Turkish Chicken Kebabs are the perfect answer to your weeknight dinner dilemma. These flavorful skewers pack a punch with a blend of spices and yogurt marinade while being incredibly simple to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a weekend barbecue or just need a quick meal, these kebabs are customizable to suit your taste preferences, making them a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 250
Protein: 28 grams
Carbohydrates: 2 grams
Fat: 14 grams
Fiber: 0 grams
Sugar: 1 gram
Sodium: 650 mg
Why Make Turkish Chicken Kebabs
Turkish Chicken Kebabs are not just delicious; they’re also a healthy choice for dinner. The combination of tender chicken thighs with yogurt provides a good source of protein while keeping the dish moist and flavorful. With a mix of spices like paprika, cumin, and coriander, these kebabs are that flavorful, fragrant touch to your family meals. Plus, they’re versatile—serve them with a variety of sides or sauces for a complete meal that everyone will love.
How to Make Turkish Chicken Kebabs Step by Step
Ingredients
1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup plain yogurt
3 garlic cloves, minced
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Wooden skewers (about 6), soaked if using wood
Directions
Fire up your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice and zest, olive oil, garlic, paprika, cumin, coriander, oregano, salt, and pepper. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. Place the skewers evenly across the grill or pan. Grill for 4–5 minutes per side until charred and cooked through. Juices should run clear. Let rest for 3–5 minutes before serving. Optional: brush with melted butter or a bit more lemon juice before serving.
How to Serve Turkish Chicken Kebabs
For a complete meal, serve Turkish Chicken Kebabs with a side of fluffy rice or pita bread. Pair them with a fresh green salad drizzled with tahini sauce or a cool tzatziki. You can also offer grilled vegetables for a colorful, nutritious addition to your plate.
How to Store Turkish Chicken Kebabs
Store any leftover Turkish Chicken Kebabs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or briefly pan-fry on medium heat until heated through. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is an option—just make sure to wrap them tightly to avoid freezer burn.
Expert Tips for Cooking Turkish Chicken Kebabs
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
- Soak your wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
- Experiment with different spices such as cayenne for heat or sumac for a tangy taste.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- For extra juiciness, consider making the kebabs with chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option.
Delicious Variations of Turkish Chicken Kebabs
For those who like things spicy, add chopped jalapeños to the marinade for a kick. If you prefer a herbed flavor, mix in fresh parsley or cilantro before grilling. Looking for a vegetarian option? Substitute cubed halloumi cheese or marinated mushrooms for a meaty texture.
Turkish Chicken Kebabs are a fantastic way to bring vibrant flavors to your dining table. With their ease of preparation and adaptability to different tastes, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Don’t miss out on this delicious experience!
Turkish Chicken Kebabs
Ingredients
For the marinade
- 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 each Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For grilling
- 6 each Wooden skewers, soaked if using wood
Instructions
Preparation
- Fire up your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice and zest, olive oil, garlic, paprika, cumin, coriander, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers.
Grilling
- Place the skewers evenly across the grill or pan.
- Grill for 4–5 minutes per side until charred and cooked through. Juices should run clear.
- Let rest for 3–5 minutes before serving.
- Optional: Brush with melted butter or a bit more lemon juice before serving.
