Turkish Chicken Kebab (Tavuk Şiş)

Name: Recipe Card
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Cuisine: Turkey

Written By: Just Spice

Recipe Card

Prep Time:

15 Min

Cooking Time:

12 Min

Serving:

6 Portion

Category:

Main Course

Cuisine:

Turkey

Kebabs originated in Turkey, so you can't get much more authentic than these Turkish chicken kebabs, or tavuk şiş.

This one features a simple marinade made from plain yogurt, onion, garlic, and spices that transform chicken into succulent, flavorful kebabs. Serve with bulgur and summer vegetable salad or rice.

Ingredient

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

1 large onion

2 cloves garlic

1/2 cup plain yogurt, or milk

3 Tbsp. vegetable oil

2 Tbsp. tomato paste

2 tsp. Ottoman Chicken Shish Kebab Blend

1 tsp. kosher salt, more to taste

Sumac, dried oregano, and paprika, for garnish, optional

Instruction

1

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Cut the meat into 1-inch pieces. Set aside.

2

Using the finest grater possible, grate the onion and garlic cloves over a medium bowl. Pour the pulp and juice into a fine mesh strainer and, using a wooden spoon, press out the juice into a medium bowl. Discard the onion and garlic pulp; reserve the juice.

3

Stir together the onion-garlic juice, yogurt, oil, tomato paste, Ottoman Chicken Shish Kebab Blend, and salt. Add the cubed chicken and toss to coat. Cover the bowl and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.

4

Prepare a medium 375°F/190°C gas or charcoal grill fire. If using bamboo skewers, soak skewers in water for 30 minutes so they don't catch fire on the grill.

5

Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade and thread them onto soaked bamboo kebab skewers or metal skewers. The chunks of chicken can touch each other, but don’t put them too close together to ensure they cook through. Discard any remaining marinade.