Description
Turkish Chicken Kebabs are a quick and simple meal featuring tender chicken breast marinated in Greek yogurt, garlic, and a fragrant blend of Turkish spices like cumin and paprika. Perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-frying, these kebabs deliver bold, authentic flavors with a healthy and lean profile, ideal for busy weeknights or weekend barbecues.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes or strips
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well blended to create the flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into uniform bite-sized pieces. Add chicken to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours to tenderize the meat and develop flavors.
- Skewer the Chicken: Soak wooden skewers in water for 15 minutes if using. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers evenly, leaving space between pieces for heat circulation.
- Cook the Kebabs: Preheat grill, grill pan, or oven broiler to medium-high heat. Grill or broil the kebabs for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Baste occasionally with leftover marinade to keep them juicy and flavorful.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the cooked kebabs rest for a few minutes to retain juices. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top before serving for a fresh, herbal finish.
Notes
- Marinate longer (up to overnight) for extra tenderness and deeper flavor.
- Cut the chicken into uniform sizes for even cooking and to prevent dryness.
- Do not overcrowd skewers or grill; leave space between pieces for proper browning.
- Use freshly ground spices for the best aroma and taste.
- Allow kebabs to rest briefly after cooking to lock in moisture and improve texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Turkish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg