SAEDNEWS: Turkish chicken kebab with yogurt marinade is a flavorful and popular dish, where a blend of yogurt, spices, and lemon juice imparts a unique and delicious taste to the chicken. This method enhances the meat’s tenderness and juiciness, creating a distinctive and satisfying flavor.
According to Saed News Cooking Service
This chicken kebab recipe uses a flavorful yogurt-based marinade. I like to think that all chicken coming off American grills could be as delicious, juicy, and tender as this. Even inexperienced grillers can achieve impressive results! I’m not sure how “Turkish” this is—it’s based on a lamb marinade I’ve used for a long time.
Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, halved (chicken thigh fillets) | 1 1/2 lb (≈ 700 g) |
Greek yogurt, whole milk | 1 cup |
Minced garlic | 6 cloves |
Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
Freshly squeezed lemon juice (or more to taste) | 2 tbsp |
Ketchup | 2 tbsp |
Crushed red pepper flakes | 1 tbsp |
Kosher salt | 1 tbsp |
Ground cumin | 1 1/2 tsp |
Freshly ground black pepper | 1 tsp |
Paprika powder | 1 tsp |
Ground cinnamon | 1/8 tsp |
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine yogurt, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, ketchup, red pepper flakes, salt, cumin, black pepper, paprika, and cinnamon. Mix well to create the yogurt marinade.
Place chicken thigh fillets into the yogurt mixture, making sure each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2–8 hours.
Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grill grate.
Using two skewers per kebab, thread half of the chicken thighs onto each pair of skewers, forming a relatively thick shape.
Place the kebabs on the preheated grill. Avoid turning them until they begin to release from the grill after 3–4 minutes. Flip the kebabs and grill the other side for another 3–4 minutes. Continue cooking and turning until the center of the chicken is no longer pink. A meat thermometer can be used; insert into the center, it should read at least 165°F (74°C).
(Optional) You can cut the chicken thighs into smaller pieces and use a single skewer. This method helps keep the chicken juicier.
Final Note:
Turkish chicken kebab with yogurt marinade is an ideal choice for gatherings and parties. Its delicious flavor and tender texture create enjoyable moments for you and your loved ones. Serve the kebabs with fresh bread, vegetables, or rice for an enhanced experience.
