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Turkish Chicken Kabobs

Turkish Chicken Kabobs

Discover the authentic flavors of Turkish Chicken Kabobs, featuring tender, marinated chicken breast infused with vibrant spices and fresh ingredients. This easy recipe delivers juicy, aromatic kabobs perfect for grilling indoors or outdoors, offering a healthy, family-friendly, and versatile meal inspired by traditional Turkish cuisine.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 1.5 pounds chicken breast, cut into uniform cubes
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

For Garnish and Assembly

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soaked in water for 30 minutes)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This marinade will tenderize the chicken and infuse it with traditional Turkish flavors.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken breast cubes to the marinade and toss until all pieces are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to deepen the flavor.
  3. Prepare Skewers and Preheat Grill: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat for optimal searing.
  4. Assemble the Kabobs: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between pieces to ensure even cooking.
  5. Grill the Kabobs: Place skewers on the hot grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and has a beautiful char. Ensure an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) is reached.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove kabobs from the skewers, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot with your favorite sides like basmati rice or Turkish shepherd’s salad.

Notes

  • Keep chicken pieces uniform in size for even cooking and juiciness.
  • Longer marination enhances the tenderness and flavor; overnight is ideal.
  • Do not overcrowd the grill—leave space between skewers for proper heat circulation.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness and avoid overcooking.
  • Let kabobs rest for 5 minutes after grilling to allow juices to redistribute.

Nutrition

Keywords: Turkish Chicken Kabobs, grilled chicken, Mediterranean recipe, healthy chicken kabobs, easy Turkish recipe, marinated chicken skewers