Best 8 Saffron Yogurt Chicken Kebabs Recipes

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Saffron yogurt chicken kebabs are a delectable dish that combines the aromatic flavors of saffron and yogurt with the succulent taste of chicken. Originating from the vibrant culinary traditions of the Middle East, these succulent kebabs are a delightful treat for both special occasions and everyday meals. Saffron, with its distinct golden hue and earthy aroma, lends a rich and vibrant flavor to the tender chicken, while the yogurt marinade infuses it with a creamy tanginess. Skewered and grilled, these saffron yogurt chicken kebabs offer a tantalizing contrast between the slightly charred exterior and the succulent, flavorful interior. Whether you're a seasoned grill master or a novice home cook, let's embark on a culinary journey to discover the secrets behind creating the perfect saffron yogurt chicken kebabs.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

CHICKEN KEBABS



Chicken Kebabs image

A wonderful saffron chicken kebab recipe. Great when paired with slices of onions, peppers, mushrooms, and whole cherry tomatoes alternating with chicken on the skewers.

Provided by cheekymonkeyj

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Chicken     Chicken Breast Recipes

Time 8h31m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into large cubes
1 cup plain yogurt
1 cup lemon juice
1 cup onion juice
1 cup olive oil
½ teaspoon chopped garlic
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon saffron
8 skewers, or as needed

Steps:

  • Mix yogurt, lemon juice, onion juice, olive oil, garlic, black pepper, and saffron together in a large bowl. Add chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate, 8 hours to overnight.
  • Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.
  • Remove chicken from marinade; thread through skewers. Discard unused marinade.
  • Cook on the preheated grill, turning frequently, until golden brown on all sides and meat is no longer pink in the center, about 8 minutes per side.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 460.3 calories, Carbohydrate 6.2 g, Cholesterol 98.8 mg, Fat 31.6 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 37.3 g, SaturatedFat 5.2 g, Sodium 107.3 mg, Sugar 2.9 g

SAFFRON-YOGURT CHICKEN KEBABS



Saffron-Yogurt Chicken Kebabs image

A easy, rich Greek yogurt-based marinade is the key to these juicy flame-kissed chicken skewers that you can grill for a quick dinner.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Appetizers     Finger Food Recipes

Yield Serves 4 to 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

3/4 cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch pieces
6 lemon wedges, for serving

Steps:

  • In a medium bowl, whisk to combine yogurt, oil, lemon zest and juice, thyme, garlic, saffron, paprika, turmeric, cayenne, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
  • Add chicken to yogurt marinade and toss to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to overnight.
  • Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high. Thread chicken onto six 10-inch skewers and season with salt and pepper. Grill chicken until cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes per side. Drizzle with oil and serve with lemon wedges.

SAFFRON CHICKEN KEBABS



Saffron Chicken Kebabs image

Marinating chicken breast with saffron and citrus before grilling yields juicy, golden meat packed with bright flavor. The skewers are served atop lavash with flame-kissed onions and tomatoes, fresh radishes and mint, and a spicy herbed yogurt sauce.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Chicken     Chicken Breast Recipes

Time 2h20m

Yield Serves 8 to 10

Number Of Ingredients 10

4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken-breast cutlets
3/4 teaspoon saffron
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon grated orange zest, plus 3 tablespoons fresh juice
3 sweet onions, such as Vidalia, 1 halved and thinly sliced, 2 cut into thick wedges
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
6 Roma tomatoes, halved
Lavash or pita bread, sumac, quartered radishes, and fresh mint, for serving
Spicy Herb Sauce, for serving

Steps:

  • Slice chicken crosswise into thirds (about 2-inch pieces). Using your fingers or a mortar and pestle, crush saffron with 1/2 teaspoon salt, then add 1 teaspoon hot water; let stand 1 minute. Whisk together lime and orange juices, zest, saffron mixture, sliced onion, 2 teaspoons salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and oil. Place chicken in a large resealable plastic bag; add marinade. Seal bag and massage meat to fully coat. Let stand at least 1 hour, or refrigerate up to 1 day.
  • Prepare grill for direct-heat cooking. Remove chicken from marinade; thread each piece onto two skewers, so it lies flat. Skewer tomatoes and onion wedges. Season everything with salt and pepper; drizzle with oil. Working in batches, grill chicken and vegetables, flipping once, until charred in places and cooked through, 4 to 6 minutes per batch. Line a platter with lavash, then transfer cooked chicken and vegetables to platter. Sprinkle with sumac. Serve with radishes, mint, more lavash, and herb sauce.

MARINATED CHICKEN KEBABS WITH LEMON PEPPER YOGURT SAUCE



Marinated Chicken Kebabs with Lemon Pepper Yogurt Sauce image

Provided by Katie Brown

Categories     Chicken     Marinate     New Year's Eve     Lemon     Grill/Barbecue

Yield Serves 10 (makes 20 kebabs)

Number Of Ingredients 19

Kebabs:
2 cups extra-virgin olive oil
Juice of 3 lemons
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
3/4 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves (about 4 sprigs)
3/4 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (about 5 sprigs)
6 single boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cleaned of fat and cut into large cubes
Salt and black pepper to taste
Bamboo skewers
Sauce:
2 (7-ounce) containers plain yogurt
4 tablespoons sour cream
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
Zest of 2 lemons (fine)
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon black pepper
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 cup fresh mint, chopped (optional)

Steps:

  • 1. For the kebabs: in a plastic bag or airtight container, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Add chicken, toss well to coat evenly, and refrigerate overnight.
  • 2. For the sauce, combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
  • 3. Remove chicken pieces from marinade and season well with salt and pepper. Grill chicken for 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and juices of chicken run clear when pricked with the end of the skewer. Thread 3 pieces of chicken onto each skewer. Serve with Lemon-Pepper Yogurt Sauce.

JOOJEH KABAB BA HOLU (SAFFRON CHICKEN KABABS WITH PEACHES)



Joojeh Kabab ba Holu (Saffron Chicken Kababs With Peaches) image

An Iranian barbecue would be incomplete without the dizzying scent of saffron chicken kababs on the grill. Saffron, the primary seasoning, is ground and then steeped in water to draw out its sweet scent, flavor and rich hue. This method is also the most economical use of the precious threads. Nothing goes to waste in this preparation; even the onion from the marinade is cooked to serve as an accompaniment. In this version, grilled peaches are plated alongside the traditional blistered tomatoes for a delightful tangy bite. An overnight marinade will guarantee the juiciest kababs, but don't worry if you're short on time; a couple of hours is sufficient. Serve with rice with tahdig and cucumber and herb yogurt, or with bread and herb salad for a light meal.

Provided by Naz Deravian

Categories     poultry, skewers and kebabs, main course

Time 2h40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 1/2 teaspoons saffron threads
Pinch of granulated sugar
1 large lemon, zested, plus 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 large garlic cloves, finely grated
4 teaspoons kosher salt (Diamond Crystal)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 pint/12 ounces cherry tomatoes
1 pound ripe but firm yellow peaches (about 3 large), cut into 3/4-inch wedges
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, for basting
Lavash bread, for serving (optional)
Lime wedges, for serving
Sumac, for serving

Steps:

  • Using a mortar and pestle (or small bowl and the handle end of a wooden spoon), grind the saffron with the sugar to a fine powder (about 1/4 teaspoon). Transfer to a large bowl.
  • Bring 2 tablespoons water to a boil in a kettle, saucepan or using the microwave, then let stand for 2 minutes to allow the water temperature to drop slightly. Add to the ground saffron powder, gently stir, cover and steep for 5 minutes.
  • To the saffron water, add the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper; carefully stir to mix. Add the chicken and onion to the marinade and combine until well-coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 2 to 24 hours, turning the chicken pieces around in the marinade every once in a while.
  • Prepare a charcoal grill until the coals are ashed over and still hot, or heat a gas grill to medium-high. Skewer the tomatoes and peaches separately and set aside. Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade and skewer them. It's best to use flat, 1/2-inch-wide skewers or double skewers so the chicken pieces stay put when turned.
  • Transfer the onion and any remaining marinade to a medium skillet and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the onion has softened and the skillet is nearly dry, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, grill the chicken, basting with the butter and turning every 2 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes on a charcoal grill and 15 to 18 minutes on a gas grill.
  • Grill the tomatoes and peaches alongside the chicken: Grill the tomatoes, turning every 2 to 3 minutes, until softened and slightly blistered, 6 to 8 minutes on charcoal and about 10 minutes on a gas grill. Grill the peaches, turning every 2 to 3 minutes, until softened but not falling apart, about 10 minutes.
  • If using lavash bread, drape on a serving platter. Place the chicken, tomatoes and peaches on the bread. (As the kababs sit, the bread soaks up the wonderful juices and becomes a highly sought-after bite.) Serve with the cooked onions, lime wedges for squeezing and sumac for sprinkling.

JUJEH KABOB (PERSIAN CHICKEN KABOBS)



Jujeh Kabob (Persian Chicken Kabobs) image

This is a classic Persian chicken kabob that is very delicious and tasty. Serve with roasted tomatoes, fresh onions, sliced lemons, and rice.

Provided by Reza Michael

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     Asian

Time 6h25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 medium onion, sliced thin
1 lime, juiced
1 lemon, juiced
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
⅓ teaspoon crushed saffron
¼ cup olive oil
3 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
metal skewers

Steps:

  • Combine onion, lime juice, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and saffron in a large glass bowl. Mix in olive oil. Press chicken into the bowl lightly and cover with plastic wrap. Let marinate for 6 hours to overnight, mixing every few hours to make sure chicken is coated.
  • Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.
  • Remove chicken from the bowl, shake off excess marinade, and discard marinade left in the bowl. Place chicken onto metal skewers, making sure it's not too tightly packed.
  • Cook skewers on the preheated grill until chicken is browned and no longer pink in the center, turning as needed, 10 to 15 minutes total.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 346.1 calories, Carbohydrate 5.1 g, Cholesterol 129.3 mg, Fat 14.5 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 47.7 g, SaturatedFat 2.8 g, Sodium 1277.3 mg, Sugar 1 g

GRILLED CHICKEN WITH SAFFRON



Grilled Chicken With Saffron image

Posting from ZWT6 for Iran region. This is from the "The BBQ Bible" cookbook by Steven Raichlen. This will be one of the easiest and most delectable recipes you will ever prepare. The yogurt and lemon juice tenderize the chicken, while the saffron perfumes the flavor. The recipes use 8 chicken pieces, but cook drumsticks on one skewer, thigh on another and chicken breasts on another. This allows for the different cooking times needed for the different pieces.

Provided by diner524

Categories     Chicken

Time 40m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/2 teaspoon saffron thread
1 tablespoon warm water
1 1/2 cups plain yogurt (whole-milk)
1 large onion, finely chopped (about 2 cups)
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
4 lbs chicken pieces (8 pieces)
1/4 teaspoon saffron thread
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Steps:

  • Place the saffron in a medium-size bowl and crush to a powder with a pestle or the end of a wooden spoon. Stir in the warm water and let stand for 5 minutes, then stir in the yogurt, onion, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
  • Rinse off chicken pieces under cold running water, then drain and blot dry on paper towels. Place chicken in large nonreactive bowl or re-sealable bag and pour the marinade over them, turning the pieces to coat thoroughly. Cover and let marinate, in the refrigerator, for 24 hours, turning the pieces occasionally.
  • Preheat the grill, medium in one are and high heat in another area.
  • Prepare the basting mixture. Place saffron in a medium bowl and crush it again to a powder. Stir in lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes. Melt the butter in a small saucepan on low heat, then remove from heat and stir in saffron mixture.
  • Place chicken pieces on oiled grate, skin side down, on high heat and allow to brown for several minutes and then move them to med/low heat for several minutes. Now flip chicken pieces over and place on high heat til browned and again move over to the low heat to cook through. Baste pieces a couple of times during grilling. Be careful to watch for flareups and don't burn them. Season with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 500.1, Fat 35.6, SaturatedFat 12.9, Cholesterol 161.2, Sodium 934.4, Carbohydrate 7.1, Fiber 0.6, Sugar 4.5, Protein 36.8

CHICKEN-THIGH KEBABS WITH TURMERIC, CHILE AND SAFFRON



Chicken-Thigh Kebabs With Turmeric, Chile and Saffron image

This recipe comes from Edward Khechemyan, the chef of Adana in Los Angeles. The food is not easily categorized. He learned to cook from his father, but given that that man was from Iran, that his upbringing was Armenian-American and that the Russian influence was strong everywhere, the menu is a hodgepodge in the best sense of the word, boasting of innumerable kebabs and more than a few intriguing salads and dishes of beans, and of rice and other grains. In his kitchen, Khechemyan moves quickly, and within 30 minutes, we had done four kebabs. The marinades are simple (he uses a lot of mild dried red chili powder, the kind you can most easily buy in Korean markets), and the grilling technique is not difficult. But it's unusual: he grills slowly (over briquettes fired with gas, by the way), not too close to the fire, he insists, until gorgeously browned. The fire is not superhot, but it's even - gas is good for that - and he keeps the grill grate a good six inches above the fire

Provided by Mark Bittman

Categories     dinner, lunch, main course

Time 3h20m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
1 white onion, sliced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red chile powder
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
Pinch saffron
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup olive oil

Steps:

  • Combine all the ingredients in a nonreactive dish (or a resealable plastic bag), and marinate in the refrigerator between 3 hours and overnight.
  • Once the chicken has marinated, discard the onions (or grill them on the side in a grill basket, or sauté on the stovetop, if you like), and thread the chicken onto skewers. Heat a charcoal or gas grill; the flame should be fairly low and the rack about 6 inches from the heat.
  • Grill the chicken slowly, turning as necessary and basting with any leftover marinade, until it's browned all over, 15 to 20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 416, UnsaturatedFat 17 grams, Carbohydrate 5 grams, Fat 23 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 45 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 672 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams, TransFat 0 grams

Tips:

  • Use high-quality saffron for the best flavor.
  • Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, to allow the flavors to develop.
  • If you don't have a grill, you can cook the chicken kebabs in a broiler or under a grill.
  • Serve the chicken kebabs with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tzatziki sauce or raita.
  • Garnish the chicken kebabs with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or mint, for a pop of color and flavor.

Conclusion:

Saffron yogurt chicken kebabs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. The saffron yogurt marinade gives the chicken a tender and flavorful interior, while the grilled exterior is slightly charred and crispy. Serve the chicken kebabs with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

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