ask if the meat can be cooked on a separate, clean grill to avoid cross-contamination. Also, request gluten-free sides such as plain rice or vegetables, and avoid pita bread or bulgur wheat on the side.
What ingredients should I avoid in gluten-free shish kebab marinades?
Avoid soy sauce (unless it’s gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos), Worcestershire sauce with gluten, and any marinades or sauces containing wheat flour or gluten-containing additives. Use gluten-free alternatives like coconut aminos, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for flavour.
Can I use wooden skewers for gluten-free shish kebabs?
Yes, but soak wooden skewers in water for at least 10-30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
What are good gluten-free side dishes to serve with shish kebabs?
Plain rice, grilled or roasted vegetables, fresh salads, gluten-free flatbreads, or potato and sweet potato sides are excellent gluten-free accompaniments.
How long should I marinate the meat for the best flavour?
Marinate the meat for at least 30 minutes, but ideally 6 to 8 hours or overnight for maximum flavour and tenderness.
Can I make gluten-free shish kebabs with different types of meat?
Absolutely! Chicken, beef, lamb, and even shrimp work wonderfully. You can also vary the vegetables to suit your taste.
How long do gluten-free shish kebabs take to cook?
Typically, they grill for about 10-15 minutes over medium-high heat, turning frequently to cook evenly.
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Becky Terrell ✍️
Hi, I am Becky. I am a passionate recipe maker and having been a coeliac (celiac) for 30+ years I focus on gluten-free recipes. My blog is my online cookbook of gluten-free tasty recipes. You can follow me on X: @beckygwg
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