Spicy Smoky Chicken Kebabs Recipe: Perfect Yogurt-Marinated Grilled Delight
Experience the tantalizing fusion of flavors with these mouthwatering chicken kebabs. Inspired by traditional tandoori chicken, this recipe takes an exciting twist by incorporating smoked and hot paprika for a unique and irresistible taste sensation.
Perfect for summer grilling, these kebabs offer a delightful balance of smoky, spicy, and tangy notes that will elevate your outdoor cooking game. The yogurt-based marinade not only infuses the chicken with incredible flavor but also ensures each bite remains juicy and tender.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving a delicious meal, these kebabs are sure to impress. So fire up the grill, grab your favorite cold beverage, and get ready to savor a dish that combines simplicity with extraordinary taste.
A New Spin on a Classic
While initially aiming for a traditional tandoori marinade, this recipe takes an unexpected turn that proves sometimes the best creations come from spontaneous inspiration. By swapping out the typical Indian spice blend for a combination of smoked paprika, hot paprika, and cayenne, we’ve crafted a dish that’s both familiar and excitingly new.
The result? Kebabs that are equally, if not more, delectable than their tandoori counterparts. The duo of paprikas imparts a robust smoky and spicy profile to the succulent chicken, creating a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup lemon juice from 2 lemons
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon finely grated peeled fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons freshly minced garlic (about 2 medium cloves)
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
Directions
- In a medium bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, oil, ginger, salt, smoked paprika, hot paprika, garlic, black pepper, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Whisk until well blended.
- Place the cubed chicken in a large resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag while removing as much air as possible, and massage to ensure even coating. Refrigerate and let marinate for 4 to 8 hours for optimal flavor infusion.
- When ready to cook, preheat your grill by lighting a full chimney of charcoal. Once the charcoal is covered with gray ash, spread it evenly across the coal grate. Set the cooking grate in place, cover the grill, and allow it to heat up for 5 minutes.
- While the grill is heating, thread the marinated chicken pieces tightly onto skewers. This ensures even cooking and easy handling on the grill.
- Clean and oil the grilling grate to prevent sticking. Place the chicken skewers on the hot grill and cook until well-browned on all sides. For food safety, ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches between 160-165°F (71-74°C), which typically takes about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Once cooked, transfer the skewers to a platter and let them rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring maximum flavor and juiciness.
- Serve your smoky and spicy chicken kebabs immediately, perhaps with a side of cooling yogurt sauce or a fresh salad to complement the bold flavors.
Notes
- For best results, use wooden skewers that have been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes prior to use. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
- The type of fire for this recipe is direct heat, and the grill temperature should be medium-high.
- Feel free to adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of hot paprika and cayenne pepper to suit your taste preferences.
- These kebabs pair wonderfully with a variety of sides such as grilled vegetables, fluffy rice, or a crisp Mediterranean salad.
- Leftover kebabs (if you have any!) can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They make excellent additions to salads or wraps for quick and delicious meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These smoky and spicy yogurt marinated chicken kebabs are more than just a meal – they’re a culinary adventure. The combination of tender, juicy chicken and the bold, complex flavors of the marinade creates a dish that’s both satisfying and exciting. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a cooking novice, this recipe is approachable yet impressive, perfect for both casual family dinners and entertaining guests.
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can easily adjust the spice levels to cater to different palates, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Plus, the marinating process does most of the work for you, infusing the chicken with incredible flavor while you sit back and relax.
So fire up that grill, gather your loved ones, and get ready to create some delicious memories with these mouthwatering kebabs. Your taste buds will thank you!
Nutrition Facts | |
---|---|
Servings: 4 to 6 | |
Amount per serving | |
Calories | 295 |
% Daily Value* | |
Total Fat 15g | 19% |
Saturated Fat 4g | 22% |
Cholesterol 187mg | 62% |
Sodium 505mg | 22% |
Total Carbohydrate 3g | 1% |
Dietary Fiber 0g | 1% |
Total Sugars 3g | |
Protein 39g | |
Vitamin C 1mg | 4% |
Calcium 88mg | 7% |
Iron 2mg | 9% |
Potassium 514mg | 11% |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. |
Gluten-free,Low-carb,Keto,Pescatarian,Mediterranean