Turkish Chicken Kebabs Recipe

Turkish Chicken Kebabs Recipe

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe yields 4 servings. Adjust the quantities as needed, but the cooking steps remain the same.

  • 1 cup whole-milk Greek yogurt
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (or more to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Aleppo red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, halved
  • 4 long metal skewers

Directions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, ketchup, Aleppo red pepper flakes, kosher salt, ground cumin, black pepper, paprika, and ground cinnamon. Whisk thoroughly until smooth and well blended.

Step 2: Add the halved chicken thighs to the marinade. Coat each piece thoroughly on all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 to 8 hours to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grate to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Using two skewers for each kebab, thread half of the chicken thighs onto each set of skewers, forming a thick log shape.

Step 5: Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Allow the chicken to cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until it begins to release from the grill.

Step 6: Turn the skewers over and grill the other side for 3-4 minutes. Continue rotating and cooking until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, approximately 6 more minutes. Check with an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should reach at least 165F (74C).

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

  • Calories: 539
  • Fat: 33g (42% DV)
  • Saturated Fat: 9g (46% DV)
  • Cholesterol: 186mg (62% DV)
  • Sodium: 1722mg (75% DV)
  • Carbohydrates: 8g (3% DV)
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g (4% DV)
  • Total Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 52g (104% DV)
  • Vitamin C: 8mg (9% DV)
  • Calcium: 47mg (4% DV)
  • Iron: 4mg (20% DV)
  • Potassium: 574mg (12% DV)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Nutrient values may vary depending on ingredient brands and preparation methods.

Turkish Chicken Kebabs Recipe

Comments

Jeffrey Young

05/11/2025 09:15:06 AM

Review: Absolutely delicious and surprisingly simple - I have never come across a recipe that blends tangy and warm-spicy flavors so perfectly. This dish turned out fantastic when baked in the oven on a cookie sheet, although initially, there was some excess liquid which I easily managed by dabbing it with a paper towel. This helped achieve a lovely browning, and a quick broil at the end gave it a crispy, dark brown finish. Even my son remarked that it reminded him of butter chicken. I opted for less cinnamon as suggested by another reviewer, but I'm inclined to follow John's recommendation next time for that extra kick. I will definitely be making this dish again!

Nancy Collins

10/15/2024 12:51:19 PM

These are absolutely amazing. I have prepared them four times already and I like to marinate them for 6-8 hours (prepare in the morning, grill for dinner). I increase the marinade ingredients by 1/3, which works perfectly for the Costco-sized tray of fresh chicken thighs. If you enjoy shawarma, I highly recommend giving these a try - they have a unique twist that is very enjoyable. Huge thanks to Chef John!

Dennis Brown

04/27/2025 01:48:07 AM

In most Turkish recipes where yogurt is used, it is typically incorporated as a dip or raw sauce. This particular recipe suggests using the marinade as a dip instead, which would prevent the chicken surface from charring.

Maria Hill

12/01/2023 07:39:10 PM

I have made this recipe multiple times following the instructions precisely. It has become everyone's favorite. On one occasion, when I didn't have yogurt on hand, I substituted a mixture of sour cream and milk, and it turned out just as delicious.

Heather Wilson

05/11/2023 06:45:12 AM

This recipe is fantastic! I highly suggest doubling the marinade and saving half to drizzle over the cooked chicken. Absolutely delicious!

Jeffrey Taylor

11/28/2023 05:47:41 AM

This dish is so tasty and has become a staple for our BBQ gatherings. I'm wondering if anyone has tried freezing it – would love to know how it holds up!

Virginia Turner

08/06/2023 01:41:37 AM

Also perfect for cooking with chicken breast!

Jeffrey Nelson

12/08/2024 12:16:53 AM

Fantastic recipe!!! Easy-to-find and budget-friendly ingredients, with an outstanding taste!

Jerry Harris

12/29/2022 07:09:49 AM

I marinated the dish overnight, grilled it on a regular grill, and served it on naan bread with a salad and a yogurt and mince sauce. The flavor was delightful, and I believe it was due to the Aleppo flakes.