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Turkish Chicken Shish Kebab


  • Author: David Andersson
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

At its core, this traditional dish features cubed chicken. The meat marinates in an acidic, spiced yogurt mixture first. Then cooks thread pieces onto wooden or metal skewers. Fresh colorful vegetables sit between the savory meat cubes. The skewers cook directly over intense, open heat sources. In the Turkish language, shish means sword or skewer. Meanwhile, kebab refers to roasted or grilled meat dishes.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 700 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or thick plain yogurt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes, optional

For the Skewers

  • 1 large red onion, cut into chunks
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions

  • Marinate the chicken:
    In a large bowl, combine yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, cumin, oregano, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes.
  • Add the chicken:
    Add the chicken pieces and mix until thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 4–8 hours for deeper flavor.
  • Prepare the skewers:
    If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, alternating with pieces of onion and bell pepper.
  • Grill:
    Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the surface and grill the skewers for 10–15 minutes, turning every few minutes, until the chicken is golden, lightly charred, and cooked through.
  • Check the chicken:
    The thickest pieces should reach an internal temperature of 74°C / 165°F.
  • Rest and serve:
    Let the kebabs rest for 2–3 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.

Notes

These Turkish Chicken Shish Kebabs are juicy, tender, and packed with delicious Mediterranean flavors. The yogurt and lemon marinade helps keep the chicken moist while adding a wonderful tangy taste. Serve them hot with fresh salad, warm flatbread, rice, and your favorite yogurt sauce for a complete meal.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Turkish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 420 kcal

Keywords: Turkish chicken kebabs, chicken shish kebab recipe, easy Turkish chicken skewers, grilled Turkish chicken shish