| Prep: 25 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 420 | 10g | 2g | 12g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 2g | 65g | 0.9g |
Why I Love Iranian Chicken Kebab
If there’s one dish that never fails to transport me across continents, it’s Chicken Kebab. An authentic Iranian recipe, it’s a perfect blend of flavours and textures. Generous chunks of chicken are marinated in an aromatic blend of spices, yogurt, and lemon juice, then expertly threaded onto skewers for grilling. The result? A meal that’s a delight to the senses, reminiscent of bustling Iranian markets and warm summer nights.
A Tribute to Traditional Iranian Cuisine
Chicken Kebab holds a special place in my culinary journey. It whisks me away from my home ground of Colorado, with my hearty game meats and trout dishes, immersing me into the rich, vibrant world of Iranian cuisine. There’s something about its distinct aroma, the marriage of turmeric, saffron, and coriander, that sets it apart from any kebab I’ve ever had. It’s an homage to my love for global flavors, inspired by my own travels and the expertise of renowned chefs like Mehmet Gürs, who champion traditional Middle Eastern dishes with a contemporary twist.
Pairing Ideas for Chicken Kebab
What sets this recipe apart is its versatility. It meshes beautifully with different side dishes. Serve the kebabs with Turkish Rice Pilaf or Tabouleh for a complete meal. The flavors complement each other, creating a cross-cultural experience on your dinner plate.
Despite its exotic origins, this Iranian Chicken Kebab recipe remains delightfully simple in its preparation. The ingredient list might seem long, but every item plays a crucial role in creating its signature flavor profile. And the best part? It’s deceptively easy to make. So fire up your grill, set the table, and get ready to savor this mouthwatering dish straight from the Middle East.
Remember, the beauty of any recipe lies not in its complexity, but in the joy it brings to those who eat it. And this Chicken Kebab, my friends, is guaranteed to bring joy to your dinner table.
What You’ll Need
- 3 lbs chicken breasts
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon saffron, dissolved in hot water
- Salt to taste
- 6 skewers
Method
Step One
First, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and set them aside.
Step Two
Next, in a large bowl, combine the finely chopped onions, minced garlic, plain yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, ground black pepper, dissolved saffron, and salt to taste.
Step Three
Add the cut chicken into the mixture. Make sure all pieces are coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken.
Step Four
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes prior to prevent them from burning.
Step Five
Remove the chicken from the marinade and skewer it onto the prepared skewers. Discard the unused marinade.
Step Six
Grill the skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and has a nice char on the outside.
Step Seven
Remove from grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade Chicken Kebabs!
