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Turkish Chicken Shish Kebab Recipe (Keto & Low Carb) 🍡🍗

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Say hello to our juicy, savory, and delicious Chicken Shish Kebab. We made this grilled chicken marinated with a blend of flavorful spices. Whether you are hosting a backyard cookout or simply craving a delectable meal, these grilled chicken kebabs will bring true Middle Eastern flavors.

Chicken shish kebab on skewers.
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Preparation and cooking overview

Preparing these low-carb chicken shish kebabs is super easy! All you have to do is marinate the chicken overnight with our secret spice blend, slide them onto skewers, and pop them on the grill. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy your kebabs.

Chef's note

Have fun exploring different flavors! Add colorful bell peppers, red onions, or zucchini to the skewers for extra taste and variety. Feel free to get creative and personalize your chicken with vegetables of your choice!

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Marinate time: Overnight
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 3 Servings

🍡🍗 Ingredients for this chicken shish kebab recipe

Here is a list of simple ingredients to make these keto kebabs:

  • 1 pound skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon cumin
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Skinless chicken breasts, plain yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, cayenne, salt, cumin, and tomato paste made ready on chicken table.

Ingredient substitutions

  • Chicken breasts: You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs.
  • Yogurt: If you don't have yogurt, substitute it with buttermilk or sour cream.
  • Tomato paste: Instead of tomato paste, you can use tomato sauce, puree, or crushed tomatoes. Adjust the quantity according to your taste preference.
  • Garlic cloves: If you don't have fresh garlic cloves, use ½ to 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
  • Oregano: If you don't have oregano, use Italian seasoning, dried basil, or dried thyme.
  • Cayenne: Use chili powder or red pepper flakes if you don't have cayenne. Add paprika for some earthy taste.

Additional ingredients

Have fun by adding some optional ingredients for a delicious meal!

  • Lemon or lime juice: A squeeze of lime or lemon juice adds a lovely zing to the marinade. You can also add lemon zest to the seasoning.
  • Fresh herbs: Add some finely chopped fresh parsley, cilantro, or mint to enhance the overall flavor.
  • Ground black pepper: Add a dash of black pepper for a slight heat to the marinade.
  • Red bell pepper and onion: Add chunks of red bell pepper and onion to your skewers for added texture and flavor.
Chicken kebab served on a plate.

Cooking tools required

To make this Chicken Shish Kebab recipe, you will need the following kitchen tools:

  • Cast-iron grill pan
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowl
  • Wooden or silicone spatula
  • Tweezers
  • Skewers

Tools substitute options

  • Cast-iron grill pan: If you don't have a cast-iron grill pan, use a heavy-bottomed skillet or a non-stick frying pan. You can also use a broiler pan or an outdoor grill.
  • Skewers: There are a lot of skewers you can use for this recipe. Let it be metal, wooden, or bamboo skewers. The result is going to be the same.
Keto chicken kebab skewers.

How to make Chicken Shish Kebab: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Grilling

Preparation steps

  1. Gather and measure all the ingredients.
  2. If using an outdoor grill, make sure your grill is clean and ready to use.

Cooking instructions

Marinade the chicken

  1. Cut the chicken breasts into small, slightly larger than bite-size pieces.
  2. Combine the minced garlic, oregano, cayenne, salt, cumin, and tomato paste in a bowl.
  3. Add the plain yogurt to the bowl and mix well with the spices.
  4. Transfer the chicken cubes to the bowl with the marinade.
  5. Stir all the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the marinade.
  6. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 24 hours for maximum flavor infusion.
Marinating chopped chicken in a chicken bowl.

Grill the chicken kebabs

  1. Preheat a cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
  2. Remove the marinated chicken cubes from the fridge and thread them onto skewers.
  3. Heat a cast-iron grill pan over medium-high heat and drizzle 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
  4. Cook the chicken skewers for approximately 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are cooked and slightly charred.
  5. Enjoy the grilled chicken skewers as they are, or remove the chicken from the skewers and savor it that way. Optionally, pair them with your preferred keto sauce.
Threading marinated chicken cubes in a skewer.
Grilling chicken skewers in a cast iron grill pan.
Chicken skewers grilled in a cast iron grill pan.

Chef's pro tip

When preparing kebabs, it's important to have your wooden skewers prepared in advance. Soak them in cold water for 30 minutes to prevent charring during grilling. For optimal results, grill the kebabs over medium heat. Once cooked, allow the kebabs to rest briefly. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify, resulting in a truly savory delight.

What to serve with chicken shish kebab?

  • Grilled vegetables: Slice zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, and mushrooms. Brush them with olive oil, season, and grill until tender. You can also pair the shish kebabs with our Keto Grilled Vegetables recipe.
  • Roasted Brussels sprouts or broccoli: Add a vibrant green touch to our shish kebabs with roasted Brussels sprouts or charred broccoli.
  • Keto dipping sauces: If you enjoy kebab as a snack or appetizer, serve it with dips such as Keto Tzatziki, Tirokafteri (Greek feta cheese dip), or spicy mayo.
Serving Turkish shish kebab on a plate.

How to make it healthier?

  • Use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt. It is high in protein and low in carbs than a regular one, so it's a great choice for the keto diet.
  • When choosing tomato paste, opt for a low-sodium version.

Time-saving tips

  • Buy pre-cut chicken pieces and frozen mixed vegetables.
  • Use a garlic press or buy pre-minced garlic from grocery stores.
  • Double or triple your marinade recipe and store it in the freezer. It'll save time for the next grilling.
  • If you don't have time, skip marinating the chicken and cook the kebabs immediately.
Keto chicken shish kebab recipe.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • You can marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator to make the dish delicious and tender.
  • Soak wooden skewers in water overnight to prevent them from burning on the grill.
  • If you decide to include vegetables, slice and dice onions, peppers, or any other required vegetables. Store them in airtight containers so they are readily available when it's time to cook.
  • If you want to pair the kebabs with a salad, prepare the greens and dressing a day ahead.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage tips

  • Refrigerator: Transfer the leftover grilled chicken skewers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: To store the shish kebabs, place the container or bag in the freezer to store for longer. Kebabs can be frozen for three months, whether raw or cooked.
Skewers Chicken Kebab on kitchen table with tomatoes and onions.

Reheating practices

  • Stove: Heat the skillet, add some olive oil, and add the leftover chicken pieces. Cook for 5-10 minutes.
  • Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, heat the leftovers on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes or until warm.
  • Microwave: Arrange the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish, cover them with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

If you're a fan of chicken, our homemade Chicken Shish Kebab recipe is an absolute must-try. This Turkish cuisine is perfect for parties, joyful gatherings, picnics, or even a scrumptious next-day lunch. So, what's stopping you from embarking on this flavorful adventure?

If this recipe excites your taste buds and ignites your passion for cooking, we would greatly appreciate your support and comments. We would love to hear about your experience and any tweaks you made to enhance its deliciousness. So, don't hesitate—leave us a comment and let's keep the culinary conversation alive!

Homemade Turkish chicken shish kebab.

Frequently asked questions

The calorie count for chicken shish kebabs can vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used. Check out our recipe card to learn about calories and other nutritional facts.

Yes, that is a great option for a smoky flavor. Remember to oil the grill grates before cooking to avoid any sticking.

Yes! If you don't have access to a grill or grill pan, you can broil the chicken skewers in the oven. Place them on a broiler pan or a baking sheet lined with waxed paper, and broil on high heat for about 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through, until cooked and slightly charred.

If the kebabs are falling apart, it may be because of insufficient binding. To prevent this, ensure the chicken is threaded properly onto the skewers and avoid overcrowding them. Additionally, using a combination of lean and slightly fatty cuts of chicken can aid in better binding.

With their high sugar content and delicate nature, vegetables can easily burn on the grill. To avoid this, make sure to cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces. This will promote even cooking and help prevent them from getting charred.

📖 Recipe

Turkish chicken shish kebab.

Chicken Shish Kebab

Introducing our mouthwatering Chicken Shish Kebab, marinated with flavorful spices and grilled to perfection, delivering authentic Middle Eastern flavors for any occasion.
5 from 2 votes
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Middle Eastern, Turkish
Keyword: Chicken shish kebabs, keto chicken skewers, keto kebabs
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 1 day
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 3
Calories: 311kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 pound skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • ½ teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon cumin
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Marinade the chicken

  • Cut the chicken breasts into small, slightly larger than bite-size pieces.
  • In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, oregano, cayenne, salt, cumin, and tomato paste.
  • Add the plain yogurt to the bowl and mix well with the spices.
  • Transfer the chicken cubes to the bowl with the marinade.
  • Stir all the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring that the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the marinade.
  • Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 24 hours for maximum flavor infusion.

Grill the chicken kebabs

  • Preheat a cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
  • Remove the marinated chicken cubes from the fridge and thread them onto skewers.
  • Heat a cast-iron grill pan over medium-high heat and drizzle 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
  • Cook the chicken skewers for approximately 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are cooked and slightly charred.
  • Enjoy the grilled chicken skewers as they are, or alternatively, remove the chicken from the skewers and savor it that way. Optionally, pair them with your preferred keto sauce.

Video

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Chicken Shish Kebab
Amount Per Serving
Calories 311 Calories from Fat 162
% Daily Value*
Fat 18g28%
Saturated Fat 3g19%
Trans Fat 0.02g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 12g
Cholesterol 99mg33%
Sodium 612mg27%
Potassium 648mg19%
Carbohydrates 2g1%
Fiber 0.5g2%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 33g66%
Vitamin A 286IU6%
Vitamin C 3mg4%
Calcium 33mg3%
Iron 1mg6%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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