Turkish Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Turkish Chicken Kabobs are a flavorful and tender grilled dish marinated in a blend of yogurt, lemon, garlic, and aromatic spices. Perfect for a summer barbecue or a delicious weeknight meal, these kabobs offer a wonderful balance of tangy, smoky, and savory notes, with the optional sumac and fresh parsley garnish adding authentic Middle Eastern flair.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (including marinating time at room temperature)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Turkish, Middle Eastern
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3/4 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Zest from one lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground sumac
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried mint
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Additional Ingredients
- 1 large red onion, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- Optional garnish: 1 teaspoon sumac, 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Chop chicken thighs into 1 1/2-inch pieces to ensure even cooking and easy skewering.
- Make Marinade: In a bowl, combine yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, paprika, salt, garlic powder, sumac, black pepper, dried mint, cumin, oregano, and cinnamon. Stir thoroughly to make a well-blended marinade.
- Marinate Chicken: Add chicken pieces to the marinade and toss until fully coated. Let it marinate for 25 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 24 hours to infuse flavors deeply.
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, aiming for about 375°F for optimal searing and cooking.
- Skewer Ingredients: Thread marinated chicken pieces and sliced onions onto metal skewers, leaving space to prevent overcrowding and promote even cooking.
- Grill Kabobs: Cook kabobs on the grill or grill pan for 4 to 7 minutes per side. Watch carefully to avoid burning; some charring adds flavor. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F with an instant-read thermometer.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove kabobs from heat and let rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices. Garnish with optional sumac, sesame seeds, and fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve: Serve hot alongside rice or pita bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Marinating longer (up to 24 hours) enhances flavor and tenderness but 25 minutes is sufficient if short on time.
- Be cautious not to overcook chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Sumac adds a tangy brightness; substitute with lemon zest and a dash of vinegar if unavailable.
- Adjust spice levels by modifying paprika and black pepper quantities according to preference.
Keywords: Turkish chicken kabobs, grilled chicken skewers, Middle Eastern chicken, yogurt marinated chicken, summer barbecue recipe, easy chicken kabobs
Find it online: https://dinewithlily.com/turkish-chicken-kabobs-recipe/
