Middle East: Chicken Kebabs

Kebabs are cooked meat dishes, originating in the Middle East. In most countries, a kebab may be the classic shish kebab or shashlik – small cubes of meat cooked on a skewer – or, outside of North America where it is better known as gyros, the more recent and now-ubiquitous fast-food doner kebab. By contrast, in Indian English and in the languages of the Middle East, other parts of Asia, and the Muslim world, a kebab is any of a wide variety of grilled meat dishes most commonly served on a skewer.

Servings: 4-6 Prep Time: 20 Minutes Cook Time: 15 Minutes Total Time: 35 Minutes, plus 8 hours to marinate

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup plain whole milk Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (reduce to 1/2 teaspoon if you don’t like heat)
• Zest from one lemon
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, from one lemon
• 1-3/4 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 2-1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of any excess fat and cut into large bite-sized pieces
• 1 large red onion, cut into wedges
• Vegetable oil, for greasing the grill

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a medium bowl, combine the yogurt, olive oil, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper and garlic
2. Thread the chicken onto metal skewers, folding if the pieces are long and thin, alternating occasionally with the red onions. Be sure not to cram the skewers. (Note: You’ll need between 6-8 skewers.) Place the kebabs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Spoon or brush the marinade all over the meat, coating well. Cover and refrigerate at least eight hours or overnight.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. To grease the grill, lightly dip a wad of paper towels in vegetable oil and, using tongs, carefully rub over the grates several times until glossy and coated. Grill the chicken kebabs until golden brown and cooked through, turning skewers occasionally, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer the skewers to a platter and serve.
4. Note: I’ve specified chicken thighs as opposed to boneless chicken breasts for this recipe because they are more flavorful, and less likely dry out. Additionally, the lemon juice in the marinade will make boneless chicken breasts tougher when cooked.

Enjoy these Kebabs with a side of rice and pita as well.