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Saffron Chicken Kebabs

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  • Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 4 hours marinating)
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Juicy and aromatic saffron chicken kebabs marinated in yogurt, saffron, and spices, then grilled to golden perfection for a vibrant and flavorful meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs, cubed
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads, steeped in 2 tablespoons warm water


Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high or place a grill pan over the stove to heat.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper, and steeped saffron water until well combined.
  3. Add the cubed chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  4. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Lightly oil your grill grates or pan.
  5. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
  6. Grill the kebabs for 4–5 minutes per side, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
  7. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the kebabs and garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro, if desired.
  8. Serve hot with rice, flatbread, or salad.

Notes

  • Use full-fat yogurt for a richer marinade and more tender chicken.
  • Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
  • Double the marinade and reserve half for dipping sauce.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg