How To Make Ground Chicken Kefta Kabob
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If you’re looking for a flavorful and easy-to-make meal, this Ground Chicken Kefta Kabob recipe is perfect for you. Combining simple ingredients like ground chicken and minced onions, these kabobs are shaped into sausages and broiled to juicy perfection. Whether you’re serving them with rice, a fresh salad, or tzatziki sauce, these kabobs will surely be a hit for any meal!
Kefta kabob is a kabob made out of ground meat. This recipe is made out of ground chicken – it is a chicken kefta kabob. To make this recipe, you need to mix ground chicken and minced onion, shape it into long kabob shapes (like sausages) and put in the oven under a broiler. This is it – the raw chicken shaped into kabobs goes in the oven, and out comes the tasty chicken kefta kabob!
Why You’ll Love Ground Chicken Kefta Kabob
- These ground chicken kefta kabobs are packed with flavor despite using minimal ingredients, making them both tasty and budget-friendly. The combination of minced onions and chicken creates a juicy, tender kabob with a subtle kick of seasoning.
- They’re incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick, healthy meal. With only a few steps, you can have a delicious dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
- The recipe is versatile and can be paired with many side dishes, from fluffy rice and pita bread to fresh salads and dips like tzatziki. This allows you to customize the meal to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- These kabobs are a great option for meal prep. You can make a large batch, store them in the fridge, and reheat them whenever you need a protein-packed meal throughout the week.
- Since they are broiled instead of grilled or fried, they require less effort and cleanup. Plus, broiling gives the kabobs a nice crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and flavorful.
Ground Chicken Kefta Kabob Recipe
Preparation time: 5 minute(s)
Cooking time: 20 minute(s)
Number of servings (yield): 4
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground chicken: The base of the kabob, providing a light, flavorful, and healthy protein option.
- 2 medium onions: Minced onions add moisture and sweetness to the kabobs, ensuring they stay juicy.
- 1 1/2 tsp salt: Minced onions add moisture and sweetness to the kabobs, ensuring they stay juicy.
- 1/4 tsp pepper: Adds a mild heat that complements the chicken and onions.
See the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Ground Chicken Kefta Kabob
- Baking Sheet – Used for broiling the kabobs in the oven.
- Parchment Paper – Prevents the kabobs from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup easier.
- Food Processor – For quickly mincing the onions to blend seamlessly with the chicken.
- Mixing Bowl – To combine the ground chicken, minced onions, and spices.
- Tongs – Helpful for flipping the kabobs halfway through broiling.
Instructions How To Make Ground Chicken Kefta Kabob
- Preheat the oven on Broil setting.
- Line the baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Peel the onions and mince them in a food processor.
- Put ground chicken and minced onions in a bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Mix until everything is combined.
- Shape the chicken mixture into long kabobs (like sausages) and put on a baking sheet. The kabobs should not be touching.
- Put the baking sheet in the oven on a top shelf and broil for 10 minutes.
- Take the baking sheet out of the oven, turns the kabobs over with the tongs, return to the oven and broil for another 10 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and serve! This ground chicken kefta kabob goes really well with rice and tzatziki sauce.
Here’s a picture of chicken kefta kabobs on a baking sheet, right after they’ve been broiled:
Ground chicken kefta kabobs reheat well, so don’t be afraid to make a lot of them, so you can eat more chicken kabob the next day. Here’s a picture of a bunch of chicken kefta kabobs stored in a Pyrex dish:
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these ground chicken kefta kabobs with a side of fluffy jasmine rice and a generous dollop of tzatziki cucumber sauce for a complete meal.
- Pair them with a fresh cucumber and tomato salad, drizzled with olive oil and lemon for a light, refreshing side.
- These kabobs also go well in homemade pita bread, topped with fresh herbs and a drizzle of tahini or bang bang sauce, for a delicious sandwich wrap.
- For a fun twist, serve them alongside grilled vegetables like bell peppers and spicy zucchini to add more color and flavor to the plate.
Tips For Success
- Use cold ground chicken: When working with ground chicken, it’s easier to shape the kabobs if the chicken is cold. Keep the ground chicken in the fridge until you’re ready to mix and shape the kabobs.
- Don’t over-mix the meat: When combining the chicken, onions, and spices, mix just until everything is incorporated. Over-mixing can result in tough kabobs instead of tender ones.
- Shape the kabobs evenly: Try to make each kabob the same size and thickness to ensure even cooking. If they are too thick, the kabobs might not cook through properly in the center, and if they’re too thin, they could dry out.
- Keep an eye on the broiling time: Broiling can cook food quickly, and times may vary depending on your oven. Check the kabobs after 8-9 minutes on each side to make sure they don’t burn, but still develop a nice, crispy exterior.
- Rest the kabobs before serving: Let the kabobs sit for a couple of minutes after taking them out of the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the kabobs even juicier when you bite into them.
Variations And Substitutions
- Use different ground meats: While this recipe calls for ground chicken, you can easily substitute it with other ground meats like turkey, beef, or lamb. Each type of meat will bring a unique flavor profile to the dish. Ground lamb, for example, will give the kabobs a richer and more traditional Middle Eastern flavor.
- Spice it up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding some ground cumin, coriander, or paprika to the mixture. A dash of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes can also give the kabobs a spicy kick. For a more herbaceous flavor, add chopped parsley, cilantro, or mint.
- Gluten-free options: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but if you want to serve the kabobs in a wrap, use gluten-free flatbreads or lettuce wraps to keep the dish light and accommodating to dietary restrictions.
- Vegetable kabobs: You can make this recipe more nutritious by adding grated vegetables like zucchini or carrots into the chicken mixture. Just be sure to squeeze out the extra moisture from the vegetables before mixing them in to prevent the kabobs from becoming too wet.
- Dairy-free and keto-friendly: These kabobs are naturally dairy-free and low in carbs, making them ideal for anyone following a dairy-free or keto diet. Pair with low-carb sides like cauliflower rice or a green salad to keep the entire meal keto-friendly.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: After the kabobs have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the kabobs are well-sealed to prevent them from drying out or absorbing other odors from the fridge.
- Freezing: If you want to freeze the kabobs for longer storage, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use them, thaw the kabobs in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat the kabobs, you can either use the oven or the microwave. In the oven, preheat to 350°F, place the kabobs on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. For the microwave, place the kabobs on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second increments until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for ground chicken in this recipe. It will provide a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a perfect option if you prefer turkey or have it on hand. Just follow the same instructions as with ground chicken.
Can I grill these kabobs instead of broiling them?
Absolutely! Grilling adds a smoky flavor that enhances the kabobs. Simply preheat your grill to medium-high heat, then cook the kabobs for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked through and have nice grill marks.
How do I know when the kabobs are fully cooked?
The internal temperature of the chicken kabobs should reach 165°F to ensure they are fully cooked. You can use a meat thermometer to check. If you don’t have one, cut into one of the kabobs; the meat should be opaque and juices should run clear.
Can I prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix the ingredients and shape the kabobs, then cover and refrigerate until you are ready to cook them. This is a great option if you want to save time on the day you plan to serve them.
What sides pair well with these chicken kabobs?
These ground chicken kefta kabobs go well with a variety of sides. Popular options include fluffy rice, roasted vegetables, pita bread, and fresh salads. Tzatziki sauce, hummus, or even a garlic yogurt sauce can be served as delicious dipping options.
Other Easy Chicken Kabob Recipes
Air Fryer Chicken Skewers Recipe: These juicy chicken skewers are quickly cooked to perfection in the air fryer, offering a healthy and flavorful meal in minutes.
Grilled Lemon Honey Chicken Skewers: Tender chicken is marinated in a sweet and tangy lemon-honey glaze, then grilled to smoky perfection for a delicious summer dish.
Costco Sweet Chili Lime Chicken Kabobs: These Costco chicken kabobs feature a sweet and spicy chili lime flavor that’s perfect for easy grilling or baking at home.
Ground Chicken Kabobs Dinner Ideas: Ground chicken kabobs make for a quick, versatile dinner paired with rice, salad, or your favorite side dishes.
BBQ Chicken Skewers with Grilled Onions, Corn, and Potatoes: These BBQ chicken skewers are served alongside smoky grilled onions, sweet corn, and savory potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.
Chicken Kefta Kabobs with Quinoa and Tzatziki Dinner: Ground chicken kefta kabobs are paired with fluffy quinoa and refreshing tzatziki for a delicious and well-balanced dinner.
How To Make Ground Chicken Kefta Kabob
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground chicken
- 2 medium onions minced
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Food Processor for mincing onions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to the Broil setting.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Peel and mince the onions using a food processor.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, minced onions, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into long kabob shapes, like sausages, and place them on the baking sheet without letting them touch.
- Place the baking sheet on the top shelf of the oven and broil for 10 minutes.
- Remove the baking sheet, turn the kabobs over with tongs, and broil for another 10 minutes.
- Once done, remove from the oven and serve hot with rice and tzatziki sauce.
Notes
- These kabobs can be made in advance and reheated for later meals.
- Perfect for meal prep, as they store well in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
More Dinner Recipes
- Slow Cooker Chicken and Onion Stew Recipe
- Healthy Turkey Meatballs with Pasta and Coleslaw
- Vegetarian Dinner: Veggie Patties with Hummus, Quinoa, and Mango Salsa
WOW! This ground chicken kefta kabob looks so delicious and simple to make. Thanks for sharing :)