Chicken Koobideh is a yummy Persian dish that’s been a big part of street food in Iran for a long time. It’s a tasty twist on the classic koobideh, which is usually made with ground lamb or beef. The mix of spices, fresh herbs, and special flavors like saffron and sumac make it taste amazing.
I’ve tried these kabobs on the busy streets of Tehran, and I can tell you they’re hard to resist. The smell of the grilled chicken with warm cinnamon and cardamom makes your mouth water. And when you take a bite, the juicy and flavorful meat with a crispy outside is so good.
Making Chicken Koobideh at home is a great way to bring the taste of Persian street food to your own backyard or kitchen. Shaping the ground chicken mix around the skewers and grilling them just right is fun and helps you connect with Iran’s rich culture.
These kabobs are perfect for a summer BBQ or a special meal with family and friends. Serve them with grilled veggies, fresh herbs, and warm flatbread for a real Persian experience. Don’t forget a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of sumac – these little extras make the kabobs even tastier.
So fire up the grill, get your ingredients ready, and let’s take a tasty trip to the heart of Persian cooking. Each bite of these Chicken Koobideh kabobs will make you feel like you’re on the lively streets of Iran, where the smells and flavors of this loved dish have been made just right over many years.
Chicken Koobideh Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken Koobideh:
- 1 lb 450g ground chicken (preferably thigh meat)
- 1 large onion grated
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1 tsp ground saffron dissolved in 2 tbsp hot water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground sumac optional
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
For the Basting Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp sumac optional
For Serving (Optional):
- Grilled tomatoes
- Grilled onions
- Fresh herbs parsley, mint
- Lemon wedges
- Sumac
- Flatbread pita or lavash
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, saffron water, salt, black pepper, sumac (if using), cinnamon, and cardamom.
- Using your hands, mix the ingredients until well combined and the mixture becomes sticky and cohesive.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 2: Shape the Kabobs
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Divide the chicken mixture into equal portions (about 4-6 portions, depending on the desired size of the kabobs).
- Take one portion at a time and shape it around a skewer, pressing and flattening it into an elongated sausage shape, about 6-8 inches long.
- Repeat with the remaining portions until all the chicken mixture is used up.
Step 3: Grill the Kabobs
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F/200°C).
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, and sumac (if using) to make the basting sauce.
- Brush the chicken kabobs with the basting sauce on all sides.
- Grill the kabobs for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with the remaining sauce, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred on the outside.
Step 4: Serve
- Remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes.
- Serve the Chicken Koobideh hot, garnished with grilled tomatoes, grilled onions, fresh herbs, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of sumac, if desired.
- Accompany with flatbread, such as pita or lavash, for wrapping or dipping in the juices.
Tips and Information
- For extra flavor, you can add grated lemon zest or dried mint to the chicken mixture.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook the kabobs in the oven or on a grill pan on the stovetop.
- Leftover kabobs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
Making these kabobs at home is fun and creates happy memories. Picture the laughter and talking as you and your guests enjoy the skewers. You’ll love the juicy, flavorful meat with a crispy outside.
These kabobs are perfect for a summer BBQ or a regular weeknight meal. They’re easy to make and can be changed to fit different tastes. Most importantly, they’re super yummy.
So fire up the grill and gather your favorite people. Let the smell of these kabobs fill the air. Enjoy the fun of cooking outside and sharing a meal in the fresh air. With each bite, you’ll remember how special it is when fresh ingredients, spices, and the warmth of the grill come togethe