Chicken Şiş

Turkish chicken şiş marinated in yogurt, lemon and spices, grilled on skewers until juicy and lightly charred.

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Chicken şiş is a simple kebab whose success depends on evenly cut meat and enough marinating time. Yogurt helps the chicken stay tender while grilling.

Ingredients

• 800 g boneless chicken thighs (cut into 3 cm cubes)
• 120 g plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 3 garlic cloves (finely grated)
• 1.5 tsp paprika
• 0.75 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1.25 tsp fine salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 red onion (cut into chunks, optional)
• 1 green pepper (cut into chunks, optional)
• lemon wedges (to serve)

Step-by-step method

1. Mix the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper in a bowl.
2. Add the chicken and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight.
3. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. Thread the chicken onto skewers, alternating with onion and pepper if using.
4. Heat a grill pan, barbecue or oven grill to medium-high. Lightly oil the cooking surface.
5. Cook the skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning every 2–3 minutes so all sides brown evenly.
6. Check the thickest piece of chicken reaches at least 74°C and is no longer pink inside.
7. Rest the skewers for 3–4 minutes so the juices settle.
8. Serve with lemon wedges, flatbread, salad and yogurt sauce.