Turkish Chicken Kebabs

Name: Turkish Chicken Kebabs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 2 h 27 min
Yield: 4 large portions
Ingredients: 1 cup whole-milk Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, or more to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon Aleppo red pepper flakes; 1 tablespoon kosher salt; 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, halved; 4 long metal skewers

Rating: 4.83 stars

133 Ratings
127 Reviews
19 Photos

I'd like to think that all the chicken coming off American grills this summer will be as tasty, juicy, and tender as these Turkish chicken kebabs. By using a flavorful, yogurt-based marinade, like the one seen herein, even inexperienced grillers can produce impressive results. I'm not sure how 'Turkish' this is--it's loosely based on a lamb marinade I've used for a long time.

By Chef John

Gallery

Read the full recipe after the video.

Recipe Summary test

prep:

15 mins

cook:

12 mins

additional:

2 hrs

total:

2 hrs 27 mins

Servings:

Yield:

4 large portions

Nutrition Info

Directions

Step 1
Whisk yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, ketchup, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, cumin, black pepper, paprika, and cinnamon together in a bowl.

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Step 2
Place chicken thigh halves into the yogurt marinade and coat them thoroughly on all sides. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate 2 to 8 hours.
Step 3
Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.
Step 4
Using 2 skewers for each kebab, thread half of the chicken thighs onto each pair of skewers making a fairly thick "log" shape.
Step 5
Place kebabs on grill. Do not try to turn them until they begin to unstick from the grill, 3 or 4 minutes. Turn kebabs and grill the other side 3 or 4 minutes; turn. Continue cooking and turning until chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 6 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving:

539 calories; protein 51.8g; carbohydrates 8.4g; fat 32.5g; cholesterol 186.3mg; sodium 1721.6mg. Full Nutrition

Reviews (127)

Most helpful positive review

Bouq

01/09/2016

This was truly delicious and savory. I skipped the cinnamon, however, I think that changes the taste a bit. I also made it with chicken breast which one would think would be dry, but still turned out juicy. Read More

Helpful

(18)

Most helpful critical review

frank luke

05/25/2020

I like garlic like the next guy but the amount this recipe asks for is way too excessive. I'd say go with two cloves and the result will be much more enjoyable and palatable. Read More

133 Ratings

5 star values: 116
4 star values: 12
3 star values: 5
2 star values: 0
1 star values: 0

Reviews: Most Helpful

Most Helpful Most Positive Least Positive Newest

Bouq

01/09/2016

Helpful

(18)

Jeff Anderson

10/22/2016

Outstanding recipe! I wouldn't change a thing. Great with a good tzatziki sauce. Read More

Helpful

(10)

Chef Vernon

09/21/2017

Generally, Turkish recipes that involve yogurt as an ingredient utilize the yogurt as a dip or uncooked sauce. This recipe could be served with the marinade being a dip instead which would eliminate any charring of the surface of the chicken. Read More

Helpful

(7)

kjwenninger93

10/02/2015

I made this exactly as the recipe is written and it is fabulous. It has become a weekly summer staple in our house. Read More

Helpful

(5)

Elisabeth Cousin

08/05/2016

This was so freaking good. Words can not do it justice. I didn't have any Aleppo pepper so I used a mix of ancho chile and cayenne. Read More

Helpful

(5)

SSK

09/04/2018

Delish! I only had nonfat Greek yogurt, so used that, and fortunately had Aleppo crushed pepper (found at World Market), which I think gave it a really great, different flavor. I also used boneless chicken tenders. Next time, I'll marinate some onions and tomatoes for the skewers, too. Made with a cacik recipe found on-line, mini naans (I was out of pita), turkish rice, and a cucumber/tomato/feta salad. Great meal! Read More

Helpful

(5)

ritajennings

12/15/2016

My picky 8 and 10 yr olds LOVED THIS CHICKEN!! I only had Chobani Black Cherry Fruit on the Bottom Yogurt so I just scraped most of the top off and used 2 containers - it was delicious! I used bone-in thighs and left them whole on the grill. Grilled on low-medium about 25 minutes quarter-turn and flipping every 5 minutes or so. Then I made an extra 1/2 batch of marinade (sub mayo for yogurt) to use as a delicious dipping sauce!!!! FAV!!!!!! Read More

Helpful

(3)

Emma

10/14/2018

This recipe was so easy and tastes delicious. The chicken was so juicy and succulent. A simple and easy meal that was satisfying to all. I will certainly make this again. Read More

Helpful

(3)

Scott

01/18/2018

The guy's voice in the video makes me want to take hot coals from the grill and jam them into my ears. Other than that great recipe (chicken breasts worked just fine and everything else was just as listed). Read More

Helpful

(3)

frank luke

05/25/2020

I like garlic like the next guy but the amount this recipe asks for is way too excessive. I'd say go with two cloves and the result will be much more enjoyable and palatable. Read More

More Reviews

Back to Turkish Chicken Kebabs

All Reviews for Turkish Chicken Kebabs

- of Reviews

Turkish Chicken Kebabs

Servings Per Recipe: 4
Calories: 538.9

% Daily Value *

protein: 104 %

carbohydrates: 3 %

dietary fiber: 5 %

sugars:

fat: 50 %

saturated fat: 46 %

cholesterol: 62 %

vitamin a iu: 29 %

niacin equivalents: 168 %

vitamin b6: 50 %

vitamin c: 14 %

folate: 5 %

calcium: 5 %

iron: 20 %

magnesium: 20 %

potassium: 16 %

sodium: 69 %

thiamin: 16 %

calories from fat:

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

**Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-)Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

Reviews for Photos of Turkish Chicken Kebabs

1 of 127

All Reviews

Bouq

01/09/2016

Helpful

(18)

Jeff Anderson

10/22/2016

Outstanding recipe! I wouldn't change a thing. Great with a good tzatziki sauce.

Helpful

(10)

Chef Vernon

09/21/2017

Helpful

(7)

kjwenninger93

10/02/2015

I made this exactly as the recipe is written and it is fabulous. It has become a weekly summer staple in our house.

Helpful

(5)

Elisabeth Cousin

08/05/2016

This was so freaking good. Words can not do it justice. I didn't have any Aleppo pepper so I used a mix of ancho chile and cayenne.

Helpful

(5)

SSK

09/04/2018

Helpful

(5)

ritajennings

12/15/2016

Helpful

(3)

Emma

10/14/2018

This recipe was so easy and tastes delicious. The chicken was so juicy and succulent. A simple and easy meal that was satisfying to all. I will certainly make this again.

Helpful

(3)

Scott

01/18/2018

Helpful

(3)

frank luke

05/25/2020

I like garlic like the next guy but the amount this recipe asks for is way too excessive. I'd say go with two cloves and the result will be much more enjoyable and palatable.