Description
Succulent grilled Persian chicken showcases Middle Eastern flavors with marinated meat infused with saffron, yogurt, and aromatic spices. Herbal notes and tangy accompaniments complete this memorable culinary experience for home cooks seeking authentic regional cuisine.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs (boneless and skinless)
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 2 tbsps fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp saffron water
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 to 3 metal or soaked wooden bamboo skewers
Instructions
- Marinade Preparation: Combine yogurt, lime zest, Middle Eastern spices, and kosher salt to craft a robust flavor base for the chicken.
- Marination Process: Thoroughly coat chicken in the seasoned mixture within a sealed bag, refrigerating for 4-24 hours to allow deep flavor absorption.
- Preheating and Preparation: Warm the grill to medium-high (375-400°F), clean and oil grates while letting chicken reach room temperature for even cooking.
- Skewer Assembly: Arrange cherry tomatoes and lemon wedges on skewers, lightly brushing with olive oil and additional seasoning.
- Grilling Technique: Position chicken skin-side down on the grill, cooking for 12-13 minutes per side to achieve golden caramelization and ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Vegetable Grilling: Simultaneously cook skewered vegetables until tomatoes char slightly and lemon wedges soften.
- Resting and Serving: Allow grilled chicken to rest for 5-7 minutes, then plate with basmati rice and garnish generously with fresh cilantro, parsley, and mint leaves for a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired presentation.
Notes
Optimize Marination Time: Letting chicken soak in yogurt marinade for minimum 4 hours (or overnight) dramatically enhances tenderness and flavor absorption.
Temperature Control: Always allow chicken to rest at room temperature before grilling to ensure even cooking and prevent tough, dry meat texture.
Grill Maintenance: Clean and oil grates thoroughly before cooking to prevent sticking and achieve perfect golden-brown caramelization on chicken surface.
Check Internal Temperature: Use meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches safe 165°F (74°C) internal temperature, guaranteeing both delicious and safe meal preparation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Persian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg