Smoky chicken skewers

  • Ingredients 8 Ingredients
  • Total time 30 min total
  • Servings Serves Serves 4
  • Difficulty Easy
  • Cuisine Turkish
  • Category Chicken
Recipe byThe ZestyPlate Kitchen
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Chunks of chicken thigh marinated in fennel, cumin, smoked paprika and garlic, then seared until charred. Lovely with smoky aïoli.

These chicken skewers are quick to put together and full of warm spice from fennel, cumin and smoked paprika. Thigh meat is the key, searing up juicy and charred on a griddle or barbecue while breast would dry out. Serve them with smoky aioli as a starter or party bite, or scale up with rice and salad for a main.
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Prep 15 min Cook 15 min Total 30 min Easy
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Ingredients

Scale:
  • 6 Chicken Thighs
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 1 tsp Fennel Seeds
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 1 tsp Sweet Smoked Paprika
  • 1 clove peeled crushed Garlic
  • 1 tsp Red Wine Vinegar
  • To serve Smoky Aïoli
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Nutrition (per serving)

400
kcal
25g
Protein
2g
Carbs
32g
Fat

Estimated per serving. How we calculate this.

Smoky chicken skewers

Preparation

  1. You will need 15 skewers; if they are wooden, soak them in water for 10 minutes. Cut the chicken into 3cm pieces and put them in a bowl. Add 1 tbsp olive oil, the spices, garlic and vinegar, toss well, and season. You can do this up to a day ahead and keep it in the fridge.
  2. Thread 2 to 3 pieces onto each skewer. Pour the remaining oil into a frying pan or rub it onto a griddle pan. Get the pan hot and sear the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes on each side; you may need to work in batches, keeping the cooked skewers warm in a low oven. Serve with smoky aïoli if you like.

Tips from the ZestyPlate Kitchen

  • Stick with thigh meat, which stays much juicier than breast on a hot griddle.
  • Marinate ahead if you can; even a few hours, or overnight, builds the flavour.
  • Soak wooden skewers first so they don't catch and burn.
  • Get the pan properly hot for a good char while keeping the chicken tender inside.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Roast or grill them at a high temperature, turning once, until the edges char and the chicken is cooked through.

Easily. Marinate the chicken up to a day ahead, then thread and cook when you are ready, which is handy before a gathering.

Smoky aioli or garlic yoghurt, flatbreads, rice and a fresh salad all suit them well.

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