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–+ servings
Grilled Turkish chicken kebabs on a white platter with sliced lemons.

Turkish Chicken Kabobs

These delicious, yogurt-marinated Turkish chicken kabobs are grilled till tender and juicy.
5 from 4 votes
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Additional Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Emily Wilson

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • ¾ cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • zest from one lemon
  • 3 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground sumac
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried mint
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 large red onion sliced into 1” pieces
  • optional garnish - pinch of sumac 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  • Chop chicken thighs into 1 ½-inch pieces.
  • Combine the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, paprika, salt, garlic powder, sumac, black pepper, dried mint, cumin, oregano, and cinnamon in a bowl. Stir till fully combined. 
    Yogurt, spices, lemon juice, and olive oil mixed together in a glass mixing bowl with a spatula.
  • Add the chicken into the bowl and toss till each piece is covered in marinade. Allow to marinate for 25 minutes at room temperature (or in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours). 
    Chicken chunks with a spiced yogurt marinated in a large glass mixing bowl with a spatula.
  • Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (375 degrees F).
  • Thread chicken and onion pieces onto metal skewers, making sure not to overcrowd. 
    A bowl of yogurt marinated chicken chunks, a bowl of chopped red onions, and a chicken skewer being assembled on a black cutting board.
  • Cook on grill or in grill pan for 4 to 7 minutes on each side. Some pieces will char, but make sure the chicken doesn’t overcook or burn. The chicken will be done when it reaches a temperature of 165 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer.
    Five yogurt marinated chicken skewers on a grill.
  • When the chicken has cooked, remove it from the grill and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with optional toppings. 
    Five grilled Turkish chicken skewers on a white platter with sliced lemons.
  • Serve alongside rice or pita bread.

Video

Notes

Storage - save cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Cooking Tips - For best results, brush the grill grates with vegetable oil before placing the skewers on the hot grill. This will keep the chicken from sticking to the grill.
Skewer Recommendations - I suggest using metal skewers if possible, but if you only have wooden skewers or bamboo skewers available, make sure to soak them in cold water for 30 minutes before using them. This will keep them from burning on the grill.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 469kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 59g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 279mg | Sodium: 986mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g