Spicy Turkish Chicken Kebabs with Aleppo Chili
Experience the rich flavors of Turkish cuisine with these tantalizing Chicken Kebabs featuring Aleppo pepper. Originally crafted by Maa Dagdevien, a connoisseur of Turkish barbecue, this dish showcases tender, marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection. The unique warmth of Aleppo pepper elevates the flavors, while a creamy yogurt marinade with garlic and tangy lemon infuses the chicken with moisture and zest. Perfect for backyard grilling, serve these kebabs with fresh lemon wedges and your choice of sides for a mouthwatering feast.
N/A
Servings
344
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Aleppo pepper
1 1/2 tablespoons (mixed with warm water to form a paste)
Greek yogurt
1 cup (can substitute with regular American yogurt)
Olive oil
3 tablespoons (none)
Red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
Tomato paste
2 tablespoons (none)
Kosher salt
2 teaspoons (none)
Black pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
Garlic cloves
6 (minced)
Lemon
2 (1 thinly sliced, 1 cut into wedges)
Boneless chicken thighs
2 1/4 lbs (cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, mix the Aleppo pepper with 1 tablespoon of warm water. Let it stand for about 5 minutes until it forms a paste.
2
In a larger mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, red wine vinegar, tomato paste, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir in the prepared Aleppo paste, minced garlic, and thinly sliced lemons.
3
Reserve approximately 1/3 cup of the marinade for glazing the kebabs while grilling. Add the chicken pieces to the remaining marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the used marinade.
5
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. Place the skewers on the preheated grill, basting regularly with the reserved marinade. Grill the kebabs for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through.The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Nutrition Information
23.8g
Fat
6g
Carbs
24.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Turkish Chicken Kebabs with Aleppo Chili?
They are a traditional Turkish barbecue dish featuring tender chicken thighs marinated in a creamy yogurt and Aleppo pepper sauce.
Who originally created this kebab recipe?
This dish was originally crafted by Maa Dagdevien, a known connoisseur of Turkish barbecue.
What is Aleppo pepper?
Aleppo pepper is a spice that provides a unique warmth and depth of flavor central to Turkish cuisine.
How do I prepare the Aleppo pepper for the marinade?
Mix 1.5 tablespoons of Aleppo pepper with 1 tablespoon of warm water and let it stand for 5 minutes until it forms a paste.
Can I substitute the Greek yogurt?
Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt with regular American yogurt if needed.
What cut of chicken is best for this recipe?
Boneless chicken thighs are recommended because they remain juicy and tender during the grilling process.
How long should the chicken marinate?
The chicken should be refrigerated in the marinade for at least 15 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Should I save any of the marinade before adding the chicken?
Yes, you should reserve approximately 1/3 cup of the fresh marinade for glazing the kebabs while they are on the grill.
What temperature should the grill be?
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat before cooking the kebabs.
How long does it take to grill the chicken kebabs?
Grill the kebabs for 10 to 12 minutes, turning them occasionally until golden brown.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
What are the primary ingredients in the marinade?
The marinade consists of Greek yogurt, olive oil, red wine vinegar, tomato paste, garlic, lemon, and spices.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe calls for 6 minced garlic cloves.
How should I prepare the lemons?
One lemon should be thinly sliced for the marinade, and the other should be cut into wedges for serving.
What size should the chicken pieces be?
The boneless chicken thighs should be cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 344 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this dish?
Each serving provides about 24.5g of protein.
How much fat is in this recipe?
The dish contains 23.8g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in these kebabs?
There are 6g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
Yes, it is a spicy dish due to the Aleppo chili and garlic, though the yogurt provides some balance.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include turkish cuisine, chicken kebabs, grilling, mediterranean, and barbecue.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
You can, but thighs are preferred as they are less likely to dry out on the grill.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients required for this recipe.
What do I do with the marinade after the chicken is removed?
The marinade that was in contact with raw chicken must be discarded for safety.
What type of vinegar is used?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar.
How often should I baste the chicken?
You should baste the chicken regularly with the reserved marinade throughout the 10-12 minute grilling time.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy recipe suitable for home grilling.
What should I serve with these kebabs?
They are best served with fresh lemon wedges and your choice of Mediterranean sides like rice or salad.
Does this recipe use tomato paste?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste are used to add richness to the marinade.
What kind of oil is used?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of olive oil.