Turkish Chicken Kebabs (Tavuk Şiş)

Turkish cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors, aromatic spices, and soul-warming meals — and Turkish Chicken Kebabs, also known as Tavuk Şiş, perfectly capture that spirit. Tender chunks of chicken are marinated in yogurt, lemon, garlic, paprika, and warm spices, creating juicy, flavorful bites that grill beautifully with a smoky char. These kebabs are fresh, fragrant, and incredibly satisfying.

Served with warm flatbreads, tangy yogurt sauce, fresh salads, and sometimes fragrant rice, these kebabs are a celebration of comfort and tradition. Whether you grill them outdoors or cook them on a stovetop grill pan, the result is deliciously irresistible.

Why I Love This Recipe

• The marinade makes the chicken exceptionally tender and juicy.
• It’s healthy, protein-rich, and balanced.
• It works for everyday meals, parties, or weekend grilling.
• The flavor profile is bold yet comforting, thanks to smoked paprika, garlic, and yogurt.
• It’s versatile — you can serve it with bread, salad, wraps, or rice bowls.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Turkish Chicken Kebabs are more than just grilled chicken — they’re a culinary experience. The yogurt marinade not only flavors the meat but also tenderizes it naturally, resulting in tender bites full of aroma and depth. If you’re looking to elevate your meal routine or explore authentic flavors, this dish is absolutely worth trying.

Recipe Details

Category	Information
Course	Main Course
Cuisine	Turkish / Middle Eastern
Prep Time	15 minutes (plus 2–12 hr marinating time)
Cook Time	10–15 minutes
Total Time	25 minutes active (plus marinating time)
Servings	4 servings
Calories per Serving	~350–420 calories

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 500g (1 lb) boneless chicken breast or thighs, cubed
• ½ cup plain yogurt (Greek or Turkish style)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp turmeric (optional but authentic)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt

For Serving (Optional but Recommended):

• Warm pita or lavash bread
• Sliced onion & parsley salad
• Hummus or garlic yogurt sauce
• Fresh lemon wedges
• Grilled vegetables (tomatoes, bell peppers, onions)

Cooking Directions

1. Combine marinade ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Add chicken cubes and coat well.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (best overnight).
4. Thread chicken onto skewers.
5. Grill or cook in a grill pan until charred and fully cooked (10–15 minutes).
6. Serve warm with accompaniments.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1 — Prepare the Marinade

Mix yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices in a bowl until smooth.

Step 2 — Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken pieces, mix thoroughly, then cover and refrigerate for several hours.

Step 3 — Prepare the Skewers

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning. Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers.

Step 4 — Grill

Heat a grill, grill pan, or barbecue to medium-high heat. Cook kebabs for 10–15 minutes, turning occasionally until lightly charred and cooked through.

Step 5 — Serve

Plate with bread, salad, and sauces.

How to Serve

Serve Turkish Chicken Kebabs with:

• Lavash or pita bread
• Cacık (Turkish yogurt sauce)
• Shepherd’s salad (Çoban salatası)
• Pickled onions
• Turkish rice pilaf

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the kebabs just before eating for bright flavor.

Recipe Tips

• Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
• Overnight marination gives the best flavor.
• Don’t overcrowd skewers — space helps even cooking.
• Allow grilled kebabs to rest 2–3 minutes before serving.

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or Aleppo pepper.
• Herb Variation: Add fresh dill, parsley, or mint to the marinade.
• Yogurt-Free Option: Use olive oil and lemon juice only for a lighter version.
• Shawarma Style: Add cinnamon and allspice for Middle Eastern notes.

Freezing & Storage

Method	Duration
Raw marinated chicken (freezer)	Up to 2 months
Cooked kebabs (fridge)	3–4 days
Cooked kebabs (freezer)	Up to 1 month

Special Equipment Needed

• Metal or wooden skewers
• Grill, grill pan, or barbecue
• Mixing bowl
• Tongs for turning the kebabs

FAQ

Q: Can I bake instead of grilling?
✔ Yes — bake at 220°C / 425°F for 18–22 minutes, broiling the last 2 minutes.

Q: Can I make these ahead?
✔ Yes — marinate 24 hours ahead for maximum flavor.

Q: What’s the best cut of chicken?
✔ Boneless thighs stay juicier, but breast works too.

Conclusion

Turkish Chicken Kebabs are a beautiful fusion of spice, tenderness, and smoky flavor. They’re simple enough for weeknight cooking yet special enough for gatherings. With minimal effort and everyday ingredients, you can enjoy an authentic Middle Eastern dish that’s comforting, nourishing, and absolutely unforgettable.