Joojeh Kabob: Persian Grilled Chicken Delight
This Joojeh Kabob recipe features succulent pieces of marinated chicken that are grilled to perfection over charcoal, imbuing them with a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the tangy brightness of lime and the rich aroma of saffron. Using chicken thighs and legs ensures a juicy and tender bite, making this dish a star at any gathering. Not only is it a feast for the senses when served hot off the grill, but it also makes for a delightful cold dish, ideal for picnics or potlucks. The alluring spices and zesty marinade create a vibrant taste that will impress your guests and transform any meal into an exquisite culinary experience.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole chickens, quartered lengthwise or chicken pieces
1 lb (cut into quarters or pieces)
lime juice
2 (freshly squeezed)
olive oil
1/2 cup (none)
onion
1 (minced)
saffron
1/2 tsp (crushed)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the lime juice, olive oil, minced onion, saffron, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
2
Add the quartered chicken or chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.
3
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken and marinade to a zip-top bag, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat.
4
Prepare your charcoal grill by igniting the coals and letting them burn until they are covered with ash and glowing, creating a hot, even grilling surface.
5
Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and thread the pieces onto skewers or place them directly on the grill, being careful not to overcrowd.
6
Grill the chicken for approximately 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the juices run clear when pierced with a knife and the exterior is crisp and nicely charred.
7
Remove from the grill, let rest for a few minutes, then serve hot or allow to cool for picnic preparation.
Nutrition Information
22.5g
Fat
2g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Joojeh Kabob?
Joojeh Kabob is a traditional Persian dish featuring pieces of marinated chicken grilled over charcoal, known for its smoky flavor and aromatic saffron profile.
What are the main flavors in this chicken recipe?
The main flavors come from the tangy brightness of lime juice, the rich aroma of crushed saffron, and the smoky essence from the charcoal grill.
How long should the chicken be marinated?
The chicken should be marinated for at least 1 hour, though for the best flavor penetration, it is preferable to marinate it for up to 24 hours.
What cuts of chicken are best for Joojeh Kabob?
Using chicken thighs and legs is recommended because they ensure a juicy and tender bite that withstands the high heat of the grill.
How do I prepare the marinade for Joojeh Kabob?
In a large bowl, combine lime juice, olive oil, minced onion, crushed saffron, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
How long does it take to grill the chicken?
The chicken typically takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes to grill, depending on the heat of your charcoal.
Can Joojeh Kabob be served cold?
Yes, while it is delicious hot off the grill, it also makes for a delightful cold dish perfect for picnics or potlucks.
What is the calorie count for a serving of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
How much protein is in Joojeh Kabob?
A serving of this recipe provides 25g of protein.
Is this recipe low in carbohydrates?
Yes, this dish is very low in carbs, containing only 2g per serving.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 22.5g of fat per serving in this recipe.
What should I look for when preparing the charcoal grill?
The coals should be ignited and allowed to burn until they are covered with ash and glowing, ensuring a hot and even grilling surface.
How do I know when the chicken kabobs are fully cooked?
The chicken is done when the juices run clear when pierced with a knife and the exterior is crisp and nicely charred.
How should I cut the chicken for this recipe?
You can use whole chickens quartered lengthwise or smaller chicken pieces.
What is the purpose of adding saffron?
Saffron provides a unique rich aroma and a vibrant golden color to the chicken pieces.
Can I use a zip-top bag for marinating?
Yes, you can transfer the chicken and marinade to a zip-top bag and refrigerate it to help the flavors penetrate the meat.
How many limes are needed for the marinade?
The recipe calls for the juice of 2 freshly squeezed limes.
Is onion necessary in the marinade?
Yes, 1 minced onion is used in the marinade to add depth and flavor to the chicken.
How much saffron should I use?
The recipe specifies 1/2 teaspoon of crushed saffron.
What kind of oil should be used?
1/2 cup of olive oil is used in the marinade to keep the chicken moist.
Should I thread the chicken on skewers?
Yes, you can thread the pieces onto skewers or place them directly on the grill, being careful not to overcrowd them.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: chicken, lime juice, olive oil, onion, saffron, salt, and pepper.
Is it okay to let the chicken rest after grilling?
Yes, you should remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to keep it juicy.
Can this be served as a snack?
Yes, it is tagged as suitable for snacks as well as lunch and main meals.
What makes the exterior of the chicken crisp?
The combination of the marinade and the high heat of the charcoal grill creates a crisp, nicely charred exterior.
What is the total amount of chicken needed for this recipe?
This specific recipe uses 1 lb of chicken.
Is the onion in the marinade minced or sliced?
The onion should be minced to ensure it distributes flavor evenly throughout the marinade.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include Persian, grilled chicken, marinated, BBQ, picnic, saffron, and lime.
How should the saffron be prepared?
The saffron should be crushed before being added to the marinade to release its full flavor and color.
Is this a good recipe for outdoor gatherings?
Absolutely, the smoky flavor and ease of grilling make it a star at any gathering or BBQ.