Persian Chicken Kabobs

Although I generally try to stay away from take-out for, one of my favorite take-out options is a delicious Persian restaurant near my house. Between the amazing kabobs, garlicky hummus, and crunchy cucumber and tomato salad – I am always a happy girl.

Inspired by that delicious takeout, I set out to create my own kabobs at home using chicken breast, yogurt, parsley, fresh lemon, and lots of spices.

Yogurt is one of my favorite things to use to marinate chicken (this Yogurt Parmesan Chicken is delicious). Yogurt is lower in calories than oil and almost guarantees a moist and tender chicken breast.

While I opted to just use chicken in this recipe, you could definitely add some veggies to your kabobs. Red onion, peppers, tomatoes, and zucchini would be delicious.

Craving more Middle Eastern takeout favorites? Don't miss this Chicken Kofta Bowl and Chicken Shawarma,

What You'll Need

Here is everything you need to make these Persian chicken kabobs.

• Chicken: These work with broth boneless skinless chicken breast and chicken thighs. It would also work with chunks of pork. 
• Yogurt: Any type of plain or Greek yogurt works for marinating the chicken. Nonfat, low fat, and full fat all work as well. Just use whatever type of plain yogurt you have on hand. Yogurt is a great way to tenderize the chicken. 
• Lemon: The lemon adds a bright and fresh flavor to the chicken and also helps to tenderize the chicken. Fresh lemon juice is always best. 
• Parsley: Parsley is a staple in this style of cooking and adds flavor and a nice, fresh flavor to the chicken. Fresh basil, cilantro, or oregano would work as well. Dried or freeze fried parsley could be used if you don't have fresh, 
• Garlic: Garlic is a much in these kabobs. Fresh garlic is always best but minced garlic can be swapped in. 
• Spices: Cumin is a popular herb in Persian cooking that adds an earthy, smoky flavor. Additionally, the recipe uses onion powder, black pepper, salt, paprika, and coriander. 

Recipe Tips to Amazing Kabobs

Here is what you need to know to make really tasty grilled kabobs.

• Always cut the chicken into uniform pieces so that they cook in the same amount of time. There is nothing worse than having some pieces that are burned and some that are raw. One-inch squares are a good size for kabobs. 
• Consider adding vegetables to the kabobs. Bell peppers, red onions, and zucchini all work well. For added flavor, marinate the vegetables as well. Or make these grilled vegetable skewers on the side. 
• Do not turn the kabobs too soon. If it is sticking to the grill, it is probably not ready to turn yet. Let the chicken brown and naturally release from the grill. 
• If your grill tends to be sticky, oil the grill before adding the kabobs. 
• For a more authentic kabob, marinate slices of onion with the chicken. Then thread a piece of onion between each piece of chicken. 
• Throw some halved tomatoes on the grill for a traditional side dish. 

What to Serve with Persian Chicken Kabobs

There are so many ways to serve these kabobs. Go traditional and serve them with rice, grilled tomatoes, and cucumber salad. Or get creative and serve them with grilled vegetables, a tasty lentil salad, or over a green salad.