Description
Juicy, golden saffron chicken kebabs marinated in yogurt, lemon, and fragrant spices, then grilled to smoky perfection. Perfect for gatherings or an easy dinner with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into chunks
- 3/4 cup plain yogurt
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads, bloomed in 2 tablespoons warm water
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
Instructions
- Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot.
- In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, bloomed saffron, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and turmeric until smooth.
- Lightly oil the grill grates or grill pan.
- Add chicken chunks to the marinade, toss to coat, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Thread onto skewers when ready.
- Grill the kebabs for 4–5 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until lightly charred and cooked through.
- Baste with a little oil or butter during the last minute of cooking.
- Remove from grill, let rest for a couple of minutes, then serve hot with lemon wedges and herbs.
Notes
- Use metal skewers or soak wooden ones for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
- Let the saffron steep in warm water for full aroma and color.
- Double-skewer the chicken if needed for easy flipping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marination)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: saffron chicken kebabs, jujeh kabab, grilled chicken, middle eastern kebabs, saffron marinade