Chicken Kafta Kebabs Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Kafta Kebabs are a flavorful and easy-to-make Middle Eastern dish perfect for any meal. Ground chicken combined with aromatic spices and fresh herbs creates juicy, tender kebabs that are delicious grilled to perfection. Whether served with rice, pita, or salad, these kebabs are sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 medium onion, very finely chopped
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp Baharat spice mix
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
• Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
• Bread crumbs, as needed

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped onion, fresh parsley, Baharat spice mix, garlic powder, chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined. The mixture may be slightly sticky, which is normal. Fry a small spoonful of the mixture to taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
2. Step 2: Wet your hands with cold water to prevent sticking. Form the mixture into oblong shapes about 1 inch (2cm) thick. If the mixture is too soft to shape, gradually add 2-4 tablespoons of bread crumbs until it holds together. You can shape them by hand or form them directly onto skewers.
3. Step 3: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly brush with a neutral oil, avoiding olive oil to prevent burning. Grill the kafta kebabs for 4-6 minutes on each side, until thoroughly cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Step 4: Serve the grilled kebabs hot with accompaniments like rice, pita bread, salad, hummus, or yogurt for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture, you can add a tablespoon of plain yogurt to the mixture before shaping.
• If you don’t have Baharat spice mix, substitute with a blend of cumin, paprika, coriander, cinnamon, and black pepper.
• Chicken kafta can also be baked in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes if you don’t have a grill.
• To keep the kebabs juicy, avoid overcooking and do not press them down on the grill.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked kafta kebabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven until heated through. Uncooked kafta can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours or frozen for up to 1 month; thaw fully before cooking.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make chicken kafta without skewers?

Yes, you can shape the kafta into small patties or logs and cook them on a grill pan or skillet without skewers. Just handle carefully to keep their shape while cooking.

What is Baharat spice mix?

Baharat is a warm, aromatic spice blend commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine. It typically includes spices like black pepper, coriander, cinnamon, cumin, cloves, and paprika, giving dishes a rich and complex flavor.

Chicken Kafta Kebabs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 50 reviews

Delicious and aromatic Chicken Kafta Kebabs made from ground chicken mixed with fresh herbs and spices, grilled to perfection. Perfectly juicy and flavorful, these kebabs are ideal for serving with rice, pita bread, or your favorite salads and dips.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground chicken
• 1 Medium onion, very finely chopped
• ¼ cup Fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp Baharat spice mix
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Chili flakes (optional)
• Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
• Bread crumbs, as needed (2-4 tablespoons)

Instructions

1. Mix: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, finely chopped onion, fresh parsley, Baharat spice mix, garlic powder, chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined. The mixture will be slightly sticky. Fry a small spoonful of the mixture in a pan and taste to adjust seasoning as desired.
2. Form: Wet your hands with cold water to prevent sticking, then shape the mixture into oblong kebabs about 1 inch (2 cm) thick. If the mixture is too loose to form, add 2-4 tablespoons of breadcrumbs. You can shape the kebabs by hand or mold them directly onto skewers.
3. Grill: Preheat your BBQ or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly brush or spray with a neutral oil (avoid olive oil for grilling). Grill the kafta kebabs for 4-6 minutes on each side, until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Serve: Serve the grilled chicken kafta kebabs hot alongside rice, pita bread, your favorite salad, hummus, or yogurt for a complete meal.

Notes

• Adding breadcrumbs helps bind the mixture for easier shaping.
• Test a small amount of the mixture for seasoning by frying before shaping all kebabs.
• Do not use olive oil for grilling as it has a low smoke point; opt for neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil.
• The kebabs can be cooked on a grill pan or outdoor BBQ grill.
• Internal temperature must reach 165°F to ensure food safety.

Keywords: chicken kafta, chicken kebabs, grilled chicken kebabs, Middle Eastern chicken, BBQ kebabs, baharat spice chicken, easy chicken kebabs