Chicken Şiş – Turkish Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Skewers

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and tender juiciness, look no further than Chicken Şiş – Turkish Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Skewers. This delightful recipe transforms simple chicken breast cubes by soaking them in a luscious yogurt marinade infused with garlic and paprika, resulting in skewers that are both incredibly moist and irresistibly savory. Whether you’re grilling for a casual family dinner or impressing guests at a weekend barbecue, these skewers deliver a perfect balance of smoky char and creamy tang that will have everyone asking for seconds.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started with Chicken Şiş – Turkish Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Skewers means gathering a handful of accessible ingredients that work wonders together. Each element plays a vital role—whether it’s the tenderizing power of yogurt or the warm, smoky kiss from paprika—that ensures every bite delights the senses.

• Chicken breast: Choose fresh, boneless chicken breasts cut into equal cubes for even grilling and juicy results.
• Yogurt: Acts as a tenderizing base, adding moisture and a subtle tang that elevates the chicken’s flavor.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings a fragrant punch and depth to the marinade.
• Paprika: This spice adds a beautiful reddish color and a gentle smoky warmth.
• Olive oil: Helps meld the marinade ingredients and keeps the chicken succulent on the grill.
• Salt: Enhances the natural flavors and balances the marinade.

How to Make Chicken Şiş – Turkish Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by cutting your chicken breasts into evenly sized cubes. Consistency in size ensures that each piece cooks uniformly, giving you perfectly charred yet juicy bites every time.

Step 2: Mix the Marinade

In a bowl, combine the yogurt, minced garlic, paprika, olive oil, and salt. This simple blend is the heart of the dish, with yogurt tenderizing while the spices infuse layers of irresistible flavor.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Coat the chicken cubes completely in the marinade, making sure each piece is thoroughly covered. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours; this resting time allows all the flavors to soak in deeply while keeping the meat tender.

Step 4: Skewer the Chicken

Once marinated, thread the chicken cubes onto skewers evenly. Leaving a little space between pieces helps the heat circulate for perfect grilling.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Place the skewers over medium heat, grilling until the chicken develops a golden char and is cooked through, typically around 10 to 15 minutes. Turning occasionally ensures even cooking without drying out.

Step 6: Rest Before Serving

Allow the skewers to rest for a few minutes after removing from the grill. This brief pause lets the juices redistribute, making each bite wonderfully moist.

How to Serve Chicken Şiş – Turkish Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Skewers

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or mint add a bright contrast to the smoky, creamy chicken. Lemon wedges are fantastic for squeezing over the skewers just before eating to provide a zesty pop that lifts all the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve your chicken skewers alongside fluffy rice pilaf, grilled vegetables, or a crisp cucumber and tomato salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice. These sides complement the rich yogurt marinade, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Chicken Şiş – Turkish Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Skewers on warm flatbreads with a drizzle of garlic yogurt sauce and a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for an eye-catching finish. Alternatively, plate them over a bed of seasoned bulgur or tabbouleh for a vibrant, colorful presentation that’s as inviting as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them as juicy as freshly grilled, store them with a bit of their juices or a drizzle of olive oil.

Freezing

You can freeze the marinated chicken cubes before grilling for up to 2 months. Place them on skewers or in a freezer-safe container. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling as usual.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken skewers on a grill pan or in the oven at medium heat to preserve moisture and avoid drying. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that freshly grilled texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe because they tend to stay even juicier during grilling. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

A minimum of 4 hours is ideal for the yogurt marinade to tenderize and infuse flavors deeply. For best results, marinate overnight if you have the time.

What type of yogurt is best for marinating?

Plain, unsweetened yogurt is the best choice. Greek yogurt or traditional yogurt both work well, but make sure it’s thick enough to coat the chicken properly.

Can I cook Chicken Şiş indoors?

Yes, you can grill these skewers using a grill pan on the stovetop or broil them in the oven. Just adjust times as needed to achieve that beautiful golden color and cooked-through texture.

Is it necessary to skewer the chicken?

While skewering is traditional and helps with even cooking, you could also grill the chicken cubes on a tray or cast iron skillet. However, skewers make serving and eating more fun and authentic.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about Chicken Şiş – Turkish Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Skewers that makes them a standout crowd-pleaser every time. The delicious yogurt marinade creates tender, flavorful chicken that’s easy to prepare and perfect for sharing. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll soon wonder how you ever enjoyed grilled chicken any other way!

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