Turkish Chicken Kebabs
These Turkish Chicken Kebabs are a flavorful and simple-to-make dish marinated in vibrant Turkish spices and grilled to juicy perfection. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, they combine tender chicken breast, tangy yogurt, and aromatic herbs for an authentic taste experience at home.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Turkish
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into evenly sized pieces
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk thoroughly until smooth and aromatic. This simple blend forms the heart of your kebabs’ bold flavor.
- Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into evenly sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking. Toss these pieces into the marinade, making sure each chunk is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
- Skewer the Chicken: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for even grilling.
- Grill the Kebabs: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook the skewers for about 4-5 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through and has a lovely char. Be careful not to overcook, as chicken breast can dry out quickly.
- Rest and Garnish: Once grilled, let the kebabs rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh herbal flavor before serving.
Notes
- Cut the chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Marinate overnight for more tender and flavorful meat.
- Brush grill grates with oil to prevent sticking and achieve perfect grill marks.
- Rest kebabs after cooking to keep them juicy and tender.
- Use fresh ground cumin and paprika for the best flavor.
- Pre-soak wooden skewers to prevent burning during grilling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (approximately 4-5 pieces)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Turkish Chicken Kebabs, grilled chicken, Turkish cuisine, kebabs recipe, easy chicken kebabs, gluten free, healthy chicken recipe