Chicken kabab are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or even a tasty snack. Here’s a simple and foolproof recipe to make perfect chicken kababs at home. Chicken kabab are a popular and flavorful dish that feature marinated pieces of chicken grilled or skewered over an open flame. Common spices include cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and garam masala, along with ingredients like garlic, ginger, lemon juice, and sometimes chili for heat.
Ingredients:
- Chicken Marinade:
- 500g boneless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- For Grilling:
- Wooden or metal skewers
- 1 large onion, cut into chunks
- 1 bell pepper (any color), cut into chunks
- 1 zucchini, sliced thick
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
Prepare the Marinade:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, garam masala, turmeric, red chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the spices are fully incorporated into the yogurt.
Marinate the Chicken:
- Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to fully penetrate the chicken, making it more flavorful and tender.
Prepare the Skewers:
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during grilling. Alternate threading the marinated chicken pieces with chunks of onion, bell pepper, and zucchini onto the skewers.
Grill the Kababs:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
Serve:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side. These kababs pair well with naan, pita bread, or a side of salad.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Kababs:
- Even Sizing: Cut the chicken and vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Marination Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the better the flavor. Overnight marination is ideal.
- Grill Temperature: Maintain a medium-high grill temperature to achieve a good sear without overcooking the chicken.
- Resting Time: Allow the kababs to rest for a few minutes after grilling to retain their juices.
Chicken kabab can be served with a variety of accompaniments such as naan or rice, fresh salad, and a variety of dipping sauces like yogurt-based raita, mint chutney, or spicy sauces.