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4.99 from 57 votes

Easy Persian Chicken Kebabs

Marinated Joojeh Chicken – threaded onto skewers with peppers and onions that can easily be tossed on the grill all summer long. These Persian Chicken Kebabs are sure to become a family favorite!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Additional Time6 hours
Total Time6 hours 25 minutes
Course: Chicken, Grilling
Servings: 6
Calories: 245kcal
Author: Marzia

Ingredients

Chicken Marinade:

  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 ½ tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • ½ cup yellow onions grated or minced
  • 2 teaspoons grated garlic
  • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon saffron threads optional
  • ¼ - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt see notes + ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 ½ pounds chicken breast cut into 1-inch pieces

Skewers:

  • 1 red onion quartered into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 bell peppers seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces (any color)
  • Homemade Garlic Sauce

Instructions

  • MARINATE: add the saffron to a small bowl along with 1 tablespoon of hot water and let it steep, covered for 5-7 minutes or until the water turns a bright yellow (if using). In a large bowl, combine the saffron water and all the marinade ingredients except the chicken. Add the chicken and stir to coat evenly. At this point, you can pop everything into a zip-top bag (for marinating) or just leave in the same bowl. Add the chicken and toss to combine. Cover the bowl or zip the bag and allow the chicken to marinate for at least 6 hours or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
  • PREP: Remove the chicken from the refrigerator about 1 hour before cooking. Add the cubed veggies to the chicken, toss to combine and let marinate. Thread the chicken on to the skewers alternating with the red onions, green and red bell peppers. Repeat until you’ve used up all the chicken and veggies and discard any leftover marinade. When ready to grill, prepare the grill by lightly oiling the grates with any high heat oil or just spray with cooking spray and let it preheat on medium-high.
  • GRILL: Grill the kebabs until they cook all the way through. You can test to see if the chicken is done by slicing through a piece with a knife, it should take roughly 8-12 minutes total. Serve warm over buttered saffron rice, vermicelli rice, or with flatbread, homemade garlic sauce and a salad.

Notes

  • If you’re using wooden skewers instead of the metal kind, I suggest soaking them in water for at least 6 hours before using them (you can also just soak them overnight if you’re marinating the chicken a day in advance.)
  • Though the chicken will be ready to use in 6 hours, I highly recommend marinating the chicken a day in advance, the flavors are so so so much more intense that way!

Nutrition

Calories: 245kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 13g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g
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